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Folded CLT structures - Developments in design and assembly strategies

Article · January 2012

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FOLDED CLT STRUCTURES – DEVELOPMENTS IN DESIGN
AND ASSEMBLY STRATEGIES

Stefan Jaksch1, Wolfgang Winter2, Tamir Pixner3

ABSTRACT: Using cross-laminated timber (CLT) for folded surface structures enables a high degree of constructional
efficiency and enables designers to create large span structures and reduce weight of structural components at the same
time. We present results from our ongoing research activities in this field and describe strategies for prefabrication, safe
transport and assembly as well as developments for both fixed and articulated joint details that are usable in folded CLT
structures. Findings are applied to an experimental building design, which will be realized in the near future.

KEYWORDS: folded surface structure, cross-laminated timber, articulated joint, transport, assembly process

1 INTRODUCTION 123 A simple comparison of a FSS and a beam (using equal

depth, spans, material amount and properties) shows that
The structural behaviour of folded surface structures both deflections and stresses are almost equal – values
(FSS – shapes that are formed by folding processes of are just slightly lower for the beam, mainly due to the
flat surfaces) can be characterized as a combination of beam having fewer degrees of freedom compared to the
slab-like (load perpendicular to plane) and plate-like corresponding FSS (Figure 1).
(load parallel to plane) behaviour [1].
The combination of cross-laminated timber (CLT) with
construction principles of FSS promises to be an
efficient way of building lightweight, large span timber
constructions.

2 GEOMETRY & CONSTRUCTIONAL

EFFICIENCY
Besides more complex geometric shapes for FSS that
have been described in the literature, e.g. in [1,2], we
concentrate on simple, single-fold systems in this
research.
Advantages of a roof design using FSS and CLT
elements have been mentioned in [3]: besides the fact, Figure 1: Comparing a simple FSS and a single span
that constructions of this type can easily span 15-20 m beam in a finite element simulation
without columns, they offer a high degree of
prefabrication, short assembly times and weather Similar synergetic effects can be anticipated when using
protection of the construction underneath. such a simple FSS not only horizontally (as “beam
replacement”), but also for slender shear wall elements
1
Stefan Jaksch, Institute of Architectural Sciences: Department that serve as column and bracing system at the same time
of Structural Design and Timber Engineering, Faculty of (cf. [4]).
Architecture and Planning, Vienna University of Technology.
Email: jaksch@iti.tuwien.ac.at 3 DESIGN STRATEGIES
2
Wolfgang Winter, Institute of Architectural Sciences:
Department of Structural Design and Timber Engineering, 3.1 REQUIREMENTS IN DETAIL DESIGN
Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Vienna University of
Technology. Email: winter@iti.tuwien.ac.at Standard CLT connection details (cf. [3]) can be used
3
Tamir Pixner, Institute of Architectural Sciences: Department when the structural components forming a FSS shall be
of Structural Design and Timber Engineering, Faculty of assembled on site. In contrast, the use of hinged
Architecture and Planning, Vienna University of Technology. connection details in this context allows for foldable
Email: pixner@iti.tuwien.ac.at
 components that may be especially suitable for space
efficient transport.
Articulated joints, however, pose a challenge to
structural design, e.g. due to possible stability problems.
Furthermore, dimensions of CLT components are limited
by the capabilities of manufacturing machines, resulting
in the need for rigid connection details that enable
designers to overcome these dimension limits. This calls
for the development of appropriate connection details
and efficient methods for dimensioning.
3.2 PREFABRICATION & ASSEMBLY
Prefabricating CLT elements using CAD/CAM methods
and CNC milling technology is nowadays a common
practice. Requirements in our experimental building
design (cf. following section) include fitting
prefabricated components into a standard cargo container
(measuring 12 x 2.3 x 2.7 m³). Some of the designed
edge details are therefore being planned with cold-
formed, thin steel plates – featuring both a quick method
of assembly and protection of the delicate edges of CLT
elements.
REFERENCES
[1] Jaksch S., Sedlak V. A Foldable Umbrella Structure
- Developments and Experiences. International
Journal of Space Structures, 26(1):1-18, 2011.
[2] Buri H., Weinand Y. ORIGAMI – Folded Plate
Structures, Architecture. Proceedings of the 10th
World Conference on Timber Engineering,
Miyazaki, Japan, 2008.
[3] Schickhofer G., Bogensperger T., Moosbrugger T.:
BSPhandbuch Holz-Massivbauweise in Brettsperr-
holz. Verlag der Technischen Universität Graz, Graz
(Austria), 2010.
[4] Tavoussi K., Winter W., Pixner T. Development of
earthquake bracing systems for multi-storey
buildings using slender shear wall elements in cross-
laminated timber (CLT). Proceedings of the 10th
World Conference on Timber Engineering,
Miyazaki, Japan, 2008.
[5] Photograph by FAR frohn&rojas Ltda, Manuel
Montt 1684, Providencia, Santiago, Chile. 2010.

4 CASE STUDY PROJECT

An experimental residential building near Santiago de
Chile was planned in cooperation with a German-
Chilean architecture firm [5] and shall be erected soon.
The design is based on CLT wall elements that build up
a “bridge” carrying a roof that is cutting across these
walls. The roof structure is made up of folded CLT
panels cantilevering on both sides of the building (up to
7m).

Figure 2: Design model [5] showing the cantilevering

FSS

The design strategies described in the preceding sections

are of substantial interest for this project. As there is no
producer of CLT in Chile, prefabrication of all timber
parts and corresponding details is planned to be done in
Austria with subsequent shipping to Chile via container.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The design of the experimental building described in this
work was developed in cooperation with FAR Architects
Berlin/Santiago de Chile.

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