Manufacturing Methodology for Precast Concrete Tiles with Morphing Shapes

The research introduces a sustainable fabrication approach for creating a wide range of concrete tiles using a reconfigurable and reusable mould system, which significantly reduces material waste commonly generated by single-use formwork in conventional tile production. The system integrates a parametric design environment in Rhino and Grasshopper with an electrically actuated kinetic mould mechanism, allowing flexible geometry control and efficient production of morphing surface patterns. This digital workflow not only streamlines the fabrication process but also minimizes labor and material costs.

To evaluate its performance, six case studies were conducted, each exploring distinct tile morphologies and demonstrating the system’s versatility—from highly adaptive geometric variations to a contemporary reinterpretation of traditional Islamic patterns. The results highlight the potential of this approach for sustainable, customizable, and cost-efficient architectural applications, suggesting a pathway toward a more environmentally conscious model of digital concrete fabrication.

Authors: Yiyun Liu, Sida Dai, Michael Kleiss, Mostafa Alani, Nyoman Pebryani

Publication: Yiyun Liu, Sida Dai*, Carlos R Barrios Hernandez, Mostafa Alani, Nyoman Dewi Pebryani. “Manufacturing Methodology for Precast Concrete Tiles with Morphing Shapes” , SIGRADI’23: The Ibero-American Society of Digital Graphics Conference, November 29–20, 2023, Maldonado, Uruguay ied Interaction, February 11–14, 2024, Cork, Ireland. ACM