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Interactive design tools for funicular shells

This research is implementing Thrust Network Analysis (TNA) in a powerful interactive design tool for exploring and designing funicular structures.

More info

Thrust Network Analysis (TNA), a new methodology for generating compression-only vaulted surfaces and networks was developed by Block as part of his PhD (2009) at MIT, under the guidance of Prof. John Ochsendorf. The method finds possible funicular solutions under gravitational loading within a defined envelope. Using projective geometry, duality theory and linear optimization, it provides a graphical and intuitive method, adopting the same advantages of techniques such as graphic statics, but offering a viable extension to fully three-dimensional problems. 

Based on reciprocal diagrams and linear optimization, it provides an intuitive, fast method, adopting the same advantages of techniques such as Graphic Statics, but offering a viable extension to fully three-dimensional problems. The designer can control the many degrees of freedom of highly indeterminate three-dimensional equilibrium systems to explore structural form. The project demonstrates the power of TNA for structurally informed, but surprising design explorations.

Application

This research has resulted in the development of Rhinoceros® Plug-in for exploring funicular form, RhinoVAULT.

Recognition

In 2014, RhinoVAULT was awarded the first prize in the category "Structure / Physics" at ALGODeQ, an international competition for algorithmic design programs, furthermore receiving the highest rating from the reviewers. 

The paper “Funicular Shell Design Exploration" was awarded the "Best Student Paper" at ACADIA 2013.

Publications

Block P., Van Mele T. and Rippmann M.Geometry of Forces: Exploring the solution space of structural design,GAM,12: 28-37,2016 (April).Special issue S. Peters and A. Trummer (Eds.) - 'Structural Affairs'.
Rippmann M. and Block P.Funicular Shell Design Exploration,Proceedings of the 33rd Annual Conference of the ACADIA,Waterloo/Buffalo/Nottingham, Canada,2013 (September).
Rippmann M., Lachauer L. and Block P.RhinoVAULT - Interactive Vault Design,International Journal of Space Structures,27(4): 219-230,2012 (December).
Van Mele T., Lachauer L., Rippmann M. and Block P.Geometry-based Understanding of Structures,Journal of the International Association of Shell and Spatial Structures,53(4): 285-295,2012.
ETH ZurichDARCHITA

 

ETH Zurich
Institute of Technology in Architecture
Block Research Group
Stefano-Franscini-Platz 1, HIB E 45
8093 Zurich, Switzerland
haake@arch.ethz.ch
block.arch.ethz.ch

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