A geometric-based method for the perceptive design of hyperstatic rigid frames
(2022) Research Colloquium on Structural Design 2022 — Location: Burgdorf, Switzerland (21.April.2022)
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- Authors
Han, Shuyuan 
- Abstract
- This research proposes a design method of hyperstatic rigid frames that can provide more insights into the relationship between form and bending performance. This approach is based on the historical graphical methods for rigid frames. This research advanced and parameterized this method to overcome its shortcomings and develop it into an intuitive, interactive, and chronology-free design approach for the early stage of design. The current common design tools of FEM are basically a verification tool with a guess-and-check approach. Although powerful in analyzing complex systems, they shed little light on the relation behind the result, and therefore, the results are often hard to interpret and improve sensibly by inexperienced designers. Besides, the model could be cumbersome to modify, and the method is demanding for mathematic knowledge. All these factors deter architects in the in-depth forming of such frames. However, the form of frames really matters. Not only is it closely linked to the aesthetic quality of the structure, but it is also a key factor in material consumption. Frames with form responding to mechanical requirements with varying sections consume less material. And for the form-finding of frames, a higher level of involvement of architects in section dimensioning is indispensable. To facilitate such involvement, we need a tool that is insightful into the relationship between form and forces, enables rapid definition and modification of geometry, and could be readily grasped by architects. Graphical method, in particular Graphic Statics, is the potential to express structural relations more intuitively and provide insights into the structural problems, as geometry can describe forms, forces, and magnitudes more intuitionally, Hence, it could facilitate the smart design and it is more comprehensible to architects. This research starts with an in-depth historical review of the analysis methods for rigid hyperstatic frames using Graphic Statics. This review reveals that statically indeterminate rigid portal frames under vertical loading can indeed be solved – and was solved – with Graphic Statics. This method is potent in analyzing frames with varying sections. However, the historical method of hyperstatic rigid frames was limited to orthogonal portal frames under vertical loading. The result can also be rather cumbersome due to the limit of hand-drawing. The error can be significant for frames with static indeterminacy of more than one degree, partly Moreover, this is a one-way chronology approach that is not efficient for design. To overcome these limits, this research presents a solution for portal frames under horizontal loading using Graphic Statics. The portal frames with oblique members are also explored. In addition, a technique is proposed to address the static indeterminacy more precisely. Furthermore, this research parameterized such a graphical environment to enable an analysis and design approach that is rapid and interactive.
- Affiliations
Citations
Han, S., & Zastavni, D. (2022). A geometric-based method for the perceptive design of hyperstatic rigid frames. Research Colloquium on Structural Design 2022, Burgdorf, Switzerland. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/104658