Jeldrik Mainka

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Jeldrik Mainka’s research sits at the intersection of digital fabrication, structural design, and sustainable concrete construction. His most influential work, “Digitally Fabricated Innovative Concrete Structures” (2018, 16 citations), co-authored with Herrmann, Lindemann, Wirth, and Kloft, established the foundational goals of the Institut für Tragwerksentwurf (ITE) for integrating digital design-to-production workflows into concrete architecture. This paper has become a key reference for researchers exploring automation in bespoke concrete elements. Mainka’s major contribution is the development of the “Non-Waste Wax Formwork” technology, a breakthrough that eliminates formwork waste in the production of free-formed precast concrete components. His 2022 paper (4 citations) demonstrates this process through a real-world case study: a small series of large-format bollards, proving that individualized, geometrically complex concrete parts can be manufactured with near-zero material waste. This innovation directly addresses the precast industry’s urgent need for sustainable, flexible production methods. By combining computational design with novel material systems, Mainka is helping to redefine how we think about concrete—transforming it from a wasteful, mass-produced commodity into a precise, customizable, and environmentally responsible building material for the future.