Plants and Animals as Source of Inspiration for Energy Dissipation in Load Bearing Systems and Facades

Abstract

From the manifold strategies that nature offers to materials under overload conditions, we describe two: the fibrous and multi-layered system of the bark of the Giant Sequoia, which possesses an impressive damping mechanism, and the spines of pencil and lance sea urchins. The latter introduce a new concept to energy dissipation in brittle construction materials, namely quasi-ductility by multiple local fracturing. The potential for transfer as bioinspired technical solutions is high as the biological role models combine several advantages such as lightweight, recyclability and high protective efficiency.