Julianalaan 134 2628BL Delft Netherlands http://bt.bk.tudelft.nl/ secretariat: +31 15 278 4094 bouwtechnologie-bk@tudelft.nl
Delft University of Technology - Faculty of Architecture - Department of Architectural Engineering & Technology
Complex Geometry Concrete panels
In recent years there has been an increased interest in using Glass Fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) in High End
Architectural buildings such as the Kapsarc (
King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center
) in Saudi Arabia, the
Heydar Aliev Cultural Center in Azerbaijan, both by Zaha Hadid Architects, and the proposed New Qatar National Museum
by Ateliers Jean Nouvel. These buildings assume the usage of panels as cladding in a complex geometry context, posing
ever new challenges for the industry.
GFRC has not been researched in a detail empirical performance characterization of limits of functionality/systematic
approach to understanding their use in complex geometry facades. This research looks into options to find design
solutions and technical details which enable more flexible design with free form GFRC
Glass fibre reinforced concrete (GFRC) is being used in many different applications, such as structural applications as thin plated staircases and cantilevering terraces, but more widespread in decorative applications, as ornaments on buildings, and more recently as cladding for complex geometry buildings.
The high price of free form glass sets a limitation in its usage, especially in large scale projects. Therefore GFRC elements have become an interesting alternative, and are being applied on large scale projects. The cost difference between free form facades of glass and GFRC is significant. This makes GFRC much more attractive, since larger volumes and, to some extent, more complex geometries can be achieved
The production of GFRC panels used as façade cladding is generally divided into two different production methods, sprayed and premixed. The sprayed production method is widely used, however the production method used for sprayed panels are crude, and does often result in non-uniform quality and thickness. Production with a premixed concrete enables a more controlled concrete mix and enables a better appearance of the concrete, and quality control systems can be applied.
The key architectural drivers for GFRC cladding elements are the surface texture of the visual parts of the elements, maintaining the colour consistency of the elements, and the avoidance of visual cracks and air bubbles (bugholes) in the visible parts of the panels. The surfaces quality therefore plays an important role of the requirements for GFRC.
But for the application of the GFRC as a free-form material there are still limitations due to the cost of producing complex geometries in GFRC. The production cost is directly linked to the level of geometric complexity, further complexity is added if panels have variable thickness, e.g. if they possess elements like edge returns. The edge return is required from a visual point of view when the panels are joined. For complex geometry panels there is not a cost effective solution at the moment and the quality of the produces panels with the current technology does not meet the requirements specified by the lead designers. This research focus on options to find design solutions and technical details which enable more flexible design with free form GFRC
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
• T. Henriksen, Structural Challenges of textile reinforced panels FRC, FIB 2012, Karlsruhe, Germany
• T.Henriksen, A. Schiftner, FRC in Complex Geometry Facades, BEFIB2012, UM, Guimaraes, 2012
• Patent, 2013: Verfahren zur Herstellung eines flächenartigen Elements mit von einer ebenen Oberfläche abwiechender Oberfläche, Formteil zur Herstellung eines derartigen flächenartigen Elements sowie flächenartiges Element. PROJECT INFORMATION
Project leader: Thomas Henriksen, M.Sc Eng Executed by: Thomas Henriksen Period: Nov 2010 – Nov 2016 Funded by: Waagner Biro
