Abstract Fabric formworks are constructed using fiber sheets, which provide greater structural and architectural advantages. There has been increasing interest in the use of fabric formwork as an alternative to traditional rigid formworks. This paper presents a brief historical overview, different applications and the advantages of fabric formwork.
Introduction
Concrete has been cast in rigid formwork since it was invented. The traditional rigid formworks are constructed using flat, straight sheets with uniform section built with 90-degree joints [1]. The resulting forms are simple, uniform cross-section shapes. However, uniform section or prismatic shapes are not always the most desirable. Unlike the rigid formwork, fabric formworks
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In 1897, architect Gustav Lilienthal invented a fireproof ceiling (Fig.1), which is the first known instance of fabric formwork [3]. Since then, many architects developed Lilienthal’s original concept and discussed the potential of fabric formwork in different detailing, composition, materials, and applications. In the mid 19th century, the development of affordable synthetic fibers provides a crucial opportunity to the use of fabric formworks in architecture. The arrival of the network information era brings new technology in construction and fabrication, which leads to the broader applications of fabric formwork …show more content…
Uniform mattress is used for the construction of pavements, streets, and highways.
Articulated block (Fig.2c) is the staggered rectangular mattresses, linked internally by reinforcing and externally by cables placed between and around the two layers of fabric [5]. Articulated block has the ability to resist any soil and water conditions. Articulated block is used for the construction of the foundation that is subjected to severe scour or consolidation [5].
Sleeve group
Pile jacket (Fig.3a) consists of a fabric sleeve with a zipper closure suspended around a deteriorated pile. Mortar will be pumped into the sleeve and concrete will cover around the old pile. Pile jacket is used for the repair of piles [5].
Columns form (Fig.3b) is a cylindrical tube made of flat rectangular sheets of fabric. It can be supported from above by scaffolding or along a rigid vertical joint [5]. Columns form is used for the construction of columns or vertical structures through custom and architectural profile.
Shuttering
Die-forming of sheet metal has been around for thousands of years. Originally the metal was manipulated by hand and hammered into the depression, by utilizing crude grooves carved into wood or stone. This technique was used to make spouts, handles, and other forms. Since then, however; they have undergone a remarkable technological evolution. Mate-female conforming dies to create hollow forms by using hydraulic pressure or drop hammer pressure, changed die-forming forever (Paisin, 2013).
The preservation of modern architecture itself challenges some of the fundamental concepts of preservation of historic buildings. As the time scale of buildings shrink, these challenges need to be addressed taking into consideration the burgeoning new modes and materials of construction.
The architecture and engineering firm hired with the task of designing and constructing the tower, SOM, assigned Bruce Graham and Fazlur Khan to the project. They implemented a bundled tube design that was the first of its kind on such a large project that paved the way for the design and construction of future skyscrapers. This design allowed for 4.5 million square feet of office space, more customization of the floor layouts, up to 3 foot of sway within the building, and the stiffness needed to stay standing at the height in which it was built. The tubular design also allowed Sears to save about $10,000,000 on steel alone compared to previously used steel frame designs. Additionally, SOM managed to save 95% of the time usually spent welding by using prefabricated parts referred to as Christmas trees. This not only majorly sped up the process, but allowed Sear to save on labor costs. In addition to 3 trussed layers in the building, there were trusses and spandrel beams designed into every floor to help the load distribute more evenly.
The aim of this discussion is to examine how the groundbreaking introduction of economically variable steel impacted Louis Sullivan’s overall design Scheme. The discussion will explore steel and the benefits it carried with it. Furthermore, the discussion will examine Louis Sullivan’s contribution to high-rise steel construction and what other where doing in the same period, comparing it to his innovative Wainwright building, in St. Louis (1890). The discussion will focus on and analyze an article published by him in 1896 ‘the tall office building artistically considered’, of how ornamentation and structural mass become one. With this, we can apply this philosophy of ornamentation to the Wainwright building. Through this exploration one hopes to gain a better understanding of how influential the introduction of Steel was to Louis Sullivan’s Scheme of creating a new American Architecture.
Weaving is a common thread among cultures around the world. Weaving is a way of producing cloth or textile. Today we have machines that weave large-scale textiles at cheap prices. Production of cloth by hand is rarely engaged in today’s Westernized societies. Not many people are thinking about how the fibers are actually constructed to make their clothes. However, in other cultures across the world the tradition of weaving still exists. By comparing three cultures that continue weaving as a part of their tradition we can see similarities and the differences between them. The reasons that each culture still weaves vary, as do the methods and materials. The desired characteristics of the cloth also vary around the world as each culture values different aesthetics.
