Force-Flow Based 3D Printing of Structural Elements Inspired by the Traditional Architecture of Cross-Vaults (2023-11)¶

The cross-vaults appear in the traditional architecture of Cyprus and are valuable source of inspiration for the design and 3D Printing (3DP) of structures with prevailing compressive strength under vertical loads, but also without the use of supports or formworks leading to material waste and environmental impact reduction. To achieve their effective 3DP, the current work suggests a methodology that involves: a) digital capturing and morphological analysis of their shape using photogrammetry, b) stress analysis and force-flow identification of the structures based on Finite Element Analysis (FEA), c) slicing and toolpath development in a close relation to the direction of force- flows, and d) 3DP implementation based on planar and non-planar printing. Results provide useful information regarding the possibility of using the example of cross-vault structural elements in the development of new morphologies with prevailing compressive strength, contributing significantly to their rapid and sustainable construction using 3DP.