Robert Schmid (2024): coebro[façade]. Filigrane, vorgespannte Fassadenpaneele aus 3D-gedrucktem Beton, 1st reviewer: Stefan Peters, 2nd reviewer: Viktor Mechtcherine
The innovative possibilities of digital fabrication with concrete should be leveraged to make a positive contribution to resource conservation and emission reduction in the construction industry. Increasing the performance of 3D printed components can expand the range of applications in building practice. Traditionally, large-format panels are used for ventilated concrete facades, the thickness of which is determined by the required concrete cover needed to protect the reinforcement from corrosion. Alternative manufacturing methods, such as 3D printing with concrete, can achieve significant material savings. Due to the process-related ability to create free-form shapes, this is particularly suitable for surface designs (such as reliefs and curvatures) and structural reinforcements in the facade sector.
In addition to the fundamental objective of minimizing concrete consumption, the form-finding process of a facade panel incorporates structural, manufacturing, and design aspects. The load-bearing behavior of the developed panel, which spans the vertical distance between two floor slabs, can be characterized by a lateral and longitudinal system. The load transfer in the lateral direction is carried out by the panel surface itself, while two additional ribs on the back of the panel address the load transfer in the longitudinal direction. To meet the requirements for load-bearing capacity and service¬ability, various strengthening strategies involving printing, reinforcement, and prestressing techniques were developed and integrated. The results of the production tests, mechanical tests, and numerical investigations were incorporated into the application development. In addition to the facade panel itself, installation techniques were analyzed. A final component test on a 1:1 scale served to validate the application development, provided insights into the fulfillment of load-bearing requirements, and highlighted the potential of filigree, prestressed facade panels made of 3D printed concrete.
