Log Knot (2020)
article⁄Log Knot (2020)
abstract⁄Log Knot, developed by the Robotic Construction Laboratory RCL at Cornell University, is a robotically fabricated architectural installation that establishes a method for variable compound timber curvature creation utilizing both regular and irregular roundwood geometries. Moreover, the project develops methods for minimal formwork assembly and moment force optimization of customized mortise and tenon joints. Following the logic of a figure8 knot, the project consists of an infinite loop of roundwood, curving threedimensionally along its length. There are a variety of techniques to generate single curvature in wood structures such as steam bending Wright et al., 2013 or glue lamination Issa and Kmeid, 2005 but only a few techniques to generate complex curvature from raw material within a single wooden structural element exist. To construct complex curvature, the research team developed a simple method that can easily be replicated. First, the log is compartmentalized, establishing a series of discrete parts. Second, the parts are reconfigured into a complex curvature ‘whole’ by carefully manipulating the assembly angles and joints between the logs. Timber components reconfigured in such a manner can either follow planar curvature profiles or spatial compound curvature profiles. Based on knowledge gained from the initial joinery tests, the research team developed a custom trifold mortise and tenon joint, which is selfsupportive during assembly and able to resist bending in multiple directions. Using the trifold mortise and tenon joint, a number of fullscale prototypes were created to test the structural capacity of the overall assembly. Various structural optimization protocols are deployed in the Log Knot project. While the global knot form is derived from spatial considerations albeit within the structurally sound framework of a closedloop knot structure the project is structurally optimized at a local level, closely calibrating structural crosssections, joinery details, and joint rotation in relation to prevailing load conditions.
|
|
| Year |
2020 |
| Authors |
Zivkovic, Sasa; Havener, Brian; Battaglia, Christopher. |
| Issue |
ACADIA 2020: Distributed Proximities / Volume II: Projects |
| Pages |
114-119. |
| Library link |
N/A |
| Entry filename |
log-knot |
