Assignment – Joints | Aalto University

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Assignment – Joints

Published: 16.11.2023

During this assignment we had to make design choices to optimise the strength of carpentry joints. Groups of students each designed a tripod within set dimensions.

Five wooden tripod joints standing on the floor of the engineering department hydraulic lab.

We researched wooden joints, then carefully designed and fabricated all the pieces in the wood workshop. Some groups focused on geometry, others on innovative ways of processing the wood. After completion, we subjected the tripods to a strength test under the hydraulic press of the Department of Engineering to see which team achieved the best strength/weight ratio.

Jalustaa, Juri Kikuchi, Dimitris Kalogridis and Keitaro Tsubata

An exploration of laminated components and Japanese dowel joinery. Made with ash and spruce.

Jalustaa, Juri Kikuchi, Dimitris Kalogridis and Keitaro Tsubata

An exploration of laminated components and Japanese dowel joinery. Made with ash and spruce.

Kolmijalka, Kota Kawakami, Darya Belaya, Nao Fujimoto and Matej Požega

Interlocking geometry to create a reciprocal joint that supports itself. Made with spruce and birch plywood reinforcements.

Kolmijalka, Kota Kawakami, Darya Belaya, Nao Fujimoto and Matej Požega

Interlocking geometry to create a reciprocal joint that supports itself. Made with spruce and birch plywood reinforcements.

Tricorne, Ayato Hokkyo, Meina Kobayashi and Simón Herrera Arévalo

An experiment into steam bending of wood.

Tricorne, Ayato Hokkyo, Meina Kobayashi and Simón Herrera Arévalo

An experiment into steam bending of wood.

Jointti, Wakana Ito, Ville Mujunen and Daniel Sars

Dowel connections and laminated components, made with spruce, ash and birch plywood.

Jointti, Wakana Ito, Ville Mujunen and Daniel Sars

Dowel connections and laminated components, made with spruce, ash and birch plywood.

Wooden joint made of laminated laser cut plywood

Smoked salmon sandwich, Yume Suzuki, Olle Björkebaum and Ishrat Tabassum

This joint consists of three legs that 'hook' into a hexagonal core. They are then locked in place with oak pieces. The legs and core are made with spruce, both sawn and laser-cut.

Smoked salmon sandwich, Yume Suzuki, Olle Björkebaum and Ishrat Tabassum

This joint consists of three legs that 'hook' into a hexagonal core. They are then locked in place with oak pieces. The legs and core are made with spruce, both sawn and laser-cut.

Students analysing the breaking point of one of the joints

Wooden joints on the floor of the testing lab

Students discussing break point of wooden joint

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