Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

prof. Dr. Henri Hubertus Achten, Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

This paper explores improvements in 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP) buildability using non-planar layering. Our proof-of-concept experiment validates the assumption that non-planar layering enhances the buildability of overhangs and vaults. To test this, we designed an object comprising two columns with a Gothic arch and overhangs on the upper part, resulting in a continuous wall at the top. The object measures approximately 1.5 meters in length, 400 mm in width, and 700 mm in height. The design was executed to maintain the centre of mass in the centres of the columns across all print layers, mitigating unwanted deformation. The overhang angle ranged continuously from 0 to 70 degrees. The object was modelled in Rhinoceros software, and G-code for both planar and non-planar printing was generated in Grasshopper. Both samples were designed to use the same amount of material, print length, and print time. We printed these using a cementitious mixture with plastic fibres and an additional accelerant mixed in the nozzle on a gantry printer. Throughout the printing process, we conducted careful observation and monitoring to detect any instances of buckling or collapse. Post-print measurements were carried out to evaluate the deformation of the printed objects, revealing a reduction in deformation with non-planar printing. This paper discusses the analysis of results and proposes a workflow for future data preparation for non-planar slicing.

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prof. Dr. Henri Hubertus Achten, doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Ing. arch. Lukáš Kurilla, Ph.D., Ing. arch. Šimon Prokop, Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

The contemporary landscape of construction 3D printing of materials like clay or concrete mainly relies on planar slicing, which, regrettably, impose constraints on the realization of overhangs and cantilevered structures, thereby limiting architectural design flexibility and posing issues in fabricating intricate structures. In response to this challenge, we investigate the integration of non-planar slicing in the construction printing of structures featuring substantial overhangs. We present a novel approach to crafting print paths strategically, fragmenting the global overhang into discrete local segments. Additionally, we introduce self-balancing control to help the buildability within segments of the print path, elevating the stability of the freshly deposited concrete during the printing process. Our methodology redistributes a portion of the bending forces into tension forces oriented along the print path, thereby augmenting the structural integrity and buildability of intricate structures with overhangs and vaults. The efficacy of our method is demonstrated through a computational parametric model and a physical prototype. A comprehensive comparative analysis is conducted against conventional planar printing methods, encompassing metrics such as geometric accuracy, buildability, material efficiency, and print time.

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Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

We introduce a promising proof of concept: a blockchain to additive manufacturing pilot prototype. In this paper we focus on developing the functional cyberphysical prototype of the smart contracts running on a blockchain, orchestrating the workflow of additive manufacturing in architecture. We have used design science research and rapid prototyping as methods to create our cyberphysical system. Our prototype allows for the discretisation of a design in components, which are then placed for bidding for production. The components are indexed, with a Non-Fungible Token is produced for each component, recorded on the smart contracts of our platform. The original designers are recorded and then rewarded if the component is ever re-used. A set of additive manufacturing shops then cost and bid for the production of the components, recording their bid on-chain. Component fabrication quality is then validated against the tamper-proof blockchain storage system. Our pilot project establishes viability and a direct link between a blockchain network and 3D printers, facilitated by microcontrollers interfaces acting as blockchain "Oracles". The significance of this paper lies in its potential to reshape the architectural manufacturing and fabrication landscape. By integrating blockchain with 3D printing, we address critical issues such as efficiency, in challenging locations with labour shortages or logistical constraints.

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prof. Dr. Henri Hubertus Achten, Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

While the CAD model is being prepared for 3D printing, it is sliced into layers. Contrary to planar slicing, where an object is cut by horizontal planes and then a curve for the toolpath is generated from these intersections, non-planar slicing uses twisted planes for object cutting. It brings freedom to toolpath creation and each object can be printed in adjusted layers that reflect its geometry. Benefits of such printing are being explored in plastics and involve enhanced surface finish, cracking reduction and ability to print cantilevers. This paper examines printability of overhangs using clay non-planar printing. Basic potter's clay, from an art supplies shop was mixed with additional water and let in room temperature for one day. Desktop FDM delta printer was retrofitted with a clay printhead, its extruder motor was geared into a 19:1 ratio and connected to the ram. This ram pushes clay from a tank and nylon tube through a 4mm thick nozzle. Set of vase-like objects was designed, each with a different overhang. Starting at 10 degrees and ending at 70 degrees, in increments of 5 degrees. Objects were modelled in Rhinoceros software and G-code for both planar and non-planar print was generated in Grasshopper. Each of those objects were printed twice, once planarly and once non-planarly. During the printing buckling and collapsing of printed objects was monitored. Non-planar printing improves buildability and reduces deformation of overhangs. Right after the print and after they got dry, objects were measured for their deformation. Shrinkage during the drying was measured to be 12,5%. Ideal toolpath for non-planar printing seems to be the one having layers perpendicular to the overhang. Model evaluation and non-planar printing data preparation is being discussed in the paper. If used on a large scale, non-planar printing may allow printing walls with holes for plumbing, or even printing vaults or bridges.

