| Title |
Design and Fabrication Strategies for Bending-Active Plates Utilizing Large-Scale Continuous Fiber Composites |
| Authors |
김승일(Kim, Seungil) ; 황광은(Hwang, Gwangeun) ; 김동일(Kim, Dongil) |
| DOI |
https://doi.org/10.5659/JAIK.2025.41.7.251 |
| Keywords |
Bending Active Plates; Large-Scale Continuous Fiber Composites; Material Computation; Reciprocal Design Process; Digital Fabrication |
| Abstract |
This study presents a form-finding and fabrication methodology for large-scale bending-active structures using continuous fiber composites.
Bending-active structures leverage the elastic deformation of flat and flexible materials to achieve freeform curved geometries. Traditional
methods using metals, plastics, or fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) often encounter scalability challenges due to assembly requirements of
multiple elements. To address this, the proposed strategy utilizes continuous fiber composites to construct bending-active surfaces from single
flat sheets, enhancing both structural integrity and construction efficiency. Based on a literature review, the study analyzes the form-finding
principles of active bending plates and the properties of continuous fiber composites to derive an optimal reinforcement strategy. Based on a
literature review of form-finding principles and composite properties, two reinforcement strategies were developed: surfacial reinforcement to
increase panel rigidity and topological reinforcement to improve global stability. These strategies were assessed through digital simulations and
physical prototyping. A full-scale, vertically self-supporting pavilion was constructed to test real-world applicability, with performance
compared to similar precedents. The results demonstrate that combining surfacial and topological reinforcement effectively reduces structural
weaknesses, enabling the formation of stable, three-dimensional geometries. This approach streamlines material processing, shortens construction
timelines, simplifies transportation and assembly, all while minimizing complexity. The proposed methodology expands the architectural
application of continuous fiber composites, offering a structurally and economically efficient solution for large-span or geometrically complex
structures, while contributing to sustainable construction practices through material optimization. |