The 4-dimensional masonry construction

Abstract

This design-research thesis - The 4-Dimensional Masonry Construction - presents innovation in the design and construction of thin-shell tile vaulted structures. The core research contributions of this thesis are: #1 Testing limit states of unit hinging + displacement in single-layer tile vaults. #2 Introducing modified masonry units to achieve directional surfaces with high degrees of double-curvature and porosity. The 4-Dimensional Masonry Construction operates as a heuristic device to conceptualize, visualize and represent the way in which a masonry unit hinges in space within a complex, doubly-curved structural surface. By modifying masonry units, the resulting system of aggregation can produce asymmetrical and disaggregating tile coursing geometries - predictable yet geometrically incomprehensible systems. By establishing reciprocity between the modified unit/ system relation and the method of vault assembly, new forms in structural masonry are possible. Such structural forms are a product of these unique unit/ system geometries, the constraint of structural geometries (catenary systems and double curvature for lateral stiffness), the techniques of graphical analysis to define such a structure spatially, and the logic of sequencing to maintain the units' systematic relation, to constrain units inherently given to push the limits of constructibility.