Nonplanar Robotic Printing of Earth-Based Material: A Case Study Using Cob-like Mixture

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Buildings

Publication Date

8-1-2024

Abstract

The study presents an integration of cob with robotic processes. By challenging conventional monolithic earth-building methods, the study proposes the use of spatial nonplanar formations that are robotically fabricated, presenting an alternative geometric language for earth construction. The research methodology is derived from existing factors within the robotic lab, encompassing both constant and variable parameters. Through an experimental approach, the variables are systematically manipulated while observing the outcomes to identify patterns and relationships. Incremental refinements to the research conditions result in an optimal equilibrium state within the defined lab parameters. An empirical investigation approach serves as the foundation for controlling the printing process; wherein an iterative adjustment of the robot extrusion parameters is based on the behaviour of the deposited material. The outcome is several robotically printed cob nonplanar prototypes. Depending on their geometric formations and complexity, the printing process combined three variations: continuous, intervals, and modular. The latter enabled the production of a cob arch, serving as proof of feasibility for the creation of modular cob structures through a segmented assembly process. The study contributes to expanding the possibilities of cob construction by leveraging robotic technologies and paving the way for innovative applications of cob in contemporary architecture practices.

ISSN

2075-5309

Publisher

MDPI AG

Volume

14

Issue

8

Disciplines

Art and Design | Engineering

Keywords

digital fabrication, earth-based architecture, nonplanar geometry, robotic additive manufacturing, spatial robotic printing

Scopus ID

85202447375

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

yes

Open Access Type

Gold: This publication is openly available in an open access journal/series

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS