Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

From a chemical perspective, polymers are materials composed of numerous molecular chains, either synthetic or natural. Synthetic polymers, including plastics, are among the most prevalent environmental contaminants due to their durability and widespread use. However, recycling plastics can be both profitable and sustainable, as they are inexpensive, lightweight, and abundant. This research paper compares the design and fabrication of building blocks using recycled polymer materials, employing two fabrication methods: a traditional mold/press process and 3D printing with varying infill percentages. A simple building block was designed, and three prototypes were fabricated and tested. The first prototype was fabricated by compressing pulverized waste PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material into molded sheets using hit press machine, which were then laser-cut into precise dimensions and manually assembled into a brick. This method resulted in low structural strength and required extensive production time. The second prototype, produced via 3D printing, demonstrated improved performance but exhibited some structural deficiencies. The third prototype, also 3D printed with 90% infill, exhibited the highest structural integrity in press tests but required significantly longer production times due to increased weight and material usage. The findings underscore the need for optimization through numerical simulation techniques, such as finite element analysis, to enhance the performance and efficiency of recycled polymer composites. This study highlights the potential of integrating recycled plastics into sustainable construction practices, addressing both environmental and structural engineering challenges.

Detail

doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

The global plastic pollution crisis is a pressing issue that demands urgent and innovative solutions. In recent years, the integration of 3D printing technology in the construction sector, particularly in large-scale projects using recycled plastics has shown promise. However, a significant gap remains in understanding the structural behavior of such materials during the design process. This is further complicated by many architects’ limited familiarity with 3D printing technology, which hinders its broader adoption in architectural design. This paper presents a study focused on simulating and evaluating the structural behavior of 3D-printed stairs mounted on a steel framework. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the performance of stairs fabricated from recycled plastic is investigated. The methodology involves designing stair elements in the Grasshopper environment, setting up the FEA model, and conducting simulations in Abaqus. Key steps include defining material properties and cross-sections, generating the mesh, applying boundary conditions based on the European Organization for Technical Approvals (ETAG 008), and running the analysis. The results of the FEA will guide iterative adjustments to the printing setup, aiming to optimize the final design. This study aims to demonstrate how architects can effectively use FEA tools to evaluate their designs, particularly through examining stress distribution and spatial displacement. The findings offer valuable insights into the mechanical response of large-scale 3D-printed plastic components, highlighting their potential for diverse applications in sustainable construction.

Detail

doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental concern over the past decade. Much research has been conducted to address the issue of plastic waste. In the construction sector, the use of plastic as a construction material appears promising, and sand-plastic composites have demonstrated great potential in construction applications. However, these solutions have shown some limitations in the design process, primarily highlighted by challenges in data exchange. In this paper, we present a process that architects can use to analyse their designs incorporating sand-plastic elements and adjust them based on numerical simulation results. Additionally, we address the interoperability challenges between Rhino and Revit by proposing a Dynamo script capable of generating a Revit model with native Revit family components based on a Rhino model. The methodology involves analysing the design and transferring data from Rhino to Revit using the developed Dynamo script. The resulting Revit model demonstrates significant potential, and the proposed process can be applied to various types of construction systems. However, the current script is unable to generate elements with complex shapes, and future research will focus on overcoming this limitation.

Detail

Ing. Aleš Marek, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování, 15123 Ústav stavitelství I

The Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry has significantly advanced with the development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. However, AEC companies continue to face challenges related to interoperability and collaboration due to the heterogeneous nature of software tools. Various alternatives, such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), have been employed to address these issues, but their effectiveness remains limited. In current practice, many architecture firms use Rhino 3D for design, while BIM software such as Revit or Archicad is required for documentation and data management. This workflow presents significant limitations in data exchange, as Revit and Archicad often struggle to interpret Rhino models, importing them as direct shape that cannot be modified natively. This paper introduces a Grasshopper script designed to automate the creation of Revit elements such as walls, floors, windows, and doors from Rhino models using Rhino.Inside.Revit (RIR). While RIR allows the direct conversion of Rhino elements into Revit shapes, the proposed script enhances this process by generating native Revit elements from Rhino Brep geometry. The script functions in two key steps: first, it analyses the boundaries of wall elements in Rhino to automatically create Revit levels; second, it examines the boundaries of architectural components (walls, floors, windows, and doors) in Rhino to generate corresponding Revit family types and accurately place these elements in Revit at the exact coordinates from Rhino 3D using RIR nodes. This workflow improves architectural design efficiency and enables architects to maintain better control over their designs by leveraging BIM capabilities such as quantity take-offs and data management. Additionally, the script can function as a live synchronization tool, automatically updating any modifications made to Rhino elements within the Revit environment. Despite its effectiveness, the script has limitations when handling complex architectural geometries, such as double-curved surfaces. Addressing these challenges will be a focus of future research.

Detail

Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

Information exchange in Building Information Modelling (BIM) faces significant interoperability challenges due to the use of heterogeneous software tools, which often struggle to interpret objects across disciplines. These challenges stem from inconsistencies in geometry, properties, and relational representation. While Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) have been employed to address these issues, their effectiveness remains limited. This paper presents a Grasshopper script with custom Python nodes to automate the creation of Revit structural models, including columns, beams, floors, and foundations, from Rhino models. The script follows a three-step process: first, it analyses Boundary Representation (BREP) elements in Rhino to generate corresponding Revit levels; next, a custom Grasshopper node extracts BREP dimensions to create Revit structural families based on user-defined parameters, such as material type (e.g., concrete, steel) and physical properties; finally, using Python, the script positions the elements accurately within the Revit model at their designated levels through the Rhino.Inside.Revit (RIR) Grasshopper plugin. This method enhances data exchange by maintaining native Revit elements, enabling better data management and providing construction-specific information, such as element volumes for quantification. Despite its limitations, including the inability to generate curved beam elements, the proposed approach demonstrates significant potential for improving structural modelling workflows in Revit. Future research will focus on expanding the script to support additional structural elements, further enhancing BIM interoperability and automation.

Detail

doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

This research focuses on simulating and evaluating the behaviour of walls constructed from a sand-plastic composite material. Using Abaqus Finite Element Analysis software, we investigate the mechanical properties and performance of bricks made from this composite. The methodology involves designing brick shapes and creating finite element models within the Abaqus environment. Various mechanical tests, including pressure and compressive analyses, are simulated to assess the composite material's behaviour under different loading conditions. Findings provide valuable insights into the mechanical response of sand-plastic composite bricks, highlighting their strength, stiffness, and deformation characteristics. By analysing stress distribution and failure modes under diverse loading scenarios, we conclude that this composite material has significant potential for building construction applications. However, this research aims to offer architects an overview of the behaviour of these composite bricks, assisting them in optimizing their designs. Furthermore, research by engineers is necessary to construct using this material.

Detail

doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

The pervasive use of plastics, despite their economic benefits in recycling and reuse due to their low cost and abundance, has contributed significantly to global environmental issues, including pollution and global warming. Notably, polymer production continues to rise, paralleling increasing environmental impacts. This paper shifts focus from these broader environmental concerns to explore how topology optimization and advanced 3D printing technologies are transforming interior design. Specifically, it examines the integration of topology optimization a technique traditionally used in engineering to distribute materials efficiently within a design space to enhance both the sustainability and creativity of large-scale 3D printing applications in interior design. By optimizing material usage and minimizing waste, these technologies not only address some environmental concerns associated with plastics but also revolutionize how designers conceive and implement interior spaces. The paper highlights case studies where these integrated technologies have enabled unprecedented levels of creativity and efficiency, redefining the aesthetics and functionality of interior environments.

Detail

doc. Ing. arch. Kateřina Sýsová, Ph.D., Arch. Paulin Faskel Tchoundie Tchuigwa

15116 Ústav modelového projektování

The pervasive use of plastics, despite their economic benefits in recycling and reuse due to their low cost and abundance, has contributed significantly to global environmental issues, including pollution and global warming. Notably, polymer production continues to rise, paralleling increasing environmental impacts. This paper shifts focus from these broader environmental concerns to explore how topology optimization and advanced 3D printing technologies are transforming interior design. Specifically, it examines the integration of topology optimization a technique traditionally used in engineering to distribute materials efficiently within a design space to enhance both the sustainability and creativity of large-scale 3D printing applications in interior design. By optimizing material usage and minimizing waste, these technologies not only address some environmental concerns associated with plastics but also revolutionize how designers conceive and implement interior spaces. The paper highlights case studies where these integrated technologies have enabled unprecedented levels of creativity and efficiency, redefining the aesthetics and functionality of interior environments.

Detail