Computational design and experimental behaviour of deployable mass timber arches

This paper discusses the computational design and digital fabrication process for a novel deployable timber structural system. Termed a mass timber stressed arch', the proposed system transforms a modularised geometry from a flat state to an interlocked curved structure, with rotational assembly occurring from a post-tensioning actuation mechanism. Two techniques are developed for design of the structure: a subdivision scheme for lowwaste manufacturing of component arch modules and a hybrid integral joint system for resolution of the required kinematic freedoms and fixities between adjacent modules. The deployment mechanism and digital design-tofabrication process are validated through construction and repeated installation of a full-scale timber arch pavilion. Full-scale experimental testing of the system showed the system to possess a high load carrying capacity, with ultimate failure occurring by shearing of the pin connection between adjacent modules.