Form Finding Nodal Connections in Grid Structures
Paper in proceeding, 2018
This paper presents an alternative method for designing material efficient nodes in grid structures that builds on the conventional form-finding techniques, usually applied to create minimal surface tensile structures or gravity shell like structures. The technique works by modelling the node as a hollow shell with a mesh, applying a set of tensile forces derived from the structural action from elements adjacent to the node (where compression is converted to tension) and running a form finding simulation. After the simulation, the shell is then thickened and analysed for the real load case (which consider both tension and compression) using FE-analysis.
The benefit of such technique is that the designer has control over the topology of the design which enables more creative control and free exploration of a range of design variations. The form finding is done using dynamic relaxation and introduces spline elements with bending capability to control deviation from the pure spring network solution.
space frame
additive manufacturing
form finding
topology optimization
Structural nodes
Author
Martha Tsigkari
Foster and Partners
Francis Aish
Foster and Partners
Jens Olsson
Research - Architectural Theory and Method
Mats Ander
Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Material and Computational Mechanics
Christopher John Kenneth Williams
Research - Architectural Theory and Method
Eduard Hryha
Chalmers, Industrial and Materials Science, Materials and manufacture
Proceedings of the IASS Symposium 2018
Boston, USA,
Subject Categories
Architectural Engineering
Other Engineering and Technologies not elsewhere specified
Areas of Advance
Building Futures (2010-2018)