Braced Structure

This is a work in progress. The original goal was to create a parametric frame system with adjustable dimensions in x,y,z, and an adjustable number of bays in the same planes. Then brace all those bays, or whichever bays one chooses. From there a load could be applied to the entire face of one of the bays. In this image, we can see a 3x3x7 frame system with a load visualized in the XZ plane.

Creating this parametric framework in such a way that allows the face points to be easily extracted for bracing and applying loads required some interesting tree structures and a bit of path mapper. When the load is applied to the face we can see the deformations begin.

Increasing the load starts to deform the entire structure. The interesting part about the structure of this script is it allows the faces to be braced, but also it allows the central core to be braced. I envisioned this as a way to visually explain the role of bracing and shear walls in tall building construction. However, I think the same concept could be applied to any shape structure to do lateral bracing studies. Perhaps there is something interesting to be discovered here. I'll keep playing with this script and method.

UPDATE

So, I did a little update to this and added the tension/compression visualization from the flat/pratt truss. Members in blue are in tension, and those in Red are in compression. Upon inspection, it seems this is not exactly accurate. While the script will compare the original length to the modified length and color the pipe appropriately, I am not sure the comparison data structure is accurate; meaning I need to verify the comparison is happening across the same member before and after the physics solver--fun with the data structure. I will keep working on it. In the meantime, enjoy the colors.

It converges after a while, watching the process is pretty cool. I think this could be a very effective tool for helping designers visualize structural behavior and develop an intuitive sense of tension/compression and deflection. The scripting required to create the structure is a bit complex, but nothing worth having is free especially knowledge.

Braced Tower Script Tension/Compression – download Grasshopper script