Form finding of tensile structures in Civil Engineering classes

Abstract

In Structural Analysis 2, the third year’s course of undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, students acquire theoretical knowledge on the design of tensile structures (with emphasis on prestressed cable nets). Prior to calculation, to better understand the problem of form finding, students are assigned to build a physical model of tensile structure from elastic mesh fabric. Following, they apply the force density method to numerically determine the equilibrium position. To establish numerical model, Rhinoceros and Grasshopper (visual programming language within Rhinoceros) are used, while calculations are made in SageMath, an open-source mathematical software.

Keywords

• undergraduate university study
• structural analysis 2
• form finding
• physical model
• numerical model