Design and construction of a shell-nexorade hybrid timber structure

Cyril Douthe (1) , Romain Mesnil (1) , Olivier Baverel (2) , Tristan Gobin (1) , Xavier Tellier (1) , Nicolas Ducoulombier (1) , Nicolas Montagne (1)

1 navier umr 8205 - Laboratoire Navier
2 msa - Matériaux et Structures Architecturés

This paper presents the design and fabrication of an innovative structure, spanning 6.5m with a structural thickness of 12cm. The structural system derives from nexorades, also called reciprocal frames by some authors, obtained by a novel form-finding method based upon translation of the edges. It also allows for the covering with planar facets if the geometry before transformation is covered with planar facets. This property is used for the pavilion, covered with planar timber panels used as bracing elements. The benefit of this structural system, called shell-nexorade hybrid is discussed through a comparative study between the braced and un-braced nexorade (the stiffness is multiplied by ten adding only 30% mass). Finally, the fabrication process, achieved through robotized milling of the beams, is shown, illustrating the potential of pluri-disciplinary approach for conceptual design.

Keywords: 3Dphotogrammetry; timber pavilion; Nexorade; reciprocal frame; PQMesh; form finding; robotised manufacturing

Domains: Structural mechanics [physics.class-ph]; Automatic

Cyril Douthe, Romain Mesnil, Olivier Baverel, Tristan Gobin, Xavier Tellier, et al.. Design and construction of a shell-nexorade hybrid timber structure. IASS Annual Symposium 2018 Creativity in Structural Design (IASS 2018), Jul 2018, Boston, MA, United States. ⟨hal-01852280⟩