Linear Weingarten surfaces for conceptual design – X. Tellier et al. (2019)

Author

Xavier Tellier, Cyril Douthe, Olivier Baverel, Laurent Hauswirth

Abstract

Designing freeform architectural envelopes is a challenging task, as it requires a balance between structural efficiency, fabricability and architectural requirements. In this article, we present a novel numerical form-finding method based on the generation of the so-called Linear Weingarten surfaces. The method allows to build these surfaces on a target boundary curve. Surfaces are calculated by minimizing of a new functional. The method is well suited for conceptual design, as it generates shapes at membrane equilibrium under uniform pressure load, and gives a direct feedback on internal stresses. One notable application is for the design of steel-glass gridshells, for which mechanical performance and ease of fabrication can be combined.