AEI - Architectural Engineering Institute

3D PRINTED GRIDSHELL INVERTED UMBRELLA

  • 1.  3D PRINTED GRIDSHELL INVERTED UMBRELLA

    Posted 10-15-2018 11:58 AM
    A 3D Printed INVERTED UMBRELLA that was generated using the concept of modular doubly ruled sets of straight lines within the boundaries of three parabolic curves originating from the Candela style of Groined Vaulted shells was obtained to demonstrate the feasibility to construct lightweight gridshell roof structures which can take advantage of lightweight cover materials that can allow ample light into covered spaces. Materials such as ETFE, PVC, or PTFE can certainly be used as fabric covers on the gridshell hypar surfaces.

    In a next posting this same 3D printed gridshell will be covered with stretchable fabric which will then be clamped along the edges of the exterior boundary curves. A set of pictures and a short video are presented to illustrate the realization of this nano-scale model.

    Pedro R. Munoz, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, Archineer, MEngMS
    https://www..linkedin.com/pub/pedro-r-munoz-ph-d-p-e-m-asce-archineer/18/1b3/907

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    Pedro Munoz Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE
    Principal
    PRM Engineering, LLC
    Methuen MA
    (978)7388001
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