Numerical and experimental investigations on bio-inspired lattice forms as structural reinforcement

Biomimicry in concrete holds the potential to revolutionize construction, making it more sustainable, innovative, and in harmony with the natural world. By mimicking natural structures and processes, bio-inspired designs can enhance concrete’s resilience, toughness, and self-healing qualities. The present study investigates lattice pattern inspired by a Venus’ flower basket (glass sponge) as reinforcement in compression members. The performance of bio-inspired lattice pattern (BLP) with two other conventional lattice patterns (CLP1 and CLP2) was studied by numerical simulations and experimental investigations. The preliminary investigation includes the fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) lattice cubes from which the compressive strength of BLP was found to be increased by 9.84% and 24.59% when compared with CLP1 and CLP2, respectively. The extended study on lattice pattern as a reinforcement in columns exhibited an increase in axial load-carrying capacity of BLP with 9.32% and 43.66% when compared with columns with CLP1 and CLP2 reinforcements. Thus, the design inspired from nature leverages advanced technologies such as 3D printing and numerical modeling and suggests the feasibility of implementing glass sponge–inspired patterns in structural engineering, highlighting the efficacy of hierarchical design in contributing to its positive environmental impact and also achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 9: industry, innovation, and infrastructure.