Form-finding and optimization of shell structures with algorithmic modelling

• Grant number: 15/24924-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2016
• End date: March 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Structural Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Ruy Marcelo de Oliveira Pauletti
• Grantee: Márcio Sartorelli Venâncio de Souza
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Shell structures are extremely interesting by resisting loads efficiently and allowing great creativity into the design process. With computer support, it's possible to optimize these two factors into the form-finding of structures. This research project propose the implementation of a design environment for the form-finding of shell structures, with Rhino3D/Grasshopper programming, using the force density method and the natural force density method, the last one developed by the advisor, although it's never had been applied to shell structures, only to taut structures, in other words, cable and membrane structures. (AU)