Authors
Mesnil R., Santerre Y., Douthe C., Baverel O., Léger B.
Abstract
The repetition of elements in a free-form structure is an important topic for the cost rationalization process of complex projects. Although nodes are identified as a major cost factor is steel grid shells, little research has been done on node repetition. This paper proposes a family of shapes, called isogonal moulding surfaces, having high node congruence, flat panels and torsion-free nodes. It is shown that their generalization, called Monge’s surfaces, can be approximated by surfaces of revolution, yielding high congruence of nodes, panels and members. These shapes are therefore interesting tools for geometrically-constrained design approach.