Thinking soils

Martyn Dade-Robertson, Javier Rodriguez Corral, Helen Mitrani, Meng Zhang, Anil Wipat, Carolina Ramirez-Figueroa, Luis Hernan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The paper details the computational modelling work to define a new type of responsive material system based on genetcally engineered bacteria cells. We introduce the discipline of synthetc biology and show how it may be possible to program a cell to respond genetcally to inputs from its environment. We propose a system of synthetc biocementing, where engineered cells, living within a soil matrix, respond to pore pressure changes in their environment when the soil is loaded by synthesising new material and strengthening the soil. We develop a prototype CAD system which maps genetc responses of individual bacteria cells to geotechnical models of stress and pore pressure. We show different gene promoter sensitvites may make substantal changes to paterns of consolidation. We conclude by indicating future research in this area which combines both in vivo and in silico work.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationACADIA 2016
Subtitle of host publicationPosthuman Frontiers: Data, Designers, and Cognitive Machines - Proceedings of the 36th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture
EditorsGeoffrey Thun, Kathy Velikov, Matias del Campo, Sean Ahlquist
PublisherAssociation for Computer Aided Design in Architecture
Pages460-469
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9780692770955
Publication statusPublished - 2016
Event36th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture - Posthuman Frontiers: Data, Designers, and Cognitive Machines, ACADIA 2016 - Ann Arbor, United States
Duration: 27 Oct 201629 Oct 2016

Publication series

NameACADIA 2016: Posthuman Frontiers: Data, Designers, and Cognitive Machines - Proceedings of the 36th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture

Conference

Conference36th Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture - Posthuman Frontiers: Data, Designers, and Cognitive Machines, ACADIA 2016
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAnn Arbor
Period27/10/1629/10/16

Cite this