Reinforced ice structures: In the footsteps of Candela

Abstract

Based on project experience over the last years, fibre reinforced ice has proven to be a strong and suitable building material for temporary structures in a cold environment. Unlike traditional igloo structures, no stacked blocks are used. Instead, relatively thin shells are created by spraying subsequent thin layers of water mixed with cellulose fibres on inflatable formwork which is removed afterwards. This paper describes the overall design process and construction of a full-scale cellulose-ice composite structure, inspired by Félix Candela’s famous reinforced concrete hypar shells. The project was built by university students and staff in the framework of an international project in Finland during the winter of early 2016.