3DWoodWind - A novel Approach for Material-Efficient Lightweight Timber Constructions

Doktorand | M. Sc. Andreas Göbert
Betreuung | Prof. Philipp Eversmann

As a response to the global climate crisis, sustainable and resource-efficient construction methods are increasingly in demand in the building industry. Subsequently there has been a strong increase particularly in timber constructions in recent years. Due to long dry periods and beetle infestation, the timber industry is facing serious problems as materials are no longer available in large quantities. Thus, there is an urgent need for material-saving timber constructions, which relieve the high demand on softwoods.

This research adresses particularly the handling of resources and the development of new building processes as well as the investigation of climate- and environment-friendly construction methods. In doing so, the goal is to demonstrate new production processes and technologies for a future-oriented and sustainable development.

The aim of this dissertation is a new approach for timber constructions by manufacturing material-efficient lightweight components instead of the widespread massive construction. Therefore, a novel winding technique with a new material system in the field of additive manufacturing (AM) will be developed. The basis for this is formed by using a continuous strip of thin veneer as a sustainable alternative as its application material. Its natural fibers are intact, continuous, and tensile.

Three-dimensional winding processes are being developed for material-efficient hollow profile lightweight components made of wood. Therefore, the material system, composed of suitable combinations of veneers and adhesives, and computational design methods for filament layout and robotic fabrication methods will be developed. Through several fabrication case studies, the capabilities of the production process will be demonstrated, and suitable architectural applications will be investigated.

These hollow lightweight components could save large amounts of material in timber construction and serve as a substitute for concrete or steel components in the future. At the end possible applications in the construction industry and future research possibilities will be discussed.