3D Braided Nodes

3D BRAIDED NODES – SPATIALLY BRANCHED, BRAIDED STRUCTURES FOR CONCRETE-FILLED STRUCTURAL FRP NODES

The research project “3D Braided Nodes” at University of Stuttgart investigates innovative fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) structures for concrete-filled load-bearing nodes in architecture and civil engineering. The project aims to develop a fully automated manufacturing process for spatially branched braided FRP nodes that combine a concrete core with a lightweight braided composite hull. This hull absorbs tensile forces caused by bending moments while simultaneously enhancing the compressive strength of the concrete through confinement effects. Compared to conventional steel nodes, the proposed system offers reduced energy consumption, lower material usage, and greater geometric flexibility.

The manufacturing process is based on a patented triaxial braiding technology capable of producing complex three-dimensional geometries. Current research focuses on automating the process using two six-axis robotic systems to eliminate manual interventions and enable industrial-scale production. In addition, the project examines the mechanical, environmental, and fire-resistant properties of the composite materials while assessing their global warming potential to minimize the carbon footprint of future structures. Reusable sand cores are further investigated as sustainable alternatives to conventional braiding cores. Overall, the project contributes to resource-efficient lightweight construction and advances digital fabrication technologies for high-performance architectural structures.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR(S)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Götz. T. Gresser
University of Stuttgart, Institute for Textile and Fiber Technologies (ITFT)

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers
University of Stuttgart, Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE)

 RESEARCHER(S)
Dr.-Ing. Larissa Born (ITFT)
Robert Wegner (ITFT)
Dr.-Ing. Hastia Asadi (ITKE)

PARTNER(S)
Mathias Maus, Frank Heidbrink
Maus Modell- und Formenbau GmbH, Karlsruhe

FUNDING
The project „3D Braided Node“ is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) based on a resolution of the German Bundestag as part of the Technology Transfer Program Lightweight Construction (TTP LB; funding code 03LB2084B).