Design and structural analysis of complex timber structures with glued T-joint connections for robotic assembly

Abstract

Combining computation and robotic fabrication and assembly creates rationale for new types of design and construction methods which are not bound to constraints of standardization and allows structurally informed differentiation. This research presents methods for designing and analysis of structural behavior for novel types of timber structures made of simple elements which are suitable for robotic assembly. Specifically, structures derived from Reciprocal Frames built with linear timber elements and connected with glued butt T-joints were of interest due to their applicability in integrated robotic fabrication and assembly processes. So far, little has been known about the complexity of their structural behavior and their potential for load-bearing application in construction. In response, this research established a corresponding structural analysis method for such structures and specifically the adhesive-based T-joint connections. Furthermore, this analysis method has been implemented as a computational tool integrated with algorithmic design modeling methods, which supports an architect or an engineer in exploring the potential designs based on immediate structural feedback. Finally, these tools were employed to conduct case studies which show that the structural behavior of the discussed structures is highly complex, and slight geometric modification allows to significantly improve the load-bearing capacity.