This thesis presents assembly methods for reversible structures using 3D printed glass units with a innovative interlayer solution inspired by the traditional Japanese art of Kirigami. It investigates the design and optimization of a dry-assembled compression-only glass vault wit
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This thesis presents assembly methods for reversible structures using 3D printed glass units with a innovative interlayer solution inspired by the traditional Japanese art of Kirigami. It investigates the design and optimization of a dry-assembled compression-only glass vault with variable interlayers to reduce geometric imperfections and enable structural performance. Three parametric models- a freestanding wall, a catenary vault, and a doubly curved shell- were developed to verify the relationship between geometry, interlayer stiffness, and global behavior under load. A multi-objective optimization workflow was constructed via Grasshopper, ANSYS, and OptiSLang, using surrogate modeling strategies including Kriging and polynomial regression to determine target stiffness values for the interlayer. Based on these targets, a kirigami-inspired interlayer was reverse-engineered and optimized to satisfy the required elastic stiffness via another surrogate-assisted optimization procedure. Final structures were validated using finite element simulations, but further experimental testing must be done to assess long-term behavior, particularly creep and interface performance with glass. Tension activated Kirigami (TAK) samples were fabricated and tested under compression, revealing that the surrogate models require refinement to accurately capture their mechanical response- an area identified for future research. The assembly system described here has promise for reversible, scalable construction, but requires further detailing for disassembly, formwork integration, and physical prototyping. Overall, the research demonstrates a framework for material driven, performance-based design in dry-assembled glass structures.