Author
Xavier Tellier, Cyril Douthe, Olivier Baverel, Laurent Hauswirth
Abstract
In double-curvature gridshells covered with rigid flat panels, panels cannot lay flat on the top surface of beams. In many cases, costly elements need to be inserted in-between to insure a proper beam-panel connection. Precedent research on the geometric rationalization of gridshells has mostly focused on minimizing cladding panel curvature, simplifying node and beam fabrication, and allowing for repeatability of elements. The connection between beams and panels has received very little attention. This paper explores the possible gridshell geometries under the constraint of having a full planar contact between beams and cladding panels. A strategy that consists of folding panels is studied in details. It turns out that a rich variety of panel shapes and folding patterns is possible. Two generation methods for such shapes are proposed: a method for quad meshes of revolution covered with folded panels, and a method for folded hexagonal panels based on the projection algorithm developed by Bouaziz et al. The resulting structures are of particular interest for opaque doubly curved facades covered with metal sheets or other foldable material. The good contact between beams and panels also offers the possibility to use the panels as bracing elements. Hence the proposed method proves to be efficient for construction purposes, but also for mechanical behavior.
