Thicker funicular: Particle-spring systems for variable-depth form-responding compression-only structures

Abstract

Particle-spring systems are commonly used to develop compression-only form finding systems. This paper proposes to use a particle-spring system to respond to a desired form in order to generate a variable-depth, compression-only structure. As a variable-depth system, loads can be re-directed through the depth of material in order to result in a desired form, as opposed to a structurally optimal form that assumes a uniform thickness approach. This paper proposes to generate, build, and test compression-only structures in response to a desired architectural geometry. This research will allow for integration with external programs to input a desired form, and result in a constructible compression-only structure. © 2013 Taylor & Francis Group.