Abstract
This design-led research investigates the development of a file-to-fabrication framework for mortar-free robotic assembly of masonry walls. In particular, we describe, test and evaluate an algorithmic method enabling the robotic assembly of custom-made, complex, interlocking brick structures which don’t require the use of mortar or adhesives but their stability relies only on their geometric properties. We evaluate the process by conducting three design experiments. Our findings highlight the advantages and challenges of the proposed framework focusing on the relationship between the geometry of the individual bricks and the overall structure as well as the tolerances related to the interlocking mechanism.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to express our gratitude and acknowledgement to Afshana Ali, Zefeng Zhuang and Chang Zhang for executing design experiment one, Jinbi Jiang and Tianyang Li for executing design experiment two and Pattanan Inharwararak, Aman Mahmood Khan and Dengwei Tao for executing design experiment three. Finally, our warm thanks go to the entire team of the Creative Workshop of the Liverpool School of Architecture without whose efforts and support this research would not have been possible.
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Agkathidis, A., Song, Y., Zhao, J. (2023). Rethinking the Brick: Developing a File to Fabrication Framework for Mortar-Free, Robotic Masonry Wall Assembly. In: Kyratsis, P., Manavis, A., Davim, J.P. (eds) Computational Design and Digital Manufacturing. Management and Industrial Engineering. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21167-6_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-21167-6_5
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