Mesh
Zurich, Switzerland / 2022
with GKR Gramazio Kohler Research
Mesh Mould investigates the merging of the conventionally separate
systems, formwork and reinforcement, into a robotic tectoni building system for complex shaped concrete structures. In the firs phase of the project, a spatial extrusion process for polymers wa developed. This allows the robotic production of three-dimensional mesh structures. The interaction between the mesh structure and
the rheological behavior of the concrete was investigated in filling tests.
The second phase, integrated in the National Center of Competenc in Research Digital Fabrication, is developing a statically effectiv reinforcement system for the process. In collaboration with th Agile & Dexterous Robotics Lab of Professor Jonas Buchli, an end effector was developed for this purpose, which allows comple lattice structures to be manufactured from 6 mm thick reinforcin bars in order to build load-bearing double-curved concrete walls in cast-in-place concrete.
