ANIDIS - L'ingegneria Sismica in Italia, ANIDIS XX - 2025

Dimensione del carattere:  Piccola  Media  Grande

Geometric modelling of a lattice structure for large roofs with OpenSeeS

Mauro Mazzei

Ultima modifica: 2025-08-20

Sommario


This work presents the structural design, using OpenSees modeling, of a large glulam timber space frame roof inspired by the shape of a seagull’s wings in flight. The geometry of the roof is based on a hyperbolic paraboloid, a ruled surface with double curvature that allows for both structural lightness and strong architectural impact. The shape is mathematically defined by the equation which represents a hyperbolic paraboloid, derived as an affine transformation of rotational surfaces such as hyperboloids and elliptic paraboloids. Geometric analysis shows that this surface intersects horizontal planes in hyperbolas and vertical planes in parabolas, confirming its ruled nature and the feasibility of construction using straight linear elements.

The OpenSees model discretizes the surface into a regular nodal grid, with elastic beam-column elements simulating the timber members. The main nodes are supported by perimeter columns, and the curvature is achieved by varying the nodal heights according to the generating function. Static analysis evaluates displacements and internal forces under permanent and variable loads, demonstrating the effectiveness of the hyperbolic shape in distributing stresses and ensuring stability.

The combination of mathematical form, structural efficiency, and natural inspiration makes this roof an exemplary case of integration between engineering and architecture.


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