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FOLDED SURFACES — 4 POINTS SUPPORT VS CANTILEVER

For the structural analysis we decided to play with the geometry of a vault linked to certain parameters that were able to change the physical appearance of the whole piece. In the first case, we have a regular vault without any change. The height is 4m and the length is 8 meters.  For the second and the third cases, the ideas was to deform the middle point of the of the arches that control the shape of the vault.  

The following analysis of each one of the cases, shows a progressive complexity increase of loads and support distribution. Our idea was to evolve the analysis in six steps, starting with just one single vertical punctual load and 4 supports, till the most complex one with loads in different directions and more supports without any degree of freedom.

The structural component was designed according to the technic of TOPOLOGICAL OPTIMIZATION. The inception of our design was a rectangular block influenced by a puntual load on top of it. The distribution of the strength lines produced is in a shape of  ”Y” letter , so we kept this form for a structural component. The result was produced thanks to the use of a specific software, called TOPOSTRUCT. After analyze the stress lines inside the block, we got the shape of the component we are working with.

Modules distribution.

STRUCTURAL SKIN (VAULT BEHAVIOR)
with this component we can solve different sorts of volumes, creating spaces with unexpected results. The possibilities are a lot since we can distribute de loads, uniformly following the shape of the component. This piece can distribute the different loads following the behavior of domes and vaults, working as a skin with structural behavior.
To locate the pieces, it was ncesary to generate a grasshopper skin definition which allow us to subdivide the base surface in tiles, distributed like a brick wall due to the geometry of the “Y” pieces. The structure stiffness is increased due to the second layer behind, with the same components that allows a better interlocked of the different elements.

STRUCTURAL SKIN (WALL BEHAVIOR)
For the second step the idea was to look for a second structural behavior with the same component. We rotate it 90º degrees thinking how it could be the structure stiffness in a wall. The pattern becomes more complicated but the structure could work in a similar way than the first one. Geometry of the curves can self support the whole system, giving to it more rigidness

For this assigment we decided to use dynamic structures doe the adaptability and flexibility they bring. It consists of two rigid elements hinged together, that leave us we diferent posibilities for the design; this means that the system can be stabilized by placing a rigid element. 

Our resarch was bases in exploring two sistems regular and excentric the idea was to change the place of the hinged from the middle to 1/3 of the length and by it, explore thechanges in the structure. From joining the components together we develop a structure that was based on an arc form.

This system is capable of keeping a constant tension if we add stretch wired as guides during the travel of the structure this will allow a proper path for the structure.