An innovative fabrication process from rolled helicoidal steel strips

Nicolas Leduc, Jean François Caron, Cyril Douthe, Bernard Vaudeville, Simon Aubry, Karine Leempoels, Jean Pierre Tahay, Laurent Hauswirth

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

“Metal Euplectella Folie” is a prototype which explores an innovative design and manufacturing method for free-form architecture. Four 40m long by 0.4m wide by 1.5mm thick steel sheets, each cut to a unique pattern and then spiral-wrapped, form a sculptural tube assembled without the need for any adjustment, plans or jigs. This experimental construction is inspired both by the structural concept of the deep-sea sponge “Euplectella Aspergillum” - a thin-walled shell stiffened by helicoidal fins - and by the industrial process for fabricating helicoidal pipes - manufactured by wrapping a continuous strip of constant width. By adopting a strip of variable width, a new range of potential forms may be explored. This shaping process takes advantage of the property of developable surfaces that allows complex three-dimensional objects to be formed from flat cut shapes by simple bending.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIABSE Symposium, Nantes 2018
Subtitle of host publicationTomorrow's Megastructures
PublisherInternational Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
PagesS29-23-S29-30
ISBN (Electronic)9783857481611
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2018
Externally publishedYes
Event40th IABSE Symposium in Nantes 2018: Tomorrow's Megastructures - Nantes, France
Duration: 19 Sept 201821 Sept 2018

Publication series

NameIABSE Symposium, Nantes 2018: Tomorrow's Megastructures

Conference

Conference40th IABSE Symposium in Nantes 2018: Tomorrow's Megastructures
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityNantes
Period19/09/1821/09/18

Keywords

  • Architectural geometry
  • Developable surfaces
  • Elastic bending
  • Innovative process
  • Spiral tube

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