Sistema nervi: Sustainable production of Optimised floor slabs through digital fabrication

Abstract

'Sistema Nervi' (the Nervi System) invented by Pier Luigi Nervi greatly economised the production of complex concrete forms optimised in both material usage and structurally. However it did not translate well into other contexts due to labour and material considerations (Leslie, 2018). This paper explores novel methodologies of producing optimised floor slabs and concrete structures, using digital fabrication techniques, focusing on both labour economisation and sustainability principles. A module from the Australia Square lobby slab has been used as the set geometry and was reproduced using differing techniques of fabrication for a comparative study. The study was conducted at scale (1:20). The viability for production at full scale (1:1) for manufacturing is discussed. The assessment criteria for the tests are divided into four categories: Cost, Time, Performance, and Sustainability. 3D printing of PLA plastic and ceramic clay extrusion printing has been used to produce removable or degradable formworks. These technologies have been selected due to their current market availability and associated costs. This study hopes to introduce improved methodologies for producing optimized concrete forms, as well as the sustainability potentials of a degradable formwork such as ceramic clay. Both systems were ultimately able to produce workable formworks for optimised shapes and showed promise for reducing labour involved as well as presenting with material sustainability for discussion.