Informing Design through Parametric Integrated Structural Simulation

Abstract

The paper describes the development, testing, and initial findings of a design tool that generates parametrically defined, semi-automatically analyzed, and visualized structural performance of specific truss designs. The prototypical design tool provides structural truss solutions for spans of uniform to non-uniform surface curvatures. Real-time visual structural performance feedback enables the designer to more rapidly develop viable and potentially more efficient designs under user defined load conditions. The research methodology is an example of reinforcing structural learning and intuition within the design process. The research presents findings of the impact of iterative and interactive structural feedback through the development of a parametrically integrated structural truss analysis tool for aiding in design decision support.