Variable Casting of Voussoirs for a Stereotomic Shell

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2018-04-30

Authors

Pedro Azambuja Varela (Author) FAUP; José Pedro Sousa (Author) FAUP

Journal

Title: Nexus Network Journal

Vol. 20

Pages: 627-644

ISSN: 1590-5896

Publisher: KIM WILLIAMS BOOKS

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00P-Z0A

DOI: 10.1007/s00004-018-0382-z

Abstract (EN): The project for an acoustic shell in the Italian city of Matera was looked as an opportunity to explore an alternative stereotomic approach. The semi-vaulted space was initially thought to be built with discrete blocks of stone following a structural system in compression bounded by tie-rods, but practical and economic sustainability issues led to a different approach to that of classic cutting and carving raw stone. The collaboration between two different research teams led to the incorporation of a reusable mold technology; with the help of robotic technology and flexible moulding, it became possible to create customized heavy blocks discarding the need for disposable one-off moulds for casting voussoirs. By surveying stereotomy as a classic discipline within the scope of this project, this paper extrapolates and reflects on the validation of a different production process facing the classic ones that have defined stereotomy in architecture and construction.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18