Inflating Steel

Called Architonic Concept Space III, the installation is made using FIDU technology, whereby welded sheet metal sleeves are pressure-inflated “like rubber toys” to create 3D forms.

FIDU means inflating steel just like rubber toys!
With one exception - objects created this way are not necessarily toys.

Inflated steel sheets have a very high weight-capacity, so these funny looking shapes are indeed an innovative construction technology.
Developed as a method of steel sheet stabilization, FIDU opens new possibilities of forming for the design objects and ultra-light constructions.

Every shape cut from steel sheet can be inflated into a 3D object.
The contours of the metal sheets are cut using a laser, welded together by a robot and then inflated at high pressure to form a 3D object.

Oskar Zietaa has been working as a research associate and a teaching assistant at the chair of CAAD at the ETH in Zurich and writing his doctor thesis under supervision of Prof. Dr. Ludger Hovestadt. Main focus of his thesis is the input of computer-controlled machines in processing of metal sheets in the architecture and design. During his research at the ETH, Oskar Zieta has developed different methods of enhancing efficiency of technology for steel design, architecture and construction. Among others, FIDU technology was developed. FIDU means that the two steel sheets, previously welded together around their edges, are inflated under high pressure to create a 3d object.

This method of 3d shaping means better efficiency and very high durability of products.

Read more at: http://www.architonic.com/ntsht/blow-up-sheet-metal/7000205

Liquid Granite

Liquid Granite
Breakthrough:
A new fire-resistant building material that is as versatile as concrete, but made primarily from recycled materials.

Inventor:
Professor Pal Mangat, United Kingdom

Cement is considered by some to be something of an environmental menace, being responsible for 5% of the world’s carbon emissions.

The new kid on the construction industry block is a new form of liquid granite invented by Prof Pal Mangat of Sheffield Hallam University. He claims that it has the potential to make concrete redundant because of its incredible properties. It has remarkable load bearing capacity, whilst being a lightweight substance and it’s easy to apply and can be poured.

Mangat is keeping the exact formulation of Liquid Granite close to his chest, but says that it is made from an inorganic powder of which between 30 and 70 per cent is recycled industrial waste materials. It uses less than one third of the amount of cement that is found in precast concrete, and the inventor hopes to reduce that even further as he continues to develop the product over the coming years.

Reduces Fire Risks

This new substance not only boasts some impressive environmental credentials, but it is also a breakthrough in reducing fire risks in buildings. It can withstand temperatures of up to 1,100 degrees Celsius whilst maintaining structural properties. And unlike concrete it does not explode in high temperatures. The innovative material has been given a four-hour fire rating which means that it gives top level protection in the event of a fire.

“The fact that it has a high level of fire resistance means it can be used in areas where fire safety is crucial, such as around power stations, and in domestic and commercial buildings it can offer added time for evacuation in case of an emergency.” said Prof Pal Mangat.

Licensing of the Innovation

Although developed at Sheffield Hallam University the material is being made available through Liquid Granite Ltd (a company based in the north of England), and is now being used by a few organizations. It has been supplied to the Olympic Village (for the 2012 Olympic Games which are being held in the UK) and the Stratford Shopping Centre in East London.

Read more at: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161253.htm