Simplifying Catenary Wood Structures (2019)
article⁄Simplifying Catenary Wood Structures (2019)
abstract⁄This workinprogress action research paper describes the development of a novel computationdriven design method for lowtech producible, structurally optimized, suspended wooden roofs based on near catenaryshaped gluelaminated beams. The paper positions itself in a postdigital architectural context with as goal to introduce recent technological advances into developing construction contexts characterized by limited production means. The paper starts by evaluating the preexisting practical, procedural, and economic drivers behind the design and fabrication of curved gluelaminated beamsone of the most ecologically sustainable structural elements commonly available. A method is proposed that employs genetic algorithms to simplify the fabrication of a suspended roof structure’s range of weightsaving, catenary shaped beams. To minimize the number of costly highstrength steel pressure vise setups required for their individual production, idealized curve geometries are minimally tweaked until a single, reusable jig setup becomes possible. When combined with a wooden roof underfloor, tectonic systems that employ such beams have the potential to dramatically reduce structure material requirements while producing architecturally engaging and spatially complex nonstandard space. The method’s validity, applicability, and architectural design opportunity space is tested, evaluated, and discussed through a conceptual architectural design project proposal that operates as demonstrator. The paper concludes by addressing future research directions and architectural advantages that the proposed design and fabrication methodology brings, especially for developing construction contexts with limited access to digital fabrication technology.
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| Year |
2019 |
| Authors |
Wong, Nichol Long Hin; Crolla, Kristof. |
| Issue |
ACADIA 19:UBIQUITY AND AUTONOMY |
| Pages |
150-155 |
| Library link |
N/A |
| Entry filename |
simplifying-catenary-wood-structures |
