ADAPTIVE VENEER

Computational Design Adaptive Veneer Faculty of Design CEPT University

Arya Aishwarya Parool

2

PD000417 PD001517

4

“In biology, material is expensive But shape is cheap�

Achim Menges

Part of coursework at Faculty of Design, CEPT University.

All rights reserved.

Semester Two, Master of Design, Spring 2018 Core Faculty: Jwalant Mahadevwala, Arpi Maheshwari, Shehzaad Irani Teaching Assistant: Gaurav Kaushik

Contents 01 Bilayer material system 02 Physical Tests Experiment 1

Anisotropic Response Moisture Test Width Test Length Test Layer Test 03 Form generation by strip system Various form by varying moisture position 04 Module Shape Development 05 Module Shape Development by varying

new parameters 06 Attachment Patterns 07 Component formation and its study 08 Design Proliferation 09 Fitness Criterias-Shadow analysis

Visibility Analysis 10 The Site-Conditions Considered and Areas of intervention 11 Future Advances 12 Conclusion

2

Material

[conventional wood and pre requisites for the experiments]

Type of tree Material used Thickness Type of cut

- Sycamore - Sycamore veneer paper - 0.5mm - Crown cut

Property used Hygroscopic nature

4

Abstract The project explores the possibility of using the hygroscopic behaviour of veneer to obtain, components, to be used in a system, for a Railway platform in Ahmedabad.Due to the water retention capacity of veneer paper, the component rises to a certain height where it is freezed by locking.Three different variations with two different target environmental conditions to be produced within them are set out. Once the system parameters and the limitations and drivers for the aggregation of such components are identified, the different environmental conditions are obtained either via different voids sizes and/or giving different parameters to the rising edge. Proliferation of the components is a step by step process where each stage of growth is re-evaluated against shading performance and visibility.

Structural analysis of the system is carried out only at the last stage of the proliferation and the creation of a feedback loop for the structural analysis to inform the growth of the components is intended for future developments of the project. Other future developments include a more detailed design of the finger joints within each component, as well as a detailed construct sequence. It is understood that the sequence in which these components are erected might indeed affect the possibilities for self supporting structure. Finally, the project has succeded in providing an alternative way to produce easy to assemble,multi-zone adapting structure for a railway platform.

6

Bilayer material system Understanding the material property By altering the order of the lamination of both active and passive layers, it is possible to predict the direction of the curvature. Further experiments were carried out to test this behaviour as a starting point of hygroscopic system.

Strip of veneer with transversal fibre Hygroscopic layer (Veneer)

Non-hygroscopic layer (Paper mesh(0.01mm))

After moisture application

Dense layer Porous layer Expansion of outer layer (Curvilinear form achieved)

8

Physical test Experiment 1.1

Experiment 1.2

Anisotropic response

Moisture application

A series of veneer papers were experimented to observe wood composite shape changes with relative humidity variations depending

On hygroscopic Layer

On non-hygroscopic Layer

Length - 10 cm Orientation angle - 0°, 45°, 90° Maximum shape -90°

Inferences The result of maximum shape change is achieved by the strips with 90° fibre orientation angle.

Hygroscopic layer curls inside

Experiment 1.3 Moisture test Constant Strip length Moisture content Width of strip Grain direction

Variable - 20 cm

Moisture position

- 2 cm - parallel Moisture at A

Moisture at B

Moisture at C Maximum height observed (cm) 8 6

MAXIMUM HEIGHT OBSERVED (cm)

4 2 0

10

AT A AT B AT C AT D

Experiment 1.4 Width test Constant Strip length Moisture content

Variable - 12 cm

Strip width - 1,2,3,4,5 and 8 cm

1cm 2cm

3cm

4cm

5cm

8cm

Height obtained

w

Displacement

1

5.89

4.5

2

5.07

4

3

3.97

3.7

4

3.97

3.7

5

3.97

3.7

8

3.97

3.7

Inferences Maximum height is attained with minimum displacement in a strip of 1 cm.

Experiment 1.5 Moisture test Constant Strip width - 2 cm Moisture content

3cm 3cm

Variable Strip length

6cm 6cm

12cm 12cm

9cm 9cm

15cm 15cm

Post moisture application

12

Length

Height

Displacement

3

1.5

1.5

6

2

2.5

9

2.5

3.5

12

3

4.5

15

3.5

5

18

4

5.5

18 cm 15 cm 12 cm 9 cm 6 cm 3 cm

Experiment 1.6 Layer test Constant Width of each strip - 2 cm Length of each strip - 12 cm Moisture content Grain direction

A 2 Layers

B 3 Layers

Variable Layering of various strips

C 4 Layers

Diagram

Layer

Height

A

2

3.5

3.5

B

3

2.5

9

C

4

1

11

D

5

0.8

11.2

E

6

0.4

11.6

D

Diplacement

4 layers 5 Layers

E 6 Layers 5 layers

Inferences Maximum height is achieved by the length 15 cm The curvilinear shape decreases as the layer increases

Form Generation from strip system

14

Module shape development Experiment 2 Strip resulted in a collapsible form and geometry resulted in an enclosed surface thus further explorations were done using the property of strip and geometry.

Alterations were done to achieve an inclined elevated form to allow a to and fro motion, adopting some of the properties of strip and geometry.

Larger size of strip ie.

Rectangular geometry taken to experiment further.

Buffer zone created to avoid curling and colliding of 2 members

16

Curling inwards

To and fro motion

Buffer on either side to ensure extension

Variations

m= 3.02 i = 0.5 m= 3.02 i =1

m= 3.02 i = 1.5

m= 3.02 i = 2.5

m= 3.02 i =3

m= 3.02 i =2

Module shape development through new input parameters Experiment 2.1 The form of the final module was achieved by hyroscopicity of veneer.

The shape was locked post moisture treatment.

A’ Q’

P’ B’

C’

R’

S’

5 modules of chisel distance 0.5 at C were experimented and the relation between PQ’ AND RS’ were evaluated

The final form of the module is a result of the evaluation from all privious experiments. It is a combination of

P’Q’=1.8 R’S’ r(each edge)=1.5 cm P’Q’=8.5 cm R’S’ = 4.5 f = 9cm m = 2.6

-Strip -Geometry -curvilinear shape

While module development P’Q’,R’S’ And h1,h2,h2 were the new parameters which evolved.

18

Stages of module development

Stage 1

Stage 2 Moisture Application

Stage 3

Stage 4

Stage 5

Stage 6

Stage 7

Stage 8

PQ’ = 8.5 RS’ = 4.5

Module shape develops itself on addition of moisture Moisture application on the middle of the module from prior experiment .

Stage 9

Module shape development through new input parameters Experiment 2.2 Constant

Variable

PQ RS h

Distance from the edge d

N e w p a r a m ete rs 60 50

7.4 7.5

40

7.4

30

5.5

20

3.2 3.1 3.5 3.3 3.3 2.5

5.5 5.3 3.3

5 4.8 4.7 4.8 4.5 4.5

C'

B'

A'

5.6

10 0

20

1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 Chamfered size

5.8

7.5 8.4 10.1

PQ'

4.3 3.2 2.9 4.2 3.9 6.3 RS'

1.

d = 0.5 A’= 4.5 B’= 3.3 C’= 2.5

d = 0.6 A’= 4.5 B’= 5.3 C’= 3.3

d = 0.7 A’= 4.8 B’= 5.8 C’= 3.3

d = 0.5 A’= 4.5 B’= 3.3 C’= 2.5

d = 0.6 A’= 4.5 B’= 5.3 C’= 3.3

d = 0.7 A’= 4.8 B’= 5.8 C’= 3.3

Inferences Maximum PQ’ seen at d=0.5mm. Shows linear variation.

Hence the stable one.d=.05

Attachment Patterns Different module arrangement

Sideways attachment

Edge attachment

Inferences The above patterns did not show structural stability and failed to provide a self standing form in itself.

Hence a structural columnar system was designed

22

Attachment Pattern Feasable

Component Single module Introduction of variation in joining edge and edge conditions

Combination of three parent module to define a single component

Different module arrangement

As the entire system works in equillibrium understanding the edge support conditions becomes very important. We observed that support having point achorage with respect to linear edge support shows a decrese on parameters considered given the right angle of the veneer.

The edge conditions where compared with joining edge size and variating ellipsoidal void of the module. The addition of more cuts came with an idea of increasing the surface’s porosity and response to different enviornmental conditions.

