Original Scientific Paper, Volume 14, Number 1, Year 2016, No 370, pp 179-184

Published: Nov 08, 2016

DOI: 10.5937/jaes14-10448

DESIGN OF A COMPRESSION STRUCTURE WITH INNER RIBS USING FORCE DENSITY METHOD & TOPOLOGICAL MAPPING

Manuel Alejandro Fernandez Ruiz 1
Manuel Alejandro Fernandez Ruiz
Affiliations
Department of Structural Mechanics, University of Granada,Calle Real de Cartuja, Spain
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∙ Luisa Maria Gil-Martin 1
Luisa Maria Gil-Martin
Affiliations
Department of Structural Mechanics, University of Granada,Calle Real de Cartuja, Spain
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Abstract

Compression-only structures can be modelled as pin-jointed networks with all the members in compression. The final shape of the network can be computed using the Force Density Method (FDM) together with Topological Mapping (TM), introducing the self-weight iteratively until the equilibrium is found. One of the input parameters of FDM is the force-length ratio q of each member of the network. Members with a high q carry a higher level of loads, working as ribs of the structure. The designer defines the proper distribution of the ribs in the network, resulting in aesthetical final shapes. Here, a two-storey compression structure with inner ribs has been designed using TM-FDM.

Keywords

Compression structures Force Density Method Topological Mapping Form-finding

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