2007Journal of the International Association for Shell and Spatial StructuresRequires access

THRUST NETWORK ANALYSIS : A NEW METHODOLOGY FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL EQUILIBRIUM

Philippe Block, John Ochsendorf

Open publisher page 355 citations

Abstract

This paper presents a new methodology for generating compression-only vaulted surfaces and networks. The method finds possible funicular solutions under gravitational loading within a defined envelope. Using projective geometry, duality theory and linear optimization, it provides a graphical and intuitive method, adopting the same advantages of techniques such as graphic statics, but offering a viable extension to fully three-dimensional problems. The proposed method is applicable for the analysis of vaulted historical structures, specifically in unreinforced masonry, as well as the design of new vaulted structures. This paper introduces the method and shows examples of applications in both fields.

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What this paper is about

This paper presents a new methodology for generating compression-only vaulted surfaces and networks. The method finds possible funicular solutions under gravitational loading within a defined envelope. Using projective geometry, duality theory and linear optimization, it provides a graphical and intuitive method, adopting the same advantages of techniques such as graphic statics, but offering a viable extension to fully three-dimensional problems. The proposed method is applicable for the analysis of vaulted historical structures, specifically in unreinforced masonry, as well as the design of new vaulted structures. This paper introduces the method and shows examples of applications in both fields.

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OpenAlex reports 355 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

This paper presents a new methodology for generating compression-only vaulted surfaces and networks. The method finds possible funicular solutions under gravitational loading within a defined envelope. Using projective geometry, duality theory and linear optimization, it provides a graphical and intuitive method, adopting the same advantages of techniques such as graphic statics, but offering a viable extension to fully three-dimensional problems. The proposed method is applicable for the analysis of vaulted historical structures, specifically in unreinforced masonry, as well as the design of new vaulted structures. This paper introduces the method and shows examples of applications in both fields.

Key concepts: Statics, Thrust, Envelope (radar), Duality (order theory), Computer science, Extension (predicate logic), Geometry, Structural engineering

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