LIMB reconsiders historic heavy timber construction across cultures to develop new joinery methods by focusing on the natural occurrence of branch bifurcation in different wood species. This project seeks to use this vital element in the design of structural connections that replace common steel connections. The project speculates that by replacing the joint with a single piece of wood that has naturally grown to bifurcation and moving the structural connection away from where vertical and horizontal members come together a stronger construction joint can be achieved. Due to the desire of the construction industry for standardized straight lumber, this portion of the tree is often seen as a waste material. This process would bring added economic value to a material that would otherwise be discarded as firewood or mulch.
Research Through Making Exhibition :: Liberty Research Annex Gallery - Ann Arbor, MI
:: Inventory Acquisition
:: Inventory Scanning
:: Post-Scanning Digital Model
:: Digital Parts Inventory
:: Digital Part Fitting
:: 5-Axis Milling Fixture
5-Axis Milling :: Roughing Pass
5-Axis Milling :: Finishing Pass
Research Through Making Exhibition :: Liberty Research Annex Gallery - Ann Arbor, MI
Research Through Making Exhibition :: Liberty Research Annex Gallery - Ann Arbor, MI