Larger void equally cut dissipates more shadow. Hence an evaluation of shadow and visibility was done on the modules indivisually.

24

Component study Single modules

1.

0.5cm chisel

Constants -3 parent component -Attachment pattern -Attachment angle

Variables

Input parameters

2.

d=0.5 cm

Output parameter

H=7 cm

1cm chisel

-Chisel length,d

Input parameters d=1cm 3.

Output parameter

H=8cm

1.5cm chisel

Inference Highest height observed at d =1.5 where H=10 cm and d being directly proportional to H,where H is the height of the curvature

Input parameters d=1.5 cm

Output parameter

H=10 cm

Design Proliferation

[Development of a structural self supporting system ]

Attachment of the vertical and branching component

Exploded diagram for three vertical module attachement

The triple module component when joined linearly resulted in a sagging after the attachment of sixth component and without a non structural system.

To go ahead with branching structual column of the same sstem were provided

Diagram for branching modules between two vertical components

Diagram for A

26

Diagram for Branching

Given the opportunities, and most importantly the limitations of the structure discussed in the previous section, a columnar component was developed. The component consisted of a vertical member positioned together to form a branching structure.The joinery and edge details has been given later in this report.

Physical model in the MOD studio

Experiment-Initial shading test Understanding the basic results of shading of single component at regional scale

1 cm chisel

0.5mm chisel 8hrs

11hrs

10%

4.4%

7.5%

4.30%

14hrs

5.28%

8hrs

11hrs

10.03%

14hrs

8hrs

9.87%

4.21%

1.5 cm 11hrs

3.54%

14hrs

4.77%

Equinox

5.15%

5.85%

4.09%

5.04%

5.96%

3.34%

4.57%

21.63%

5.13%

7.44%

Summer solstice

20.91%

5.82%

7.85%

20.87%

5.71%

Winter solstice 28

7,93%

Experiment-Initial shading test Understanding the basic results of shading of column at regional scale

1.5 cm chisel

1 cm chisel

0.5 cm chisel

8hrs

11hrs

8hrs

11hrs

14hrs

8hrs

11hrs

14hrs

15.25%

8.96%

6.29%

14.25%

8.25%

3.21%

18.24%

6.89%

10.56%

12.93%

6.85%

14hrs

8.14%

Equinox

14.85%

8.20%

10.20%

34.56%

10.21%

14.67%

12.48%

9.21%

Summer solstice

38.91%

10.41%

Winter solstice

24.67%

42.45%

20.67%

8.31%

15.56%

Experiment-Initial shading test Understanding the basic results of shading of two column system at regional scale 1 cm component

0.5 cm component 8hrs

11hrs

14hrs

8hrs

11hrs

1.5 cm component

14hrs

8hrs

11hrs

14hrs

6.91%

65.5%

30.9%

5.23%

50.53% Equinox

29.12%

5.36%

58.4%

29.89%

12.04%

28.72%

22.79%

10.22%

20.34%

20.32%

11.86%

25.76%

21.33%

29.86%

4.83%

26.8%

30.34%

Summer solstice

5.01%

35.7%

31.5%

4.11%

15.6% Winter solstice

30

3d illustrations for the element with respect to the contex

Experiment-Initial visibility test on column Analysing the amount of visibility inside the structure

The viewpoint is kept at the mid-point of the test surface, to achieve .optimum output

0.5 cm chisel

Coverage Sky

View

10 cm chisel

Coverage Sky

View

15 cm chisel

Coverage Sky

Three modules View

Column system Coverage Sky

View

Coverage Sky

View

Coverage Sky

View

Column system Coverage Sky

View

Coverage Sky

View

Coverage Sky

View

Inferences Maximum sky view factor is achieved by three module system with 1.5 mm chisel, arranged in a linear form and minimum is achieved by three module system with 0.5 mm chisel

32

Experiment-Initial visibility test on Two column system 0.5cm component system Coverage Sky View

fac-

10 cm component system Coverage Sky View

fac-

1.5 cm component system Coverage Sky

View

Inferences Maximum sky view factor is achieved in component system with 1.5 mm chisel, arranged in a linear form and minimum is achieved by three module system with 0.5 mm chisel

The Site: Conditions considered

Kalupur railway station, Ahmedabad's environmental factors considered in element design

Sun path diagram

N E-23.0285074° N-72.600679°

The site chosen is Kalupur railway station, at Ahmedabad. The site is vulnerable to environmental factors, We defined the areas at the end of a platform to spaces like waiting area, sitting area and eating area.

