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Comparing form finding methods

This research project aims to develop a single mathematical and computational framework that incorporates existing form-finding methods and allows for comprehensive comparison of their attributes and performance.

Well-known methods such as the force density method, dynamic relaxation, updated reference strategy, and others are considered by mathematically structuring and presenting them in the same way, using the same notation and combining terminology. Based on this, a single computational framework using a sparse branch-node data structure is made.This framework marginalizes any differences related to operating platforms, programming language, and style, offering a better baseline for independent comparison of performance and results. As a consequence, it is possible to more clearly relate, distinguish, and compare existing methods, allow for hybrid methods, and identify new avenues for research.

Publications

Veenendaal D. and Block P.Comparison of form-finding methods,Shell Structures for Architecture: Form Finding and Optimization,Adriaenssens, S., Block, P., Veenendaal, D. and Williams, C. (editors),Routledge,London,2014.
Veenendaal D. and Block P.An overview and comparison of structural form finding methods for general networks,International Journal of Solids and Structures,49(26): 3741-3753,2012.
Veenendaal D. and Block P.A Framework for Comparing Form Finding Methods,Proceedings of the IABSE-IASS Symposium 2011,London, UK,2011 (9).
ETH ZurichDARCHITA

 

ETH Zurich
Institute of Technology in Architecture
Block Research Group
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8093 Zurich, Switzerland
haake@arch.ethz.ch
block.arch.ethz.ch

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