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Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

This paper investigates the potential integration of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies with Additive Manufacturing in the context of architectural design and fabrication. The study aims to identify knowledge gaps, explore the affinity between these technologies, and challenge the current architecture production paradigm. Through a comprehensive state-of-the-art review and analysis of academic papers and industrial case studies, we identified emerging themes and gaps in the literature. We also examined the misalignment of incentives among key participants of the proposed systems. Our findings highlighted the relevance of blockchain technology in additive manufacturing, but also revealed significant challenges and misalignments in incentives among stakeholders. We argue that further research and experimentation are necessary to fully understand the technical feasibility and impact of integrating these technologies in architectural design and fabrication.

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prof. Dr. Henri Hubertus Achten, Ing. arch. Lukáš Kurilla, Ph.D., Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

The traditional method of data preparation for 3D printing, known as planar slicing, involves slicing the 3D model into horizontal layers and printing them gradually. This is the simplest option with the main parameter being layer height. However, this method has several limitations, including poor surface finish with stair-stepping contours of layers at steep angles and a necessity to print additional support structure for overhangs. Nonplanar slicing is a newer method that involves slicing the 3D model into non-horizontal layers with varying layer heights. This technique is mostly explored in plastics, with observed improvements in buildability, surface finish and reduction of cracking alongside the layers. In construction scale, non-planar printing is used primarily for achieving unique surface finish, or for printing on an uneven base. Its potential for improving buildability is still yet to be properly tested. This paper examines how non-planar layers can be derived with a help of force flow lines and how it affects the buildability. While printing overhangs, shear force can ultimately break the interlayer bond and layers can start deforming and sliding on top of each other, resulting in buckling, or even collapse. By guiding these forces into the bulk of layers instead of interlayer bonds, printing capabilities can be improved. Goal of this paper is to present how buildability of overhangs can be improved using non-planar slicing. Non-planar layers are derived from force flow line simulations done in Karamba3D. For printing we use clay, as a fast and simple prototyping method with the aim to later utilise our findings into concrete printing.

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doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Ing. arch. Jiří Vele, Mgr. Matěj Róth

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

With supply chain issues and rising price of construction materials, mycelium can potentially provide reliable, eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to traditional construction materials as substrates used for growing mycelium can contain almost any recycled cellulose: sawdust, used coffee grounds or paper. Characteristics of the final product are determined by substrate, mushroom species, the time of growth and further treatment of mycelium (e.g. high pressure forming). In this paper we describe semestral work of both students and tutors of an Experimental studio, focused on additive manufacturing together with rather novel sustainable materials. Students’ semestral task was to find use cases for mycelium as a building element. As a part of the assessment they were tasked to come up with use cases, designs, manufacturing methods and finally build a mock-up model in 1:5 scale. Students intuitively started with the combination of digital modelling plus digital fabrication. In the end they finished with manufacturing the physical model traditionally, where they had to react to the change of the visual outcome of the model. Firstly, we present the students’ solution for the mycelium material used in their model, next, we describe our observation of the whole process of letting students go through “learning by doing” research, Finally, we present lessons learned in this experiment.

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doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Ing. arch. Šimon Prokop, Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

Protokoly obsahují vyhodnocení testů velkoformátového 3D tisku na různých extrudérech. Zkoušky probíhaly především s recyklovaným PETG. Ve zprávě je nastíněn i probíhající výzkum týkajíci se vlivu konformního potisku na pevnost originálního tenkostěnného dílu.

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Ing. arch. Šimon Prokop, Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

The paper describes a conceptual framework and the smart contract architecture for Crypto-Twins (CT) in the AEC industry, i.e. blockchain (BC) enabled digital twins. We describe the background, terminology of technologies involved, while the methodology follows design science research patterns to construct the framework and architecture of the Crypto-Twin. Further avenues for prototype development and validation of the framework are proposed in the conclusion.

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doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Ing. arch. Jiří Vele

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

Mechanická ruka pro upevnění chytrého reproduktoru Amazon Echo Dot ke zdravot- nímu lůžku byla vyvinuta pro pilotní projekt “Využití hlasového asistenta pro pacienty s poraněním míchy” Spinální jednotky FN Motol. Je vytisknuta z recyklovaného filamentu R-PET.

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