Aluminium nodes for timber gridshells: Parametric detailing of node principles

Abstract

Gridshell nodes are key elements regarding structural performance, visual appearance and assembly of any gridshell that have been given little attention in recent research. This paper explores aluminium as a material for timber gridshell nodes. First, existing gridshell nodes are categorised regarding bulk materials, gripper types and connection methods and based on this, a set of novel node principles in aluminium are deducted and proposed for a timber gridshell on the geometry of the British Museum Great Court. A finite element analysis is done on the proposals to increase the understanding of the node principles’ structural behaviour and feasibility. Together, the set of node principles, their evaluation and the utilised procedure can provide new options in the future design of gridshells and gridshell nodes.