The robot-assisted magnetic distribution and orientation of microsteel fibers in UHPFRC (Ultra-High Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete) can be used to produce more resource-efficient concrete components. Therefore, the research focused on the possibilities of digital and robot based component production on the one hand and the potential of fiber orientation to increase the material efficiency of UHPFRC on the other.
The chosen method for the distribution and orientation of the micro steel fibers in UHPFRC is based on the physical phenomenon of magnetism. Since steel fibers are ferromagnetic, their position in fresh concrete can be specifically changed by using magnetic fields.
The aim of the research project was to align the position of the steel fibers in the concrete matrix during the production process according to the force flow and the maxim “form follows force”. This defined arrangement of the fibers in a component is intended to significantly increase the effectiveness of the fiber component used and, in addition to improved workability, lead to a considerable reduction in the fibers used, as a result of which a great potential for savings in ecological and economic resources is provided.
The reproducible control of the process, which is ensured by the use of the latest developments in the field of robotic production, is decisive for an economic, building-practical application of the method.
[1] Ledderose, L.: Robotergestützte, magnetische Ausrichtung von Mikrostahlfasern in UHPFRC, Dissertation, Technischen Universität Carolo-Wilhelmina zu Braunschweig (2023) (verteidigt im Juni 2023)
[2] Ledderose, L., Baghdadi, A., & Kloft, H.: Magnetic Alignment of Microsteel Fibers as Strategy for Reinforcing UHPFRC. In: Open Conference Proceedings, Nr.1 (2022): Visions and Strategies for Reinforcing Additively Manufactured Concrete Structures, S. 99-114, Hrsg.: Fromm, A; Mechtcherine, Verlag: Technische Informationsbibliothek (TIB), DOI: 10.52825/ocp.v1i.79
[3] Ledderose, L.; Lehmberg, S.; Budelmann, H.; Kloft, H.: Robotergestützte, magnetische Ausrichtung von Mikro‐Stahldrahtfasern in dünnwandigen UHPFRC‐Bauteilen. In: Beton- und Stahlbetonbau, Nr. 1 (2019) Vol. 114, S. 33-42 – DOI: 10.1002/best.201800083
[4] Ledderose, L.; Kloft, H.: Snap-fits made of reinforced concrete: From advanced manufacturing to novel applications. Conference: Proceedings of the IASS Symposium “Creativity in Structural Design”. 16.-20.7.2018, Boston,(2018) ISSN: 2518-6582
[5] Ledderose, L; Kloft, H.: Robot-aided rearrangement of steel fibres in UHPFRC via magnetic forces. Conference: Future Visions – Proceedings of the IASS Symposium 2015 & ISOFF Symposium, Amsterdam (2015), ISBN: 9789053630426
[6] Ledderose, L., Kloft, H.: Preliminary Investigations for Magnetic rearrangement of Steel Fibers in UHPFRC. Conference: Proceedings of the IASS Symposium „Shells, Membranes and Spatial Structures: Footprints.“, Brasil (2014)
