Projects

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Design and analysis of scissors structures for mobile architectural applications. Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Niels De Temmerman
Architectural Engineering
Structures that can adapt their shape to respond to changing circumstances, or that can be quickly and easily deployed to perform their architectural function and removed afterwards without damaging sensitive sites, are well-equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing society which embraces the concept of sustainable design. Although the research subject of deployable structures is relatively young, the principle of transformable objects ...

Optimal geometric and kinematic design of expandable scissor and plate structures for architectural applications Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Niels De Temmerman
Architectural Engineering
Deployable scissor structures can transform between a very compact fully folded state and an expanded state in which they exercise their function. This attribute makes them ideal as lightweight, mobile and temporary structures, for which reusability, compact transportation and a fast deployment and removal are key. They're also fit for adding dynamic parts to static constructions. Possible applications include emergency shelters, temporary ...

Optimal design of steel structures according to the Eurocodes using mixed-integer linear programming methods KU Leuven

Mattias Schevenels
Architectural Engineering, Structural Mechanics Section

In structural design, achieving minimum cost is the main goal. Structural design optimization plays a crucial role in reaching this goal. It can reduce both the consumption of natural resources by the construction industry and the engineering effort and therefore cost by automation of some of the most repetitive tasks in the design process. However, practicing structural engineers are reluctant to adopt optimization as a daily design tool. ...

Multiscale approach applied to the optimal design of complex constructions in modern architecture. KU Leuven

Guido De Roeck
Structural Mechanics Section
In modern architecture, there is a tendency towards wide-span roofs, often
conceived as shell structures or space trusses. Since the geometry plays a key
role in the structural behaviour of such structures, this entails an increasing
attention for the optimal design of shell structures.
Due to its generality and flexibility, structural optimization is a very
promising design tool. In this project, a methodology is ...

Design, manufacturing and validation of cellular Zn-1Mg with controlled internal architecture as degradable orthopaedic implant. KU Leuven

Jozef Vleugels
Surface and Interface Engineered Materials

Some implants only have a temporary function and are therefore preferably made from a biodegradable material which is removed from the body by dissolution after several months or years. Zn and its alloys are suitable for this application, both from a biological and degradation rate point of view. However, little is known about Zn and Zn alloys in cellular (porous) form. In addition, one of the manufacturing processes which is most promising ...

Engineered timber- Appraisal of historical timber roof structures in 19th- and early 20th- century Belgium Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Inge Bertels, Ine Wouters
Architectural Engineering, Architectural Engineering
A better understanding in the history of construction enhances preservation of the built heritage. Yet, knowledge about 19th - and early 20th - century timber roof frames in Belgium is absent which makes current assessments and interventions extremely difficult for the professionals of the building sector (architects, engineers, public authorities, etc.).

Therefore this PhD research aims to document the developments in timber roof ...

Integrated analysis and experimental verification of Kinematic Form Active Structures (KFAS) for architectural applications. Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Marijke Mollaert
Mechanics of Materials and Constructions, Architectural Engineering
The present research proposal studies Kinematic Form Active Structures (KFAS). KFAS are reconfigurable lightweight structures usually covered with technical textiles. When implemented as a building skin these systems can control day lighting, shading, ventilation and so on and hence contribute to sustainable building.
A major challenge for the design, analysis, optimisation and construction of KFAS, is the study of their geometric ...

Technical and financial assessment approach for transformable construction typologies Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Niels De Temmerman
Architectural Engineering
Buildings that are constructed in a transformable way can easily be adapted to the expectations of new users or standards. Therefore, they are composed of demountable and inter-changeable components. This innovative way of constructing has proved to be a more sustainable approach to our built environment, since transformability enables the reuse and recycling of construction components.
Although a theoretical framework for demountability ...

Protocol for Augmented Parametric Building Information Modelling Components. Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Niels De Temmerman
Architectural Engineering
The construction industry, like other industries, has adopted digital technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) to improve process efficiency and collaboration between industry stakeholders. However, the use of these technologies induced the development of digital exchanges, which could be complex to integrate in a segmented industry, especially if they are not supported by rules. However, in Belgium, contractors, architects and ...

DYNSTRA - Dynamic Reuse Strategies for the retroffiting of post-war housing in Brussels.(ikv Strategic Platform - ENVI-2012) Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Niels De Temmerman
Architectural Engineering
Today, the post-war housing estate in Brussels is requiring a large scale retrofitting approach, relating to environmental, functional, technical or even architectural deficiencies typical for these buildings. Moreover, post-war residential buildings predating the oil-crisis of the 1970s have been identified as a main concern in the context of the European Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) in order to substantially decrease the ...