BEYOND CONCRETE: THE POTENTIAL OF EXOSKELETON STRUCTURES IN BUILIDNG DESIGN

BEYOND CONCRETE: THE POTENTIAL OF EXOSKELETON STRUCTURES IN BUILIDNG DESIGN

PARIDHI JOSHI

ABSTRACT

Earlier, people used to build those structures using wood, stone, and concrete but with the advent of time, the techniques of building structures also changed. People continued to build concrete load-bearing structures until the mid-20th century but due to its harmful effects on the environment and human health, architects and designers started searching out for alternative ways.

Exoskeleton structures started gaining traction in the contemporary engineering and construction industries. The exoskeleton is a type of external structure that is found in many different animals, including insects, crustaceans, and molluscs. It is a hard, protective covering that is made up of a material that can withstand even the harsh of the environmental conditions. In the recent years, the buildings have evolved to use the same technique where the whole structure is supported externally. In the current state of exoskeleton design and development, there are many benefits to using exoskeleton structures over conventional structures.  From increased seismic resistance to greater structural stability, exoskeleton structures offer numerous benefits in terms of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Not only this, these exoskeleton structures are lighter in weight and easier to install than concrete structures. This makes them a more attractive option for construction projects that are in difficult-to-reach areas, as they can be more easily transported and assembled on site. In addition, exoskeleton structures are more resistant to corrosion and other environmental damage than the traditional structures.

In modern architecture, as structures evolved, materials did too. Concrete is one of the commonly used building materials. It has been used for centuries, and its development and evolution over time has enabled it to be used in a variety of applications. However, despite its versatility, concrete is not without its drawbacks. It can be expensive, and its production can have a detrimental effect on the environment. This recent concern about the negative environmental impact of concrete structures have led to a re-evaluation of the materials used in their construction. As such, many architects have sought alternative building materials to replace it. In particular, the use of exoskeleton structures made from alternative materials has been proposed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional concrete structures.

In this paper, beneficial aspects of using exoskeleton structures over conventional structures are highlighted. This paper also examines the possible implications of this shift in the field of architecture. Various possible materials that can be used to construct exoskeleton structures, their environmental-friendly effects, and other advantages over traditional structures is explored. Evidences from various studies, surveys, and reports will be examined to support the argument.