Optimization of gridshell bar orientation using a simplified genetic approach

Lina Bouhaya (1, 2) , Olivier Baverel (2) , Jean-François Caron (1, 2)

1 navier umr 8205 - Laboratoire Navier
2 msa - Matériaux et Structures Architecturés

Gridshells are defined as structures that have the shape and rigidity of a double curvature shell but consist of a grid instead of a continuous surface. This study concerns those obtained by elastic deformation of an initially flat two-way grid. This paper presents a novel approach to generate gridshells on an imposed shape under imposed boundary conditions. A numerical tool based on a geometrical method, the compass method, is developed. It is coupled with genetic algorithms to optimize the orientation of gridshell bars in order to minimize the stresses and therefore to avoid bar breakage during the construction phase. Examples of application are shown.

Keywords: Genetic algorithms; Formfinding; Compass method; Gridshell

Domains: Structural mechanics [physics.class-ph]; Matériaux composites et construction

Lina Bouhaya, Olivier Baverel, Jean-François Caron. Optimization of gridshell bar orientation using a simplified genetic approach. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 2014, 50 (5), pp.839-848. ⟨10.1007/s00158-014-1088-9⟩. ⟨hal-01133116⟩