Subdivision and approximation of free-form steel structures

Development of a methodology for quadrangular subdivision of free-form steel shapes into optimized producible panels. Implementation in a semi-parametric tool

Master thesis (2019)

Authors

T. van Loon Architecture and the Built Environment

Contributors

P. Nourian Design Informatics - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
P. Eigenraam Structural Design & Mechanics - Architecture and the Built Environment (mentor)
D.K. Czischke Housing Management - Architecture and the Built Environment (graduation committee member)
Faculty
Architecture and the Built Environment, Architecture and the Built Environment
Copyright: © 2019 Thomas van Loon
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Published Date

09-07-2019

Language

English

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Faculty

Architecture and the Built Environment

Abstract

Due to technological innovations free-form shapes in architecture can be seen more often nowadays. For instance in façades, roofs and pavilions. In between this design shape and actual producible shape lays a complex process that has to do with approximating and subdividing this shape in economically producible panels. Restrictions for production depend on the used materials, production techniques and the method of assembly. The aim of this research is to develop a method for manufacturing free-form steel structures – with a guarantee for high accuracy – relying only on a CNC laser cutter. This methodology consist out of three parts. The first part focusses on generating a quadrangular subdivision based on the topology of the shape. The second part explains a global approach that increases the developability in the panels, while maintaining a certain accuracy to the original shape. Lastly the modified geometry is transformed to structural elements on which a preliminary structural analysis is executed to provide an estimation of the required dimensions of the elements.