Interlocking birch plywood structures

Chrysl A Aranha,Markus Hudert,Gerhard Fink

doi:10.1177/09560599211022219

Chrysl A Aranha, Markus Hudert + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1177/09560599211022219

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Abstract

Interlocking Particle Structures (IPS) are geometrically stable assemblies, usually fabricated from plate type elements that are interconnected by slotted joints. IPS are demountable and their components have the potential to be used and reused in different structures and configurations. This paper explores the applicability of birch plywood panels, which are characterized by a high surface hardness, for this type of structural system. Experimental tests were conducted to determine the mechanical properties of birch plywood plates. Moreover, IPS connections with different geometrical properties were investigated for two different load exposures: bending and rotation. The characteristics under bending exposure are influenced by the orientation of the face-veneers. For the rotational load exposure, very small strength and stiffness properties have been identified. A linear elastic finite element model is presented that shows a wide agreement with the test results. The study serves as an initial probe into the performance of IPS structures at the component level. Various aspects that are relevant for the design of IPS, such as the assembly, the accuracy and challenges regarding digital fabrication, the durability, and the structural performance are discussed.

Highlights

Over the past decade, advances in digital fabrication and in the development of engineered wood products have substantially increased the design possibilities for geometrically advanced structures made of timber components
The focus of the present paper is on Interlocking Particle Structures (IPS), the design and construction of which heavily relies on digital tools and state-of-the-art engineered wood products
This paper investigates the structural potential of Interlocking Particle Structures (IPS), which are geometrically stable assemblies, usually fabricated from plate type elements that are interconnected by slotted joints

Summary

Introduction

Advances in digital fabrication and in the development of engineered wood products have substantially increased the design possibilities for geometrically advanced structures made of timber components. The focus of the present paper is on Interlocking Particle Structures (IPS), the design and construction of which heavily relies on digital tools and state-of-the-art engineered wood products. The New View pavilion, for example, is a spatial structure consisting of mutually supported curved plywood elements that are interlocked via U-shaped cuts.[5] The use of U-shaped incisions in timber panels to form folded and interlocking structures has been examined in research and research-based teaching at EPFL.[6,7]. The resistance of the connections regarding pull-out forces was not investigated

Material and methods

Results

Summary and conclusions