Numerical models of chosen types of dome structures

The paper presents basic description of shaping processes of tension-strut structures developed by the author and proposed as lightweight structural systems for large span dome covers. In the paper are presented two basic types of the systems, which are built mainly by means of tetrahedral and octahedral modules with the V-shaped bar sets. For all the offered types of structures there are prepared suitable numerical models defined in the programming language Formian. Application of these numerical models considerably accelerates design process of these complex forms of spatial structures and makes possible an easier co-operation between all designers involved in this process

Shaping of structural systems of high-rise buildings

Design of an efficient and suitably rigid support structure of a tall building is constantly a challenge for architects and engineers. Recently this challenge is enormously increased by the safety requirements conditioned by numerous emergency reasons. Among others one should mention here about effects of fire or a terrorist attack. The complex forms of structural systems have to be examined in many ways. Comprehensive analyses of these systems are carried out by application of suitable numerical models of these systems. The paper contains examples of shapes of structural systems proposed by the author together with definitions of their numerical models prepared in the programming language Formian

Formex configuration processing: A young branch of knowledge

The term ‘configuration’ refers to an arrangement of parts. For example, the elements of a structure constitute a configuration and so do the atoms of a molecule and the components of an electrical network. The most common usage of the term configuration is in reference to geometric compositions that consist of points, lines, surfaces and so on. The term ‘configuration processing’ refers to the skill of dealing with creation and manipulation of configurations. In particular, the term ‘formex configuration processing’ implies configuration processing with the aid of ‘formex algebra’. Formex algebra is evolved to perform processes needed for configuration processing, just as the ordinary algebra is evolved to perform operations needed for creation and manipulation of numerical models. The term ‘formex’ is derived from the word ‘form’ and it is meant to imply a ‘representation of form’. This article has two main objectives. The first objective is to provide a general feeling of how the elements of formex algebra perform configuration processing. This objective is achieved through simple examples, without involvement in too many details. It will be seen that working with parameters is a natural characteristic of formex configuration processing. Thus, a formex solution is, normally, for a class of problems rather than an individual one. This would allow consideration of different variants of a configuration by simply changing the values of the parameters. It will also be seen the ease with which freeforms can be created. The coverage also includes information about ‘Formian’ which is the name of the computer software for formex configuration processing. The second objective of this article is to record the story of the development of formex algebra from the beginnings in the mid-1970s to the middle of the second decade of the 21st century, covering some 40 years of development. Formex configuration processing is an effective and elegant conceptual tool for generation and manipulation of forms. However, there are also other approaches to configuration processing. In particular, there are now a number of highly successful software systems for configuration processing using various tactics. Formex algebra will be a natural complement for these systems