Structural Design of Glass Geometries

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the use and effects of advanced computational power in the structural design process of glass structures. This investigation resulted in the finding of the AE-model and AE-method which are be both extensively explained in the masters thesis Main Report. The AE-model, which is the abbreviation of Architect and Engineering model, is created by chaining the latest parametric computation software. The AE-model is designed to give rapid insight in the structural behaviour of architectural glass designs and gives feedback about stiffness, strength, stability and costs. In this manner the feasibility of a concept can be tested and, if necessary, improved towards a more balanced, affordable and feasible design. To avoid the inefficient use of the model the AE-method is introduced. The AE-method sums up the non-technical know-how around the AE-model. The AE-method proposes a workflow for the AE-model and addresses the impact which the model has on the building industry. The AE-methodology is tested during this thesis on two virtual projects and on three projects in real life. The virtual projects concern a dome and an ellipsoid. The projects in real life are: 'the new Fifth Avenue Apple cube' in New York, 'The Globe' in Kuwait and 'The Canakkale antenna tower' in Turkey. This thesis investigation resulted in various technical as well as non-technical conclusions. The AE-model and AE-method reveal that it is possible to improve the speed and quality of the engineering advise given in the design process of glass structures. Although the quality of the engineering advise given throughout the whole construction process might not be influenced, the latest computational power can significantly improve the speed at which engineering advise can be given. As a consequence a new work flow need to be introduced. The model and method together can bring the quality of engineering advise given during the design phase quickly to a high level.Structural DesignStructural EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience