Woven Concrete

Patricia Belford, Ruth Morrow, Andy Crangle, Donna Campbell

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

54 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Research to identify yarns suitable for integration in concrete as ongoing research funded by an AHRC grant to identify and develop fabrics that would be durable in the alkaline environment of concrete.The woven concrete project developed out of a collaboration between a textile designer and architect seeking to bring together the technologies of concrete and textiles. In the initial stages of the project fabrics used were ‘off the shelf’ and accidentally suitable for embedding in concrete. This woven concrete work was driven by a desire to develop and design weaves that could become fabrics in their own right, and be bespoke to the users in the embedded environment of concrete. Testing ideas of concrete as textile and textile as structure. Technical restraints driving the outcome. In collaboration with a fellow research assistant specializing in yarn constructions and a weaver, offering each the opportunity to investigate variations in weave structures using a combination of metal and natural fibres, the resultant fabrics being tested by use of erosive and controlled distortion techniques. The project was divided into 5 stages.1. Yarn trials – producing samples of combination yarns and systematically testing these for durability in an alkaline environment.2. Trialling and selection of resultant weaves – Testing stage one samples by placing into formwork and pouring concrete. 3. Trial Manufacturer of weaves (distorted and eroded)4. Trialing and selection of resultant distorted and eroded weaves (this is a repetition of stage 2 with samples generated in stage 3.5. Manufacturer of full size samples.This paper will chart the development and collaboration of this body of work both from an academic and industrial context, outlining its achievements and difficulties. In conclusion the paper will outline the potential for future research in a context of creating ‘real’ product.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationUnknown Host Publication
PublisherUniversity of Leeds
Number of pages3
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 3 Aug 2009
EventArs Textrina - Leeds University
Duration: 3 Aug 2009 → …

Conference

ConferenceArs Textrina
Period3/08/09 → …

Keywords

  • concrete
  • textiles
  • architecture
  • linen
  • weave
  • stainless steel yarn

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Woven Concrete'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this