Title: New opportunities for the conceptual design of material-efficient antifunicular structures

Author(s): Leonardo Todisco, Hugo Corres

Publication: ACHE

Volume: 69

Issue: 284

Appears on pages(s): 83 - 88

Keywords: Equilibrium, Funicular, Graphic statics, Conceptual design, Post-tensioning system

DOI:

Date: 1/1/2018

Abstract:
Non-structural design criteria (e.g., usability, architectural needs, esthetics) may prohibit the selection of purely funicular or anti-funicular shapes. In response to this issue, this paper illustrates the possibility of achieving an axial-only behavior, even if the geometry departs from the ideally bending-free shape. This is achieved by adding forces through an external post-tensioning system, with a layout defined through graphic statics. The paper briefly illustrates examples of this approach and its implementation within a design-driven software where structural performance and geometric variation are embedded within an interactive and parametric working environment.