Cross Section Optimizer

Input Surfaces and Analyze Structure

Beam Forces, Beams, Cross Section Optimizer

The team at the University of Virginia has created a series of Karamba3D examples to guide users through several workflow processes.

Each example is thoroughly explained and the geometry is internalized to run without supporting Rhino files. Input new rhino geometry into the Grasshopper definitions to see how the geometry performs.

Difficulty: Moderate
This example shows how to visualize load path; and identify rough limits to geometry and support systems.

Change the slider that controls mesh density
Change the slider that controls loads
Test your own surfaces

Get the Rhino file here: 01_InputSurfacesAndAnalyzeStructure.3dm
Get the Grasshopper definition here: 01_InputSurfacesAndAnalyzeStructure.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3.

Thanks to: Jeana Ripple, Ripple Architecture Studio / University of Virginia, School of Architecture / Benjamin DiNapoli / Angelica Door / Blue Clements / Moritz Heimrath, Karamba3D

Input Curves and Analyse Structure

Beam Forces, Beams, Cross Section Optimizer

The team at the University of Virginia has created a series of Karamba3D examples to guide users through several workflow processes.

Difficulty: Moderate
This example shows how to visualize load paths; and identify rough limits to geometry and support systems.

Change the slider that controls the loads
Alter the existing geometry
Test your own curves, surface loads, and support point input

Get the Rhino file here: 01_InputCurvesAndAnalyzeStructure.3dm
Get the Grasshopper definition here: 01_InputCurvesAndAnalyzeStructure.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3.

Thanks to: Jeana Ripple, Ripple Architecture Studio / University of Virginia, School of Architecture / Benjamin DiNapoli / Angelica Door / Blue Clements / Moritz Heimrath, Karamba3D

Shell Cross Section Optimization

Cross Section Optimizer, Shells

Difficulty: Simple (TRIAL/PRO versions only)
The cross sections of a concrete shell bridge with an arc form are optimized. A mesh load runs along the center of the bridge. Custom colours can be plugged into the ModelViewer for the mesh preview. To view in the TRIAL version, set the Mesh Resolution to 6 and the Edge Refinement Factor to 1.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 02_ShellCrossSectionOptimization.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3.

Optimization of Column Positions

Beams, Cross Section Optimizer, Octopus, Optimization, Shells

Difficulty: Hard (PRO version only)
The position of inclined columns for a shell roof structure is optimized. This shows how beams and shells are integrated into a single model. 3d shapes are used during the optimization to reduce the columns from intersecting predefined regions. The surface, boxes and region of columns can be altered.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 03_Optimization_InclinedColumnPositions.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3 and Octopus for multi-objective optimization.

Optimization of a Shell Bridge

Cross Section Optimizer, Octopus, Optimization, Shells

Difficulty: Moderate
This definition uses Octopus to find the optimal height and width of a concrete shell bridge based on the deflection, weight and height. The octopus component contains some sample iterations. To view in the TRIAL version, set the Mesh Resolution to 6 and the Edge Refinement Factor to 1.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 03_Optimization_ShellBridge.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3 and Octopus for multi-objective optimization.

Large Deformation of a Shell

Cross Section Optimizer, Disassemble Model, Large Deformation, Shell Line Results, Shells

Difficulty: Hard
Using the Large Deformation Analysis we can simulate the behaviour of a hanging model to find the optimum form for the applied stresses. The principle stress lines of the shell can be viewed after the analysis. For viewing in the FREE Version use a Analyze Model component instead of the Optimize Cross Section component. For viewing in the Trial Version set the Mesh Resolution of the Mesh Breps component to 10.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 04_LargeDeformationShell.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3.

Projected Array of Lines

Beam Eccentricities, Beam Joints, Beams, Cross Section Optimizer, Parametric Setups

Difficulty: Hard
A set of lines are projected onto a surface. The cross section optimizer determines the appropriate cross section sizes for each element. By setting eccentricities for the beam elements, the beams are aligned with the original surface.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 05_Projectedarrayoflines.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3.

Projected Voronoi Pattern Gridshell

Beam Joint Agent, Beams, Cross Section Optimizer, Orient Beam, Parametric Setups

Difficulty: Hard (PRO version only)
A Voronoi pattern is projected onto a surface. The cross section optimizer is used to specify the thickness of each member. By using the Beam Orient component, each element can be orientated individually to align with the input surface.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 05_ProjectedVoronoiPatternGridshell.gh
This example uses Karamba 1.3.3.

Large Deformation of a Triangular Grid

Beam Joint Agent, Beams, Cross Section Optimizer, Disassemble Model, Large Deformation

Difficulty: Moderate (PRO version only)
Using the Large Deformation Analysis we can simulate the behaviour of a hanging model to find the optimum form for a triangular gridshell.
The Beam Joint Agent releases rotation in all axes at the supports.

Get the grasshopper definition here: 04_LargeDeformationTriangularGridshell.gh
This example uses Karamba3D 1.3.3.