Form-finding of pierced vaults and digital fabrication of scaled prototype

Abstract The new serious consideration to masonry and non-metallic structures evidenced their direct prospective be, even in the present days, advanced architectural engineering solutions. In paper, a form finding for cement based tessellated pierced vault is studied. multi-body rope approach (MRA) was used define compression-only optimal shapes. Successively, thrust network analysis (TNA) implemented by Rhino-vault further validation of shape definition different tessellation meshes surfaces, according hole pattern configuration. Different piercing percentage vaults were considered compared best solution identification. addition, geometrical solutions analyzed means global stability analysis, taking into account positions holes. Furthermore, 3D printing with Fuse Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique polylactide (PLA) material (completely eco-friendly) construction formworks blocks (dowels) useful assembly scaled prototype. prototype vault, characterized certain subjected loading conditions monitored non-contact device on Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. 3D-DIC performed recognize structural behavior during process model (prototype). DIC measurements advance critical condition under displacement correlated phases up collapse condition.