01 Fakultät Architektur und Stadtplanung

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://elib.uni-stuttgart.de/handle/11682/2

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Institute: search.filters.UBSInstitut.Institut für Tragkonstruktionen und Konstruktives EntwerfenAuthor: search.filters.author.Spyridonos, Evgenia

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Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Tensegrity FlaxSeat : exploring the application of unidirectional natural fiber biocomposite profiles in a tensegrity configuration as a concept for architectural applications
    (2024) Renner, Markus; Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
    Material selection is crucial for advancing sustainability in the building sector. While composites have become popular, biocomposites play a pivotal role in raising awareness of materials deriving from biomass resources. This study presents a new linear biocomposite profile, fabricated using pultrusion technology, a continuous process for producing endless fiber-reinforced composites with consistent cross-sections. The developed profiles are made from flax fibers and a plant-based resin. This paper focuses on the application of these profiles in tensegrity systems, which combine compression and tension elements to achieve equilibrium. In this study, the biocomposite profiles were used as compression elements, leveraging their properties. The methods include geometrical development using physical and digital models to optimize the geometry based on material properties and dimensions. A parametric algorithm including physics simulations was developed for this purpose. Further investigations explore material options for tension members and connections, as well as assembly processes. The results include several prototypes on different scales. Initially, the basic tensegrity principle was built and explored. The lessons learned were applied in a final prototype of 1.5 m on a furniture scale, specifically a chair, integrating a hanging membrane serving as a seat. This structure validates the developed system, proving the feasibility of employing biocomposite profiles in tensegrity configurations. Furthermore, considerations for scaling up the systems to an architectural level are discussed, highlighting the potential to enhance sustainability through the use of renewable and eco-friendly building materials, while promoting tensegrity design applications.
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    Bio-modules : mycelium-based composites forming a modular interlocking system through a computational design towards sustainable architecture
    (2023) Abdelhady, Omar; Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
    In a resource-constrained world, raising awareness about the development of eco-friendly alternative materials is critical for ensuring a more sustainable future. Mycelium-based composites (MBC) and their diverse applications are gaining popularity as regenerative, biodegradable, and lightweight alternatives. This research aims to broaden the design potentials of MBC in order to construct advanced systems towards a novel material culture in architecture. The proposed design method intends to explore the design and fabrication of small-scale components of MBC to be applied in modular systems. Mycelium-based modular components are being developed to fulfill the geometrical requirements that allow for the creation of a lightweight system without additional reinforcement. The modules are linked together using an interlocking system. Through computational design and form-finding methods, various arrangements of the modules are achieved. An initial prototype of five modules is created to demonstrate the ability of the system to form various geometrical configurations as a result of the used workflow. The proposed application aims to expand the scope of the use of mycelium-based composites in modular systems and to promote architectural applications using bio-based composite materials.
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    Mycomerge : fabrication of mycelium-based natural fiber reinforced composites on a rattan framework
    (2022) Nguyen, Mai Thi; Solueva, Daniela; Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
    There is an essential need for a change in the way we build our physical environment. To prevent our ecosystems from collapsing, raising awareness of already available bio-based materials is vital. Mycelium, a living fungal organism, has the potential to replace conventional materials, having the ability to act as a binding agent of various natural fibers, such as hemp, flax, or other agricultural waste products. This study aims to showcase mycelium’s load-bearing capacities when reinforced with bio-based materials and specifically natural fibers, in an alternative merging design approach. Counteracting the usual fabrication techniques, the proposed design method aims to guide mycelium’s growth on a natural rattan framework that serves as a supportive structure for the mycelium substrate and its fiber reinforcement. The rattan skeleton is integrated into the finished composite product, where both components merge, forming a fully biodegradable unit. Using digital form-finding tools, the geometry of a compressive structure is computed. The occurring multi-layer biobased component can support a load beyond 20 times its own weight. An initial physical prototype in furniture scale is realized. Further applications in architectural scale are studied and proposed.
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    Application of natural fibre pultruded profiles in diverse lightweight structures and architectural scenarios
    (2024) Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
