Author(s): Carvalho, João ; Cruz, Paulo J. S. ; Figueiredo, Bruno
Date: 2025
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10773/44742
Origin: RIA - Repositório Institucional da Universidade de Aveiro
Subject(s): Ceramic; Additive manufacturing; Hybrid construction systems; Topological optimization
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in research exploring the application of additive manufacturing (AM) technologies to produce architectural components, opening a realm of new possibilities. This heightened interest has spurred the emergence of novel fields of research, the introduction of new materials, and the exploration of innovative applications for existing ones. The utilization of digital design tools and AM in the creation of architectural components has facilitated the development of highly sophisticated constructive systems, seamlessly integrated into specific contexts to address unique challenges. The outcome is the realization of distinctive solutions that boast both high geometric freedom and exceptional material performance. Expanding on these concepts, this study is dedicated to harnessing the potential of digital design and AM to construct advanced systems centred on ceramic materials. While ceramics exhibit remarkable resistance to compressive stresses, they may exhibit relative weakness in other mechanical stress types. To address this, the developed constructive system advocates for the incorporation of complementary materials, strategically employed to mitigate the inherent weaknesses of the primary ceramic material. Through the strategic distribution of materials based on a structural scheme achieved through topological optimization, a hybrid system is created, allowing each material to function optimally under specific conditions. Furthermore, the integration of principles of design for assembly and disassembly (DFAD) ensures that this system is fully reversible and highly repairable. All components can be easily replaced in the event of damage, minimizing constraints. Consequently, the combined use of these materials and processes — from design to production — culminates in a constructive system that optimizes the type and quantity of materials employed, thereby contributing to a more sustainable built environment.
