Welcome to the home of 3DMBC
The group focuses on the development of optimised and reusable steel connections for modular building systems (MBS) aiming to embrace resilience and sustainability in the construction sector.
The work integrates simulation-based engineering science combined with large and full-scale experimental methods for optimising the structural and material performance. Current topics include structural topology optimisation (STO) for material reduction and design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) together with member size optimisation for tall modular buildings.
3D PRINTING
3D printing has been described as very disruptive and although it rapidly rose to fame in various industries since the beginning of the previous decade, the construction industry is still dominated by old-fashioned construction operations.
MODULAR BUILDINGS
With an expected increase in world population to some 8.5 billion people by 2026 and the need for ever-increasing living standards, coupled with the imperative of sustainable and resilient improvements in the built environment, a cost-effective ‘green’ construction sector is in high demand.
Connections
The behaviour of a structural system is very much dependent on how its members are connected to each other. The properties of connections are a long-standing problem under investigation and have been scrutinised by many researchers to the point that is difficult to have one solution that fits to all problems.
Aim
The aim of this project is to design and test computationally and physically newly optimised 3D printed connections for modular building systems in order to understand their structural behaviours and practicability.
Objectives
The core objective of the project is to recognise the design limitations of the current modular construction, and thus design innovative connection prototypes in terms of adaptability and flexibility in handling and installation.
Advanced structural topology multi-objective optimisation tools and methodologies are employed to develop such prototyped designs. Some connection components are 3D printed, following examination of their metallic alloys and material mechanical properties. The final products are structurally assessed through static and fatigue laboratory testing simulating normal and extreme loading conditions. Another objective of this study is to develop installation, maintenance and dismantling practices tackling the challenge of modular co-ordination to eliminating risks and fostering reuse.
Research questions
How can we improve time and efficiency of the delivery of construction projects through innovative connection and member design?
How can we best use advanced emerging technologies (e.g., BIM, RFID-tags, integrated sensors, to name a few) to add value in the design and manufacturing of such connections?
Potential benefits
The benefits of additive manufacturing are widely discussed but transforming it into a successful industrial or end-user product is a challenge to all disciplines along the product development process.
Designers and engineers need strategies to identify the right components, tools, and methods for an efficient design process for using the freedom of design to create benefits for users as well as for the manufacturer. Production engineers have to assess Manufacturing Readiness Levels, implement AM machines into the existing production chain, ensure an efficient operation and establish quality assurance and control mechanisms. Examples for AM-specific topics on the economic side make-or-buy-decisions, supply chain organisation, new business models and converting Unique Selling Propositions will be investigated.
Funders