    Reevaluating the materials that shape our built environment holds significant importance for sustainable construction. This research introduces newly developed natural fibre pultruded profiles, composed of flax fibres and bio-resin, customised for specific properties and targeted applications. Engineered to withstand both bending and compression loads, these profiles have been subjected to rigorous mechanical testing to demonstrate their compression and flexural strength, as well as flexibility. The emphasis lies on the bottom-up design approach, guiding the creation of applications suitable for this innovative material in various lightweight structures. The paper presents a series of case studies showcasing the use of biocomposite profiles in diverse design and structural contexts. The initial focus was on active-bending structures, highlighting the material’s flexibility, showcased at a ten-metre span structure, the first large-scale demonstrator. However, given the material’s versatile properties, it is suitable for a wide range of other applications. Key case studies discussed include reciprocal, tensegrity and deployable structures, as well as modular planar or space frame systems. These profiles offer a sustainable and versatile alternative to traditional materials and composites, providing innovative and eco-friendly construction solutions while contributing to industry sustainability goals.
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    Biocomposite natural fibre pultruded profiles and application possibilities in architecture : case-studies in lightweight structures
    (Stuttgart: Institut für Tragkonstruktionen und Konstruktives Entwerfen, Universität Stuttgart, 2025) Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa (Assoc. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Arch)
    The selection of materials in the construction industry plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability goals. Material selection through natural resources is constrained, and therefore, attention has shifted towards the development of novel materials. Fibre-reinforced polymer composites can be reliable substitutes for conventional building materials, particularly because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, which can also reduce material waste. While synthetic fibres, such as glass and carbon, are commonly employed in construction, there is a growing trend toward more sustainable material resources, with increased usage of natural fibres. Natural fibres are derived from various sources, with plant fibres being the most popular due to their high strength, low density, and accessibility as cost-effective agricultural by-products. This study discusses the creation and evaluation of the LeichtPRO-Profiles, pultruded biocomposites intended to be integrated into structural systems as load-bearing elements. Pultrusion, a technology for manufacturing linear fibre-reinforced composites, is a well-established, reliable method. This study explores the optimisation of pultrusion technology through a multidisciplinary co-development approach, examining alternative fibres like flax and hemp and presenting an optimised matrix formulation tailored to specific applications. The study elaborates on the composition and performance of these natural fibre pultruded profiles, showcasing their mechanical capabilities through rigorous experimentation and testing. A primary objective is the application of the profiles in active-bending structures, emphasising the significance of understanding the material's bending behaviour. The most significant case study is a 10-metre-span active-bending structure, the first large-scale structural demonstrator implementing the new material. Nevertheless, additional mechanical and small-scale physical tests confirmed that their structural performance suits a range of other applications. This is demonstrated through several prototypes encompassing applications such as reciprocal, tensegrity, and deployable structures. The extensive case studies presented in this work showcase the applicability of this product to a wide range of applications spanning various scales and thematic contexts. The properties of the developed pultruded profiles demonstrate their suitability for multiple applications, paving the way for their market availability and development of similar biocomposite products.
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    Delta IXI: deployable structure with flax fibre pultruded profiles for architectural applications : case studies in furniture and adaptive facade systems
    (2025) Courarie-Delage, Indiana; Spyridonos, Evgenia; Dahy, Hanaa
    Material selection is essential for advancing sustainability in construction. Biocomposites contribute significantly to raising the awareness of materials derived from biomass. This paper explores the design development and application of novel natural fibre pultruded biocomposite profiles in a deployable system. Development methods include geometrical studies to create a system that transforms from flat to three-dimensional. Physical and digital models were used to refine the geometry, while connection elements were designed to suit material properties and deployability requirements. The first case study, at a furniture scale, demonstrates the use of the profiles connected using threading methods to create a lightweight multifunctional deployable system enabling easy transport and storage. This system can be locked at various heights for different purposes. The realised structure weighs 4 kg, supporting weights up to 150 kg. The second case study applies the system architecturally in an adaptive kinetic facade, adjusting to the sun’s position for optimal shading, providing up to 70% daylight when open and as little as 20% when closed. These two structures validate the developed deployable system, showcasing the versatility of biocomposite profiles in such configurations. This approach enhances sustainability in architecture by enabling lightweight, adaptable, and eco-friendly building solutions.