Double-curved panels produced in a flexible mould with selfcompacting fibre-reinforced concrete

The number of applications with thin flat, curved or double-curved elements often produced as architectural elements for façades is rising fast. If the repetition factor of the elements is limited, which is often the case in free-form architecture, the high number of unique moulds makes this type of architecture economically less viable....

Kine-Mould: Manufacturing technology for curved architectural elements in concrete

The production of architectural elements with complex geometry is challenging for concrete manufacturers. Computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) milled foam moulds have been applied frequently in the last decades, resulting in good aesthetical performance. However, still the costs are high and a large volume of waste is produced. This paper...

Concepts and prototypes for flexible moulds for production of double curved elements

Flexible moulds for production of double curved elements could offer a solution for challenges in realizing freeform architectural design which tends to be costly and time consuming. However developments are still ongoing and promising methods that result in highly accurate elements still remain to be proven. When surfaces are deformed into a...

Production of Curved Precast Concrete Elements for Shell Structures and Free-form Architecture using the Flexible Mould Method

Free-form buildings tend to be expensive. By optimizing the production process, economical and well-performing precast concrete structures can be manufactured. In this paper, a method is presented that allows producing highly accurate double curved-elements without the need for milling two expensive mould surfaces per single element. The...

Optimization of the flexible mould process for the production of double-curved concrete elements

Free-form buildings tend to be expensive. By optimizing the production process, economical and wellperforming concrete structures and elements can be manufactured. In this paper, an innovative method is presented that allows producing highly accurate double curved-elements without the need for milling two expensive mould surfaces per single...

Rheological parameters used for deliberate deformation of a flexible mould after casting

This paper describes how curved precast concrete elements can be manufactured in an open and reusable flexible mould. The proposed method reduces formwork costs of architectural freeform elements in concrete. First, the method is described briefly, then a series of tests are discussed, demonstrating that by measuring the rheological parameters...

The use of SCC and textile reinforcement

In an earlier article (CPI issue of August 2011 [1]) a method was presented for producing precast curved panels with a thickness of a few centimeters using the 'flexible mould method'. This method is the central theme in the PhD study of the first author on the realization of freeform architecture in concrete. The concrete panels manufactured...

Deliberate deformation of concrete after casting

This paper discusses the effect of intentional deformation of a flexible formwork after casting of the concrete and the influence of the characteristics of concrete in the fresh state on the quality of a concrete element. This deformation is intended to bring the concrete element in its desired final shape; the deformation typically takes place...

Curving Concrete: A Method for Manufacturing Double Curved Precast Concrete Panels using a Flexible Mould

Free form architecture with complex geometry brings along new challenges for manufacturers of building components. This paper describes the application of structural mechanics to predict the behaviour of an elastic mould surface, used as formwork for the manufacturing of double curved panels in precast concrete. Results are presented of...

Manufacturing Double Curved Precast Concrete Panels using a Flexible Mould

Free form architecture with complex geometry brings along new challenges for manufacturers of building components. This paper describes the application of structural mechanics to predict the behaviour of an elastic mould surface, used as formwork for the manufacturing of double curved panels in precast concrete. Results are presented of...

Frei geformte Betonbauteile: Finden einer Fertigungsmethode

Due to the complexity of the freeform shapes it is often not possible to distinguish any repetitive elements in freeform buildings at all. Most freeform building designs consist of many single or double curved surfaces which require complex shapes for the mould and element edges. Since the costs of the moulds (formwork) for precast concrete make...