Smart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems Integration 2012, 2012
The main goal of the presented work was to evolve a multifunctional beam composed out of fiber re... more The main goal of the presented work was to evolve a multifunctional beam composed out of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) and an embedded optical fiber with various fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBG). These beams are developed for the use as structural member for bridges or industrial applications. It is now possible to realize large scale cross sections, the embedding is part of a fully automated process and jumpers can be omitted in order to not negatively influence the laminate. The development includes the smart placement and layout of the optical fibers in the cross section, reliable strain transfer, and finally the coupling of the embedded fibers after production. Micromechanical tests and analysis were carried out to evaluate the performance of the sensor.
Rapidly increasing maintenance costs of reinforced or concrete bridges have led to an enhanced in... more Rapidly increasing maintenance costs of reinforced or concrete bridges have led to an enhanced interest of public authorities in alternative technologies for bridge design. Bridge deck systems made out of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) offer new options. Maintenance costs and assembly time can be reduced significantly. Especially hybrid structures are competitive, i.e. steel girders combined with a pultruded FRP bridge deck. Based on this technology the design of a highway flyover in the state of Hessen was developed. The exploitation of composite action in it introduces an innovative element in FRP bridge design. The bridge, to be constructed during 2006-07, will be the first major FRP road bridge in Germany. The innovative technology, its economical aspects and the design of the bridge are highlighted in this paper.
The research presented in this paper pursues the development and construction of a robotically fa... more The research presented in this paper pursues the development and construction of a robotically fabricated, lightweight timber plate system through a biologically informed, integrative computational design method. In the first part of the paper, the authors give an overview of their approach starting with the description of the biological role model and its technical abstraction, moving on to discuss the computational modelling approach that integrates relevant aspects of biomimetics, robotic fabrication and structural design. As part of the validation of the research, a full-scale, fully enclosed, insulated and waterproof building prototype has been developed and realized: The first building featuring a robotically fabricated primary structure made of beech plywood. Subsequently, the methods and results of a geodetic evaluation of the fabrication process are presented. Finally, as the close collaboration between architects, structural and geodetic engineers, and timber fabricators is integral to the process, the architectural and structural potentials of such integrative design processes are discussed.
ABSTRACT The basics of construction with synthetic materials From transparent to translucent – ne... more ABSTRACT The basics of construction with synthetic materials From transparent to translucent – new construction options with a versatile material Whether as translucent tiling, wide-spanning membranes, air-filled foil cushions or in organically curved form: Plastics are used in architecture in the widest variety of forms and application areas. Innovative technical developments constantly improve their material properties. Plastics today are an alternative to be taken seriously in the building trade, whether they are used in the supporting structure, roof, facade or interior furnishings. The 'Construction Manual for Polymers + Membranes' returns to the basics of the series by addressing an individual building material. From the material properties to the requirements for drafting and construction, it encapsulates well-founded and comprehensive expertise in familiar DETAIL quality. Select project examples complete the reference work and make it indispensable for day-to-day planning. Historical development of plastics and membranes in architecture Comprehensive information regarding the basics of manufacturing, processing and application Precise descriptions of materials and semi-finished products Physical-structural properties and environmental effects Form finding and calculation of plastic supporting structures and membranes For the first time a complete overview of the most important details compiled according to the most recent state of the research
This paper focuses on various analogue and numerical design strategies that were developed and im... more This paper focuses on various analogue and numerical design strategies that were developed and implemented to generate pre-defined, free-form surfaces with parametrically differentiated bendingactive components. Derived from recent research on bending-active plate structures, the authors present two case studies which both focus on the seamless interaction of material, form, and structure. Both systems illustrate a novel approach to the realisation of double curved, free-form structures by means of bending. The two systems were built in prototypical mock-ups to evaluate their geometry and structural capacity. While the resulting geometries are complex, the use of elastic bending during the assembly process allows for simple manufacturing methods. Thin plastic sheets, which are easy to cut and bend, were manipulated by simple, two-dimensional fabrication techniques and assembled into multi-layered, bent structures that are stiff and self-supporting. After a general introduction on bending-active plate structures, the authors present the key design principles used for the development of the two case studies and conclude with a reflection and comparison of these techniques.
Continuously curved, highly transparent free-form facades or roofs are increasingly demanded in a... more Continuously curved, highly transparent free-form facades or roofs are increasingly demanded in architecture. Full glass shells assembled from curved glass elements are a possible answer to meet the exigencies of such transparent envelopes. As glass element dimensions are limited by manufacturing, structural joining is necessary for realising large shells. Hence, feasibility studies undertaken at the ITKE focus on the interaction of structure, geometry, glass elements and joining of full glass shells. The joints are influenced by structural considerations as well as the availability, possible size and curvature of single or double curved glass elements, which can be produced either by cold lamination bending or by heat bending. A comparison of different bent glass types with respect to size, curvature, internal stress states and applicability in glass shells is presented in this paper.
Smart Sensor Phenomena, Technology, Networks, and Systems Integration 2012, 2012
The main goal of the presented work was to evolve a multifunctional beam composed out of fiber re... more The main goal of the presented work was to evolve a multifunctional beam composed out of fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) and an embedded optical fiber with various fiber Bragg grating sensors (FBG). These beams are developed for the use as structural member for bridges or industrial applications. It is now possible to realize large scale cross sections, the embedding is part of a fully automated process and jumpers can be omitted in order to not negatively influence the laminate. The development includes the smart placement and layout of the optical fibers in the cross section, reliable strain transfer, and finally the coupling of the embedded fibers after production. Micromechanical tests and analysis were carried out to evaluate the performance of the sensor.
Rapidly increasing maintenance costs of reinforced or concrete bridges have led to an enhanced in... more Rapidly increasing maintenance costs of reinforced or concrete bridges have led to an enhanced interest of public authorities in alternative technologies for bridge design. Bridge deck systems made out of fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) offer new options. Maintenance costs and assembly time can be reduced significantly. Especially hybrid structures are competitive, i.e. steel girders combined with a pultruded FRP bridge deck. Based on this technology the design of a highway flyover in the state of Hessen was developed. The exploitation of composite action in it introduces an innovative element in FRP bridge design. The bridge, to be constructed during 2006-07, will be the first major FRP road bridge in Germany. The innovative technology, its economical aspects and the design of the bridge are highlighted in this paper.
The research presented in this paper pursues the development and construction of a robotically fa... more The research presented in this paper pursues the development and construction of a robotically fabricated, lightweight timber plate system through a biologically informed, integrative computational design method. In the first part of the paper, the authors give an overview of their approach starting with the description of the biological role model and its technical abstraction, moving on to discuss the computational modelling approach that integrates relevant aspects of biomimetics, robotic fabrication and structural design. As part of the validation of the research, a full-scale, fully enclosed, insulated and waterproof building prototype has been developed and realized: The first building featuring a robotically fabricated primary structure made of beech plywood. Subsequently, the methods and results of a geodetic evaluation of the fabrication process are presented. Finally, as the close collaboration between architects, structural and geodetic engineers, and timber fabricators is integral to the process, the architectural and structural potentials of such integrative design processes are discussed.
ABSTRACT The basics of construction with synthetic materials From transparent to translucent – ne... more ABSTRACT The basics of construction with synthetic materials From transparent to translucent – new construction options with a versatile material Whether as translucent tiling, wide-spanning membranes, air-filled foil cushions or in organically curved form: Plastics are used in architecture in the widest variety of forms and application areas. Innovative technical developments constantly improve their material properties. Plastics today are an alternative to be taken seriously in the building trade, whether they are used in the supporting structure, roof, facade or interior furnishings. The 'Construction Manual for Polymers + Membranes' returns to the basics of the series by addressing an individual building material. From the material properties to the requirements for drafting and construction, it encapsulates well-founded and comprehensive expertise in familiar DETAIL quality. Select project examples complete the reference work and make it indispensable for day-to-day planning. Historical development of plastics and membranes in architecture Comprehensive information regarding the basics of manufacturing, processing and application Precise descriptions of materials and semi-finished products Physical-structural properties and environmental effects Form finding and calculation of plastic supporting structures and membranes For the first time a complete overview of the most important details compiled according to the most recent state of the research
This paper focuses on various analogue and numerical design strategies that were developed and im... more This paper focuses on various analogue and numerical design strategies that were developed and implemented to generate pre-defined, free-form surfaces with parametrically differentiated bendingactive components. Derived from recent research on bending-active plate structures, the authors present two case studies which both focus on the seamless interaction of material, form, and structure. Both systems illustrate a novel approach to the realisation of double curved, free-form structures by means of bending. The two systems were built in prototypical mock-ups to evaluate their geometry and structural capacity. While the resulting geometries are complex, the use of elastic bending during the assembly process allows for simple manufacturing methods. Thin plastic sheets, which are easy to cut and bend, were manipulated by simple, two-dimensional fabrication techniques and assembled into multi-layered, bent structures that are stiff and self-supporting. After a general introduction on bending-active plate structures, the authors present the key design principles used for the development of the two case studies and conclude with a reflection and comparison of these techniques.
Continuously curved, highly transparent free-form facades or roofs are increasingly demanded in a... more Continuously curved, highly transparent free-form facades or roofs are increasingly demanded in architecture. Full glass shells assembled from curved glass elements are a possible answer to meet the exigencies of such transparent envelopes. As glass element dimensions are limited by manufacturing, structural joining is necessary for realising large shells. Hence, feasibility studies undertaken at the ITKE focus on the interaction of structure, geometry, glass elements and joining of full glass shells. The joints are influenced by structural considerations as well as the availability, possible size and curvature of single or double curved glass elements, which can be produced either by cold lamination bending or by heat bending. A comparison of different bent glass types with respect to size, curvature, internal stress states and applicability in glass shells is presented in this paper.
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Papers by Jan Knippers