Universal Timber Slab

Computational design, fabrication and engineering methods for unconstrained, highly resource efficient, point-supported timber slabs in multi-storey buildings

This project investigates a novel building system for universally applicable, lightweight point-supported timber flat slabs for multi-storey buildings. The project aims to build the foundational computational design-, engineering-, and fabrication methods for transferring cutting edge research from an academic context to broad application within the AEC industry. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the project aims to advance the system concept from Technology Readiness Level 1 (TRL 1) to TRL 4. At the end of the project, the participants aim to spin-off and offer a breakthrough sustainable building technology to the international market.

The developed system will lay the foundation for a mass-timber slab system that can broadly replace predominant point-supported reinforced concrete flat slabs. The core concept of the system allows for the construction of unconstrained slab geometries, making it especially suitable for building projects within an inner-urban context. The building system will be designed for multidirectional, long-span slabs and enable computationally derived geometric adaptability to typical boundary conditions, such as site, program, and design intent. The possibility for free and sparse column positions and grids allow for greater design flexibility and the creation of mixed-use urban platforms with significant potential for long-term reusability. Hence, the project aims to develop a universally applicable, suppliable, usable, and affordable alternative building system, making timber construction broadly available.

Given the complexity of the material makeup and potentially long computing times, we will also investigate the use of surrogate modelling methods based on disciplinary modelling techniques. These methods allow for the fast computation of various design options. An AI-based Intelligent Decision Support System will integrate all surrogate models and provide informative design feedback for the universal timber slab system throughout all design stages. This will offer an intuitive planning interface for industry professionals, eliminating the need of expert knowledge and making it more accessible and practical for broader use, moving beyond the confines of specialized scientific research.

ICD Institute for Computational Design and Construction, University of Stuttgart

Martin Alvarez, Tim Stark, Max Zorn, Hans Jakob Wagner (PCoCo)
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wortmann, Prof. A. Menges

ITKE Institute for Structural Design and Building Structures, University of Stuttgart

Gregor Neubauer, Renan Prandini
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers

IABP Institute for Acoutics and Building Physics, University of Stuttgart

Theresa Müller, Julia Weißert
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Philip Leistner

IWB Institute for Construction Material, University of Stuttgart
MPA Material Testings Institute, University of Stuttgart

Aaron Münzer, Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Dill-Langer
Prof. Dr. Philippe Grönquist

Horizon Europe - EIC Pathfinder Challenge: AEC digitalisation for a new triad of design, fabrication, and materials.