Bachmann, H., & Steinle, A. (2011). Precast concrete structures / Hubert Bachmann, Alfred Steinle. Berlin: Ernst & Sohn, c2011.
Digital fabrication is coming into the construction industry to create precisely crafted and complex buildings in response to the new competitive environment and construction market demands. Thanks to advanced technology, the good revolution can be seen in most industrial activities. Almost all of the industry sectors are trying to keep themselves up to date with new related innovation to boost their sustainable growth. However, unfortunately architects and construction engineers have been more conservative despite all of the massive global investment in the construction sector. This conservative trend was started many years after great prosperity and success in the other industries. As an example, in comparison with the more developed automotive industry, the construction industry has been weighing the pros and cons of doing automation, and it is still under development. Despite some limitations and lack of information over the 80’s and even 90’s, but the current status indicates good progress. Today, most of architectural design is no longer possible without computer technologies. The models have become more complex and require advanced tools to understand design codes and implement fabrication processes. It can be said, that the advanced automated tools with a user-friendly programming system can bring incredible solutions for architects and construction engineers. Many researchers have made significant studies to consider all possibilities and limitations of digital design-construction in various types of procedures.
17. Howe, Jeffery. "Frank Lloyd Wright". A Digital Archive of American Architecture. 1998. Boston College. 2004. http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/FLW.html (accessed 29th April)
Moreover, if the width of the house no more than 400 cm, it is not necessary structure horses. Two floor structure may also use the multiplex frame structure with a floor that can be coated with a thin cement-cast ceramic coatings. Thus the floor structure is lighter than concrete floors, columns and beams so that the buffer can be much smaller. The distance between the first floor to the second floor is actually quite around 250 cm, provided that sufficient natural ventilation openings and to measure the space. Thus the cost of the wall, the structure of the column, and the ladder can save quite a lot. Effective placement of spaces in the house needs to be designed as efficiently as possible so that there are no spaces unused and circulation pathways in the house become shorter.
While houses, and stoas did have columns they were certainly not as ornate as columns on temples like the Parthenon. So to an ancient Greek the column would have been primarily associated with monumental temples. However, in Rome the collm j was used in a number of different buildings from, basilicas, to baths, to the emperor’s palace. The use of columns as decorations also began in Roman times as seen in buildings like the colosseum. In much more recent times, elements from both Greek and Roman architecture have been combined and used on numerous important buildings. Some of the most obvious examples of this are courthouses, which often have a very striking columnar faced emulating that of Greek and Roman temples. So through the study of ancient architecture one can understand why this architectural style means today, as well as what it means
The Garment industry also referred to as the clothing or textile industry traces its inception early before the invention of the sewing machine that happened in the 19th century, but its peak occurred in the first half of the 20th century (Arnesen, 2007). The manufacturing of ready-to wear attire augmented the growth of the industry, which entailed acquiring the garment, designing the outfit, cutting the fabric and finally the actual sewing.
Human beings are susceptible to the force of nature. They had to make shelter for themselves. Material was one of the most basic tools to create shelter. By development of building construction, selection and use of materials also developed. The relationship between the architecture and the materials before invention of modern materials was simple and generally naturally [1]; in the past, architects always use tradition materials according their experimental skills. For choosing structural materials, they had attention to important factors such as availability (local materials) and harmony with climate and culture [2], although this way was forward with feedback. But this relationship was not continuing simply.
Sustainable buildings are becoming somewhat of a necessity in the world today. As the demand for green building develops, so does the demand for green building materials. Just as the old techniques and building materials seem to disappear in the assembly of things, they are now making a come back. Green building focuses on the efficiency of major resources like water and energy. As the cost for sustainable materials and products are on the decline, building green seems to be the most cost effective kind of design and construction. Looking specifically at green materials and their impact on the production of structures, it is evident that they are a prime choice for building material. The use of green materials should be promoted because they are better for the environment, more healthful for the consumer, and better for the economy.
Buildings consume a variety of materials in their construction. Green design reduces the dependence on resource intensive products and materials. Today, there are an increasing number of products available made from efficient, earth-friendly, or recycled materials. In a green building, consideration is also given to the construction process itself. Materials that minimize waste or can be recycled, help contribute to an efficient and environmentally sensitive construction process.
The main problem which was needed to overcome was the selection of the fabric. Due to sustainable principle, I tried best to find the most sustainable fabrics; however, it was full of challenge. 100% silk organza, 100% silk taffeta and 100% Merino wool which were essential in my project were hard to discover in the fabric market in the UK. After consideration, I decided to order these expensive fabrics from China and finally sorted out the problem.