Additive Manufactured Branched Column Connection

An investigation into the application of additive manufacturing to the production of structural joints was conducted for this thesis. The main goal was to determine all necessary aspects that someone needs to consider when designing a structural part that is intended to be printed with additive manufacturing. As an example, the branched column...

Bringing Glass Giants to life: Fabrication of mass-optimized structural glass components of complex form

Current research conducted at TU Delft focused on utilizing structural Topology Optimization (TO) for designing large monolithic cast glass structures with maximum stiffness and minimum mass. These structures demonstrated improved manufacturability in terms of time, energy, and cost efficiency due to their mass efficiency, which results in...

The Topology Optimised Glass Bridge

This research investigates how to design a glass pedestrian bridge that is structurally optimised for multiple load scenario’s and feasible in terms of fabrication and construction. Linear glass elements such as panes have limited freedom of shape. On the other hand, cast glass can be produced into any shape possible. When glass is used in large...

Topologically Optimised Cast Glass Shell: Topological optimisation and new fabrication methods for compressive free-form glass structures

Glass is a material which can be seen as a double-edged sword. Its monolithic, smooth, and transparent look transmits a sense of elegance and simplicity. However, due to its brittle mechanical property, it can create complex engineering challenges when intended for a structural load-bearing application. Many forget glass has a comparable...

Design and optimisation of an additively manufactured patient-specific partial mandible reconstruction implant

Additive manufacturing (AM) provides the opportunity for complex porous designs, without the costs depending on batch size. Therefore patient-specific implants can be rapidly manufactured. In clinical practice, reconstruction of the mandible is needed in case of bone tumors or trauma. Part of the mandible is removed and the shape of the missing...

The AM envelope: A mono-material façade element with complex geometries for structural and thermal performance produced by additive manufacturing

Growing concern about resource consumption in the construction industry has brought new challenges to the design of façades. Compared to traditional techniques, AM stands out for the possibility of fabricating complex geometries embedding multiple functions. This study explored how the potentials of Fused Deposition Modelling can be used to...

Shaping transparent sand in sand: Fabricating topologically optimised cast glass column using sand moulds

This research investigates the potential of 3D printed sand moulds for casting structural glass column having optimised cross section. Conventionally, Glass, in architectural industry, has been used in form of sheets (Float glass) due to ease of fabrication of planar sheets, but in last few years, cast glass bricks have been used for creating...

Optimising 3D Printed Concrete Structures: Concrete additive manufacturing and topology optimisation

Additive manufacturing and 3D printing are rapidly developing digital fabrication techniques. After the first steps in printing of metals and plastics have been made, research from various groups around the world is now also focusing on printing in concrete and moving to larger scales. Using this technique it will be possible to create...