Key problems associated with complex geometry GFRC

Authors

  • Thomas Henriksen TU Delft, Architecture and the Built Environment

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7480/abe.2017.5.3640

Keywords:

GFRC, GRC, Complex geometry, bespoke, edge-returns, flexible moulds, thin-walled

Abstract

Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) elements have become a sought after cladding material since their introduction as rain screen cladding for buildings. To advance GFRC for a range of complex geometry building envelopes this also requires advances in existing moulding techniques for thin-walled GFRC elements. To do so it is necessary to define the current state of thin-walled GFRC elements and the constraints and limits placed on them by existing production techniques. This paper identifies the current architectural and aesthetic requirements of thin-walled GFRC elements and maps their range of complexity, from 1-D to 3-D, to the limits of the most appropriate production method. This will inform guidelines for the future design development of thin-walled GFRC and enable an innovative approach to further advance the moulding techniques for thin-walled GFRC elements for a variety of complex geometry building envelopes. The paper concludes on which further steps need to be taken to advance thin-walled glass fibre reinforced concrete for tomorrow’s architectural buildings envelopes with complex geometries.

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Published

2018-12-20

How to Cite

Henriksen, T. (2018). Key problems associated with complex geometry GFRC. A+BE | Architecture and the Built Environment, 7(5), 59–84. https://doi.org/10.7480/abe.2017.5.3640