INTERLOCKING CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM OF 3D PRINTED CLAY COMPONENTS
Open Access
Author:
Tithi, Kamrun Naher
Graduate Program:
Architecture
Degree:
Master of Science
Document Type:
Master Thesis
Date of Defense:
April 08, 2019
Committee Members:
Jose M Pinto Duarte, Thesis Advisor/Co-Advisor Shadi Nazarian, Committee Member Benay Gursoy Toykoc, Committee Member Tom Lauerman, Committee Member
Keywords:
3D printed clay component Interlocking construction system Mortar-less construction Re-usable interlocking blocks Mass-customization
Abstract:
With the rapid population growth in urban areas, the demand for housing is constantly increasing. Due to land scarcity, there is a trend to demolish existing low-rise buildings to replace with high-rise ones. This deconstruction process produces a considerable amount of non-recyclable waste that is harmful for the environment.
The goal of this research is to develop an interlocking construction system where the construction components can be assembled without the use of mortar and disassembled without producing waste. 3D printing enables the fabrication of bespoke designs with intricate details and varying material properties. In this research, I explore design and fabrication strategies for 3D printing interlocking construction components using clay. I present 1) design alternatives for interlocking construction components that are suitable for 3D printing, 2) strategies for 3D printing the construction components using different tools and materials, and 3) a system to assemble the construction components into small-scale housing units.
