acadia 2013
pre-cast porosity
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a n o n - s t a n d a r d b r i s e s o l e i l pa n e l austin ede + khang nguyen / brad bell professor university of texas at arlington
research outline This research project explores the use of digital fabrication technology and parametric modeling to investigate the production of concrete brise soleil panels. Specifically the research examines how the digital toolset can be used to produce repetitive panels with non-standard patterning as pre-cast concrete panels. The pre-cast industry relies upon efficiency found typically in repetition and simplified geometric shapes to produce achievable molds. This in turn has a predictable outcome on the readily found geometries typically found in precast components. However, when linked with a more sophisticated methodology and mold making materials it is our working hypothesis that non-standard patterning could override the primary paneling and produce a highly ‘organic’ panel –that is still capable of meeting all other programmatic requirements. The panels leverage a series of parameters to establish performance criteria and to determine optimized geometries. These parameters range from sun angle based on cardinal direction, view corridors at the site, and the ability to extract the panel from the mold based on the module geometry. In regard to the last issue it is necessary to provide a 5° angle on the module prior to distributing it to a modified grid in order to have a ‘releasable’ angle for the mold to come out of. Given that this process was fabricated and investigated at full scale, issues of detailing, mold production, structural connection, transport, and installation are all critical phases of contingency in the research.
precedent development
Organic beauty
context
The Carpenter Center - Le Corbusier
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON / SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE/ LIBRARY 32O43’53.25” N 97O06’57.22” W
acadia 2013
pre-cast porosity
pg.
2
a n o n - s t a n d a r d b r i s e s o l e i l pa n e l austin ede + khang nguyen / brad bell professor university of texas at arlington
digital
normal grid
module
shuffle grid
optimal sun angle
digital analysis
sun path diagram
summer sojtice jun 30th
september 30th
winter sojtice dec 30th
The final panels are designed as 35”x 50” x3” size. Installed in front of a the UTA School of Architecture south facing façade it will be possible to evaluate the effectiveness of the brise soleil throughout the summer and into the fall. This panel size and orientation of the modules respond to sun angle and are derived to be site-specific for this installation but could be easily transformed in the digital file to adapt to a different context if needed. Based on structural testing and failure in one panel, it is clear that the next stage in the research will be a higher degree of structural integration into the panel and methods by which either the calibration of the concrete mix or the steel reinforcement would provide the necessary additional stability necessary to work and a higher volume. surface Area Mass Volumn
53.7509 sqr ft. per panel 166 Ib. per panel 1.32938 cubic feet per panel
pictures of mold making and casting
mix formula
TECHNICAL DATA QUIKRETE
2x80 lb. quikrete + 3 quarts of water = 1 panel
® Crack Resistant Concrete Mix exceeds the compressive strength requirements of ASTM C-387, “Standard Specification for Packaged, Dry, Combined Materials for Mortar and Concrete.” A properly handled mix will exceed 2500 psi (17.2 MPa) in 7 days and 4000 psi (27.6 MPa) in 28 days, and will have a typical air content of 4-8%.
acadia 2013
pre-cast porosity a n o n - s t a n d a r d b r i s e s o l e i l pa n e l austin ede + khang nguyen / brad bell professor university of texas at arlington
installation process
Geometry analysis potential points for structural failure
close-up
final product
interior
2:00 pm tuesday may 07 2013
7:00 pm tuesday may 07 2013
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