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Constraint-Based Form-Finding of Space Trusses for Injection 3D Concrete Printing Through Vector-Based Graphic Statics (2025-03)

10.1016/j.addma.2025.104751

 Xiao Yinan,  Hack Norman,  Kloft Harald,  Lowke Dirk,  Mai (née Dressler) Inka,  D'Acunto Pierluigi
Journal Article - Additive Manufacturing, No. 104751

Abstract

This paper presents a form-finding approach for Injection 3D Concrete Printing (I3DCP) using Vector-based Graphic Statics (VGS). This approach adopts a top-down strategy, initiating a preliminary global design in the form of a space truss and integrating structural and fabrication constraints specific to I3DCP. A form-dependent self-weight load is applied throughout the form-finding process until the structure achieves static equilibrium. As the current I3DCP setup is mounted on a robotic arm with a stationary base, the feasibility of the designed structure for I3DCP is assessed, ensuring compatibility with the robotic arm’s workspace. Structures exceeding the workspace boundaries are segmented and individually optimised, subject to topological and geometrical constraints. The optimised segments are then merged into a single assembly to complete the process. This approach is demonstrated through the design and construction of a 3-metre-span pedestrian bridge. This prototype is 3D scanned and then analysed via the finite element method to evaluate its mechanical performance.

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4 Citations

  1. Jacobi Ando, Zöllner Jan-Phillip, Hack Norman, Mai (née Dressler) Inka (2025-12)
    Encasement of Pre-Placed Reinforcement in Injection 3D Concrete Printing:
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  4. Xiao Yinan, Vandenberg Aileen, Lowke Dirk, Mai (née Dressler) Inka et al. (2025-08)
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BibTeX 
@article{xiao_hack_klof_lowk.2025.CBFFoSTfI3CPTVBGS,
  author            = "Yinan Xiao and Norman Peter Hack and Harald Kloft and Dirk Lowke and Inka Mai (née Dressler) and Pierluigi D'Acunto",
  title             = "Constraint-Based Form-Finding of Space Trusses for Injection 3D Concrete Printing Through Vector-Based Graphic Statics",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.addma.2025.104751",
  year              = "2025",
  journal           = "Additive Manufacturing",
  pages             = "104751",
}
Formatted Citation

Y. Xiao, N. P. Hack, H. Kloft, D. Lowke, I. M. (née Dressler) and P. D'Acunto, “Constraint-Based Form-Finding of Space Trusses for Injection 3D Concrete Printing Through Vector-Based Graphic Statics”, Additive Manufacturing, p. 104751, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.addma.2025.104751.

Xiao, Yinan, Norman Peter Hack, Harald Kloft, Dirk Lowke, Inka Mai (née Dressler), and Pierluigi D'Acunto. “Constraint-Based Form-Finding of Space Trusses for Injection 3D Concrete Printing Through Vector-Based Graphic Statics”. Additive Manufacturing, 2025, 104751. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addma.2025.104751.