Work

Stress-informed non-planar additive manufacturing of solid wood veneer as reinforcement for prestressed shell structures

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This research presents a novel approach to non-planar additive manufacturing by using solid wood veneer as reinforcement for prestressed and complex shell structures. Curved veneer ribs are robotically printed onto double-curved plywood panels, guided by principal stress lines derived from finite element analysis and translated into geodesic toolpaths. This stress-informed placement ensures efficient reinforcement in regions experiencing tensile and bending loads, offering a sustainable alternative to fiber-reinforced composites in architectural components requiring lightweight reinforcement. The fabrication process employs continuous wood veneer strips bonded with a polyurethane-enhanced hotmelt adhesive. This system enables rapid adhesion and gradual curing, transforming the process into a continuous, digitally controlled workflow that eliminates traditional forming methods like steam bending or vacuum pressing.

Source: Construction Robotics

DOI: 10.1007/s41693-026-00196-y

Authors: Julian Ochs, Philipp Eversmann

Institution: University of Kassel

Language: English

Topic: Architecture and Computational Design

Subfield: Architecture

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190