O. Baverel on Affordable Complex Structures

The presentation focuses on research proposals that make complex structures more affordable constructions. By reinforcing the links between mechanics of materials, structural engineering, applied mathematics and life cycle analysis, new paths may be explored and building innovations proposed. First a deep knowledge of materials and especially on composites materials that need to be tailored made for specific purposes such as grid shell will be shown. Secondly proposals based on a rigorous mathematical management of shapes and geometry to rationalize complex situations in a fully integrative way, including cladding and connections will be explained. These knowledges may help to find ways to reuse manufactured goods to limit the environmental impact of construction, many case studied will be shown. Finally, new digital and technological tools such as robot or 3D printing allow to revisit ancient techniques and to generate innovative solutions.

Olivier Baverel is Professor at the École des Ponts Paristech in structural engineering and also Professor at the school of architecture of Grenoble and researcher at the labs Navier and GSA. He is editor in chief of the international journal of space structures. His researches are on structural engineering, rationalization of the construction of free-form structures and life cycle analysis. He also developed some structural concepts such as gridshells in CFRP, nexorades... Olivier Baverel was involved in 23 PhD and published over 100 scientific papers. He is part of the team Thinkshell, a website promoting innovative research on lightweight structures.