Ultralight Arches Made from Packaging Foam

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Ultralight Arches Made from Packaging Foam: Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a new form of ultralight arch that could make it far easier to build large-scale column-free structures such as airport hangars, factories, stadiums, and concert halls.
The Cloud Arch is a long-span structure made using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam – an ultra-lightweight material most commonly used for packaging purposes. The material is 95 per cent air, conferring it with an extraordinarily low mass.
The NUS research team, led by Shinya Okuda, an assistant professor of architecture at the NUS School of Design and Environment, and Tan Kiang Hwee, a professor from the NUS Faculty of Engineering, spent two years developing and testing long-span arches using composite materials that incorporate the EPS foam.



“EPS foam has almost similar compression strength to weight ratio as concrete and is currently used as landfill for landscape works,” he said. “We are also testing its composite properties when reinforced with bonded fabric as a possible material for permanent construction. “ - See more at: http://sourceable.net/ultralight-arches-made-from-packaging-foam/#sthash.xRsVQt0Z.dpuf