Parametric Design and Structural Performance Assessment of a Topologically Interlocked Arch

I present research investigating the design and simulation of topological interlocking assemblies (TIA) made of concrete modules to create a self-supporting structure. Several studies have performed finite element method (FEM) analyses of simple interlocking assemblies. While the global performance of the assemblies using different block types has been examined, the effect of geometric variations of the local geometry on the global performance of such assemblies has not been widely investigated. In particular, the angle and number of undulations can be varied to increase the efficiency of these assemblies of osteomorphic blocks. This paper is part of an ongoing project on the design and fabrication of TIA using osteomorphic blocks. In it, I present a series of FEM simulations that investigate the relation between local design of the modules and the global structural performance of the assemblies in an arch.