Cases

Free-form thrust lines

Structures with a non-funicular shape can be transformed into a free-form thrust line by adding a tension stiffening system shaped according to the bending moment in the free-form curve. The reaction forces of the stiffened free-form structure will be equivalent to those of the funicular solution (dash-dotted line). Explore possible configurations of the free-form thrust line. Note that the stiffening system shown is the visualization of the bending moment in the free-form curve, not the actual geometry of the structure.

Form finding of the Tower bridge

The design of the Tower bridge is based on the superposition of the funicular lines for two load cases, the self-weight of the bridge and extreme asymmetric load cases, represented by an additional uniformly distributed load on either part of the span respectively. All funicular lines pass through the 3 points, the result is the enveloping surface of all possible funicular lines.

Form finding of Nervi's Airport Hangars

Understand the loadbearing behaviour of Nervi's Airport Hangars both under their own weight and a moving external load respectively.

Form finding of Supersam

The concept of the roof structure is to eliminate horizontal forces by alternating tension cables and compression arches of similar curvature. The outward component of arch thrust balances the inward component of cable pull at each end.

Form finding of the Salginatobel bridge

The design of the Salginatobel bridge is based on the superposition of the thrust lines for two load cases. The self-weight of the bridge is assumed as a uniformly distributed load; two point loads are assumed at quarter span of the bridge. Use the slider to go through the steps of the formfinding process: 1-3) constructing the thrust line for the uniformly distributed load; 4-5) constructing the thrust line for the two point loads at quarter span; 6) constructing a moving point load; 7-9) integrating the two loadlines into a combined load line to construct the thrust line for the combined load case.Use the slider to move the point load along the span of the bridge. Note that the found thrust line is always contained within the geometry of the bridge.

Form finding of the Golden Gate bridge

Use the slider to go through the formfinding process for the Golden Gate bridge: 1-2) finding the reaction forces of the central span by constructing a funicular line through 3 points; 3) decomposing the reaction forces; 4) the vertical components are taken by the pylons, the horizontal components of the central span and the small spans have to neutralize each other; 5-7) using the horizontal component to find the reaction forces of the small span and construct the funicular line; 8-9) decomposing the reaction forces of the small span to determine the vertical components; 10) the horizontal components of the central span and the small spans neutralize each other, the same horizontal component is taken by the supports at either side.Move the handles in the form diagram to explore different configurations of the geometry and their implications on the forces.