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A Modular Interlocking Element for Material-Efficient Stereotomy Construction

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Abstract

In the last decade, research interest in digital stereotomy has been renewed, with efficiency as a popular objective. However, along with a mainstream focus on full customization, comes a paradox of efficient design yet inefficient fabrication. Provoked by this situation, the potential of modular stereotomy is explored here. By utilizing a parametric design approach and rapid additive prototyping method, sequential experiments were executed to test seventy variations of units. As a result, a clear workflow and an optimized design were generated and used to form a modular stereotomy construction. Finally, efficiency was achieved from three standpoints: main material efficiency through complete modularity, supporting material efficiency through total elimination of shims and up to 91% reduction in falsework, and material use-value maximization through an easy assembly of form and a selection of up to six different constructional strategies to build arches with similar shape and volume.

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Acknowledgements

Funding for this research is provided by Universitas Gadjah Mada. All images are by the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Architecture and Planning, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Grafika no 2, Sinduadi, Sleman, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

    Nabila Afif, Nur Zahrotunnisaa Zagi, Agus Hariyadi & Annisa Putri Cinderakasih

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  1. Nabila Afif
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  2. Nur Zahrotunnisaa Zagi
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  3. Agus Hariyadi
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  4. Annisa Putri Cinderakasih
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Correspondence to Nabila Afif.

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Afif, N., Zagi, N.Z., Hariyadi, A. et al. A Modular Interlocking Element for Material-Efficient Stereotomy Construction. Nexus Netw J 24, 103–145 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-021-00577-6

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