#fabric formwork

Concrete box culverts may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about construction, but their impact is far-reaching and essential for various projects. These versatile structures allow the seamless flow of water under roadways, railways, and other obstructions, playing a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and environmental sustainability of construction processes. In this blog post, we delve into the diverse applications of concrete box culverts and shed light on their advantages in different construction scenarios.

Diverse Shapes and Sizes:

Concrete culverts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including box, round, flat-bottomed, elliptical, and even pear-shaped. This versatility ensures that the appropriate culvert can be selected for any construction situation. For instance, concrete box culverts serve as utility tunnels during construction, accommodating the uninterrupted flow of electricity, water, and sewer lines.

Strength and Load Capacity:

One of the key advantages of concrete box culverts is their exceptional strength. They can meet or exceed the required load capacity for various projects, supporting construction activities to commence promptly.

Weather-Resistant Installation:

Concrete box culverts can be installed in any weather condition, thanks to the precast manufacturing process. Harsh weather conditions, rain, and temperature variations won't impact installation, providing a reliable solution regardless of the environment.

Budget and Eco-Friendly Advantages:

 Precast concrete box culverts require fewer workers and hours for installation, resulting in cost savings. Additionally, the eco-friendly nature of concrete culverts contributes to decreased environmental impact. These factors make concrete box culverts a budget-friendly and sustainable choice for construction projects.

Versatile Applications:

Concrete box culverts find applications in various construction scenarios, including roads, highways, railroads, and utility tunnels. They serve as communication lines, power conduits, and water and wastewater tunnels, ensuring the seamless integration of essential services during and after construction.

Concrete box culverts, with their strength, versatility, and eco-friendly attributes, emerge as indispensable components in modern construction. From roads and highways to railroads and utility tunnels, these structures play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of construction projects. As we continue to unlock the potential of concrete box culverts, their versatility and advantages will undoubtedly shape the future of construction.

One of the key elements of my thesis project is the development of a fabrication technique that embodies tectonic forces, can create optimal structural forms, and is attractive/tactile. Instead of Architecture relying on simple post-and-beam logic, (Le Corbusier's Domino system/Chicago frame) with architects providing an attractive facade. My thesis argues for a structure that is incorporated to the very core of the building design and concept. I have been looking at fabric formed concrete, as a technique, which holds much potential, but its weakness is its difficulty for architects to use. I have been scripting a solution to how to model fabric formwork, so that it can be utilized as a building tool, so far I have embedded the forming with material elasticity, and potential inflation. I have developed a fabrication system from splitting the mesh, flattening it, cutting and stitching and then suspending it on given co-ordinates. The following prototypes are simple experiments developed by hand (no algorithmic system yet) that embody the static forces acting upon them. I also wanted to see what the limits/potential problems could be for the system. All models are around 600mm tall. Static Prototype #1

This simple column shows the static forces acting upon the wet concrete as it sets. The column bulges at the bottom with the fabric’s elasticity. A thin mid cross-section gives the imagery of a bone. The scarring of the surface, making evident the fabrication process also enhances tactility. Static Prototype #2

While the form is slightly arbitrary, (no effort was made for structural form) this prototype displays the self-optimizing nature of wet concrete. The concrete bulges at the branching points, adding strength where it is needed. This model is very lopsided, but because it was hung vertically it is perfectly in balance, and sits on a 20mm wide base. Static Prototype #3

Details of LBDS's latest fabric formwork tests... 

Our own first few fabric formwork tests...

Image 1: test for a sink bottom