Designing compression structures by topological mapping

Abstract

The Force Density Method has been traditionally employed to seek the equilibrium shape of tension structures. Recently, the use of a process based on topology has been introduced to provide a first network in which the Force Density Method can be applied. Compression-only structures such as vaults and domes can also be modelled by means of the former approach if this is modified to get a design process similar to the Gaudí’s one based on hanging models. The conjunction of Topological Mapping and the Forced Density Method is first explained in the form-finding process of tension structures and, later on, the modifications to that approach are introduced so that an iterative procedure is obtained to get equilibrium shapes of compression-only structures. The versatility of this novel approach is presented by means of the analysis of some representative examples.