Wind rose

Designing a spatial configuration demanded for a system performance based on its morphology of different criterias performing on the structure along with the consideration of factors like sun shading and amount of light entering the structure.

The amount of sun exposure is more in Ahmedabad, encouraging us to design beyond the platform roof.

The design explains

34

Precipitation

The Site: Areas of intervention Selected areas on platform

Sitting area

Eating area

Shadow

Wind p̀rotection

Shadow

Wind p̀rotection

Clearance

Visibility

Clearance

Visibility

Waiting/standing area Shadow

Clearance

Wind p̀rotection

Visibility

Selection of modules

it

Chisel 0.5

Maximum shadow

36

Chisel 1

Selection of modules

Chisel 1.5

Maximum visibility

Final Assembly of the components

Assembly depending upon the inference from fitness criterias

1.5

0.5

The final assembly incorporated the studies which were done beforehand and furthermore the .parameters affecting the design were the length of chisel in various conifigurations

Attachment pattern

1.5 cm chisel

05 cm chisel

Sectional elevation

[sectional elevaton for the element on site with respect to the context]

6m

16m

Plan

Sectional elevation for individual component

Sectional elevation for three component system

38

Branching system between two component

3D illustrations for the element with respect to the context

Single component element

Connections

SingleAdaptive component joineries and edge conditions Veneer A

x

P

Q

B

i

h

i

h

Plan

m

Anchoring detail at A

B R

RS, PQ- 1300mm h - 900mm i - 250mm

S

x - 15mm

Anchoring Anchoring detail at A detail at A B B Module Component dimensions beforemodel assembly Dimension for actual Edge Conditions(conditions at the ground) POP RIVOT

6 MM THICK FLEXI PLY M.S -ROD OF 1.2 CM DIA

ent

Module edge condition detail at B POP RIVOT POP RIVOT

POP RIVOT

6 MM THICK FLEXI PLY

POP RIVOT 6 MM THICK FLEXI PLY

6 MM THICK FLEXI PLY

M.S -ROD OF 1.2 CM DIA

M.S -ROD OF 1.2 CM DIA 6 MM THICK FLEXI PLY

M.S -ROD OF 1.2 CM DIA

Module edge condition detail at B Detail at C

M.S -ROD OF 1.2 CM DIA

Module edge condition detail at B

A Front elevation of the pavilion

Plan of the pavilion

Arya Aishwariya | Diy

Detail at A

40

Detail at A [underneath] Alluminium sheet with bolts

A Plan of the pavilion

Detail at B

Future Advances

A

The vertical component is attached to the ground,

B

Sections of ms steel 150mm bolts are used in case of a single-membrane and metal rods are being used for the components with varying length depending on the distance between separate elements.

MATERIAL USED - FLEXY PLY WOOD POLISH - LAQUER FINISH COST FOR 3 MODULES - 1500 rs WEIGHT FOR 3 MODUE- 3-4 kgs

C

SCALE-1:1

-Bulk construction possible -Easy to transport -Easy to assemble on site -Elements can be placed at multiple zones on a site -Easy to dismantle -Post finishing is resistent to wind ,water and sunlight

Conclusion

Project’s failures and success Throughout the different aspects of the design carried out in this project there are several areas of success and failures that must be pointed out. The project fails in providing a detailed description of the connection between elements (or at least has provided only an approximate solution to the problem). Hence it also fails in providing a complete set of specifications that would allow the design to be built. However, from this project many interesting points for further development have been brought out and several new skills have been acquired. First of all, the possibility of having a module generated structure that could be erected on site within minutes indeed triggers our imagination. In order to work on such a feature it is also understood that the dynamics and the sequence of erection must be studied and detailed carefully as they will inevitably affect the way in which this structure might proliferate. Finally, the project has also given us the opportunity to acquire advantage of developing diffrernt formfindingtechniques using digital tools and structural analysis of complex membrane components.

42