Abstract
This paper presents a novel and rigorous approach for the design of efficient spatial support structures for flat slabs. Based on the given dead load of the slab and the topology of the supporting structure, this method allows form-finding of support structures that are in equilibrium with axial compression forces only. During the form-finding process, the resulting horizontal forces from the compression support structure are balanced through translation and rotation of the slab, and subsequently resolved in the plane of the slab using funicular or trussed strut-and-tie systems. The presented method can be applied for the design of a variety of different typologies of supporting structures, such as inclined columns, curved walls, branching structures and shells. A computational prototype of the approach is implemented as CAD modeling tool, and the potential of the method is shown through two formal design explorations.
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Lachauer, L., Block, P. (2013). Compression Support Structures for Slabs. In: Hesselgren, L., Sharma, S., Wallner, J., Baldassini, N., Bompas, P., Raynaud, J. (eds) Advances in Architectural Geometry 2012. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1251-9_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1251-9_10
Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna
Print ISBN: 978-3-7091-1250-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-7091-1251-9