Development of new connections for wood reciprocal frame structures: application by parametric and algorithmic systems and digital fabrication

Abstract

Civil construction in Brazil presents two major obstacles to its development. On the one hand, the intense use of nonrenewable resources and the waste of materials makes it one of the most harmful industries for the environment. On the other hand, there are cultural, economic and legal barriers that affects the industrialization processes of construction, especially the more technological ones, even with the existence of a state-of-the-art equipment park, such as numerical control machines. The search for renewable raw materials makes wood one of the main alternatives for the sustainable development of civil construction, while industrialization grants the building elements greater quality control, reliability and agility in the construction process. In this sense, the use of constructive systems in industrialized wood can be a way to generate more economically and structurally viable solutions, besides allowing the achievement of greater geometric complexity. This is the case of Reciprocal Frame Structures (RFs), which allows the construction of large spans, with little waste of material and a relatively simple assembly process. One of the main challenges of these structures is the connection mechanism between parts, which can be the key to more economical and interesting solutions. Digital Design and Manufacturing Technologies can aid the design and production of custom components, resulting in better material use, structural safety and quality and finishing accuracy. The objective of this research is the development of new connections for wood RFs using CAD-CAM tools, algorithmic systems and digital fabrication, aiming to bring academic theoretical knowledge closer to the real demands of the industry. For this, application exercises of the system will be done in three different situations: a marquise, a facade and a small pavilion. This research uses the method of Design Science Research, and includes a review of the literature about RFs, architectural detail, digital manufacturing processes and wood connections. For the development of the system, CAD-CAM tools, numerical control equipment and the premise of mass customization will be used, with the production of small scale models and prototypes. In considering and exploring the inherent innovation characteristics of this research, the creation of a patent is proposed, which may contribute to the use of industrialized wood in civil construction in Brazil. The results obtained will be evaluated in a qualitative way, by specialists in the areas of wood construction and digital design processes. It is hoped to contribute to the possibility of adaptation to other materials and industries, and to illustrate the importance of the integrated work between architects and engineers in all stages of the project, from design to manufacturing and assembly. (AU)