ABSTRACT
This paper shows a study about construction of free form surfaces with precast pieces and minimum formwork. The idea starts from the observation of the actual interest in masonry vaults, which is rising again for two main reasons: sustainability and the development of new computer form-finding tools. The ones done for the first reason generally minimizes the use of formwork for reducing their costs but in the ones done for the second reason usually the construction process is not considered. The study focus on these freeform surfaces obtained with IT tools studying a possible construction process with a minimum formwork, similar to the traditional timbrel vaults. The study analyzes relevant parameters in the construction of free form surfaces and their influence on construction with partial formwork. Finally new technologies, such as 3D printing, are considered for building this type of free form surfaces.
