Fabric Forms Systems for Reinforced Concrete Beams
Disciplines
Architectural Engineering | Civil Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
This study delved into the application of flexible formwork in the casting of reinforced concrete beams. Conventionally, formworks have been constructed from rigid materials such as steel or wood. This has led to the creation of prismatic members that prioritize simplicity in construction over efficient material usage. By employing flexible forms, it becomes possible to fashion more optimized shapes. Beams cast using flexible formwork have demonstrated the potential to reduce material consumption by up to 30 percent, all while maintaining equivalent strength. The process involved testing various fabrics in conjunction with the formwork rigging, which exerted pressure on the concrete to assume the desired shape. Additionally, 3D-printed components were introduced into the fabric to aid in shape optimization. The casting of the beam utilized self-consolidating concrete to minimize vibrations during operations and engage the fabric under hydrostatic pressure. The beams underwent testing in a four-point bending configuration, from which data were gathered to compare the strength and failure modes of the fabric beam with that of a conventional prismatic control beam. The findings revealed that conventional reinforcement poses challenges when dealing with the intricate shapes produced by flexible formwork, resulting in alterations to the failure mode. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanical behavior of reinforcement and outlines the necessary adjustments to achieve a ductile behavior.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CACM - Architecture
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Giovanni Loreto
Fabric Forms Systems for Reinforced Concrete Beams
This study delved into the application of flexible formwork in the casting of reinforced concrete beams. Conventionally, formworks have been constructed from rigid materials such as steel or wood. This has led to the creation of prismatic members that prioritize simplicity in construction over efficient material usage. By employing flexible forms, it becomes possible to fashion more optimized shapes. Beams cast using flexible formwork have demonstrated the potential to reduce material consumption by up to 30 percent, all while maintaining equivalent strength. The process involved testing various fabrics in conjunction with the formwork rigging, which exerted pressure on the concrete to assume the desired shape. Additionally, 3D-printed components were introduced into the fabric to aid in shape optimization. The casting of the beam utilized self-consolidating concrete to minimize vibrations during operations and engage the fabric under hydrostatic pressure. The beams underwent testing in a four-point bending configuration, from which data were gathered to compare the strength and failure modes of the fabric beam with that of a conventional prismatic control beam. The findings revealed that conventional reinforcement poses challenges when dealing with the intricate shapes produced by flexible formwork, resulting in alterations to the failure mode. This study provides valuable insights into the mechanical behavior of reinforcement and outlines the necessary adjustments to achieve a ductile behavior.