Construction and Stability of Piecewise Linear Structures with Free Boundary

In project A04, we inspire and provide suggestions to new constructions to other projects. The proposed constructions are calculated in an exact manner and can be modified in several ways. For instance, we can start with an arbitrary control triangle and use symmetries of a crystallographic group to create double periodic landscapes. Furthermore, we look at constructions bases on the idea of topological interlocking which describes interlocking 3D (convex) bodies without the use of any binder resulting in structures with high stability and resistance against vibrations and propagation of cracks. Concurrently, we look at theoretical problems linked with topological interlockings, suggesting an interdisciplinary approach. Among other things, we are planning to classify 3D interlockings. In particular, we strive to classify (a) simplicial surfaces with a given boundary and number of faces, and (b) 3D objects that allow a topological interlocking and can be embedded into a given simplicial surface.

The graphic shows proposed constructions for shell-structures without and with selfintersections — Proposed constructions for shell-structures without and with selfintersections

3D model

This is the versatile block. Copies of this block can be assembled to generate complex assemblies which can lead to topological interlocking assemblies when putting additional constraints on some of the blocks.

Close ControlsOpen Controls

Konstruktion und Stabilität stückweise linearer Strukturen mit freiem Rand

Scientists

Project Manager

Alice Niemeyer

Prof. Dr.

RWTH Aachen University

Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory, Pontdriesch 10-16
D-52062 Aachen (Germany)

Phone: +49 0 241 80 92554

alice.niemeyer@art.rwth-aachen.de

Institute website

Research Associate

Tom Görtzen

M.Sc.

RWTH Aachen University

Chair of Algebra and Representation Theory, Pontdriesch 10-16
D-52062 Aachen (Germany)

Phone: +49 0 241 80 97553

goertzen@art.rwth-aachen.de

Institute website

Cooperations

A05

New Sources of Inspiration

C01

Internal Shells

C04

Stability and Quasi-Ductility

D02

CRC Extrusion

INF

Information Infrastructure

Publikationen | Publications

Akpanya, R.; Goertzen, T.; Wiesenhuetter, S.; Niemeyer, A. C.; Noennig, J. (2023) Topological Interlocking, Truchet Tiles and Self-Assemblies: A Construction-Kit for Civil Engineering Design in: Holdener, J.; Torrence, E.; Fong, C.; Seaton, K. [eds.] Proceedings of Bridges 2023: Mathematics, Art, Music, Architecture, Culture, 27.–31.07.2023 in Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada), Phoenix: Tessellations Publ., p. 61–68.

Chudoba, R.; Niemeyer, A. C.; Spartali, H.; Robertz, D.; Plesken, W. (2021) Description of the origami waterbomb cell kinematics as a basis for the design of thin-walled oricrete shells in: Behnejad, A.; Parke, G.; Samavati, O. [eds.] Inspiring the Next Generation – Proceedings of IASS 2020/21, 23.–27.08.2021 in Guildford (UK), p. 2681–2689 – DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.6759486

Goertzen, T.; Niemeyer, A. C.; Plesken, W. (2022) Topological Interlocking via Symmetry in: Stokkeland, S.; Braarud, H. C. [eds.] Concrete Innovation for Sustainability – Proc. for the 6th fib International Congress 2022, 12.–16.06.2022 in Oslo (Norway), Oslo: Novus Press, p. 1235–1244.

Robertz, D.; Spartali, H.; Chudoba, R.; Plesken, W.; Niemeyer, A. C. (2022) Semi-symmetric origami waterbomb cell kinematics and tessellation for the design of thin-walled folded shells in: Su-duo Xue, S.-d.; Wu, J.-z.; Sun, G.-j. [eds.] Innovation, Sustainability and Legacy – Proceedings of IASS/APCS 2022, 19.–22.09.2022 in Beijing (China), p. 2314–2324.

Stüttgen, S.; Akpanya, R.; Beckmann, B.; Chudoba, R.; Robertz, D.; Niemeyer, A. C. (2023)Modular Construction of Topological Interlocking Blocks—An Algebraic Approach for Resource-Efficient Carbon-Reinforced Concrete Structures in Buildings 13, issue 10, 2565 – DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102565

Vakaliuk, I.; Goertzen, T.; Scheerer, S.; Niemeyer, A. C.; Curbach, M. (2022) Initial numerical development of design procedures for TRC bioinspired shells in: Su-duo Xue, S.-d.; Wu, J.-z.; Sun, G.-j. [eds.] Innovation, Sustainability and Legacy – Proceedings of IASS/APCS 2022, 19.–22.09.2022 in Beijing (China), p. 2597–2608.

Wiesenhuetter, S.; Goertzen, T.; Vakaliuk, I.; Curbach, M.; Scheerer, S.; Niemeyer, A. C.; Noennig, J. R. (2023) Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces – A Novel Design Approach for Lightweight CRC Structures in: Ilki, A.; Çavunt, D.; Çavunt, Y. S. [eds.] Building for the Future: Durable, Sustainable, Resilient – Proc. of fib Symposium 2023, 05.–07.06.2023 in Istanbul (Turkey), publ. in: Lecture Notes in Civil Engineering, Vol 350, Cham: Springer, p. 1449–1458 – DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-32511-3_148