ILEK Research Graphics

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The Institute for Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design ILEK investigated the potential of Functionally Graded Concrete under a natural role model of sea urchin spines. The spines of the sea urchin have the primary function of protection against the predators. The structure of the spines is hierarchically organized and lightweight. The high–energy dissipation capacity of the spines was studied by mineralogists, but this feature was not proven to be necessary to the survival of sea urchins. Based on the initial observations of the mineralogists and continued with a multidisciplinary research group consisting of biologist, mineralogist, architects and structural engineers, the principles were extracted, abstracted and implemented in functionally graded concrete building components. Graphics and Poster proposals have been created to communicate the research method.