Producing optimized structures with inflatables

In this paper we describe the research of the best combination of construction, material and typology for structures with bending moments constructed with fabric formwork. The results are inflated three dimensional (open cell) structures rigidized and structurally optimized. The structure is 40% lighter as conventional beams of the same material and was realized and tested in prototypes and full scale models

Body Shaping and Volume Restoration: The Role of Hyaluronic Acid

Driven by the rising popularity of minimally invasive techniques, the demand for cosmetic procedures is increasing. Cosmetic body-shaping procedures can be categorized into those that remove tissue and those that add volume. This review focuses on the latter of these categories, particularly on the use of resorbable hyaluronic acid gels specifically developed for minimally invasive volume enhancement. Pilot studies of hyaluronic acid involving its injection to contour various body deformities and its recent use in female breast augmentation are discussed. Injectable hyaluronic acid is effective and well tolerated. It represents an attractive treatment option for volume restoration or augmentation by providing predictable long-lasting results after minimally invasive administration. Alternative treatment options for volume enhancement also are summarized including fat transfer, silicone implants, and the use of injectable nonresorbable products such as silicone, polyalkylimide, and polyacrylamide gels. As patients continue to opt for nonsurgical procedures that offer predictable results, the development of minimally invasive products such as hyaluronic acid is increasingly important

State-of-the-art of spatial arch bridges

The paper describes a new form of bridge called a spatial arch bridge. This bridge type was developed in response to the demand for landmark structures, which have started to appear in the modern urban landscape to provide a symbol of originality, innovation and progress. Spatial arch bridges are defined as bridges in which the vertical deck loads produce bending moments and shear forces not contained in the arch plane, owing to their geometrical and structural configuration. Moreover, the arch itself may not be contained in a plane. The different variables and geometries that create such a structural configuration have been studied and classified. A wide compilation of examples of this bridge type has been made in chronological order, according to their construction date, from Maillarts first concrete spatial arch bridges to the latest designs and materials

Genetically Engineered Architecture: design exploration with evolutionary computation

This book explores design tools based on evolutionary computation (EC), oriented primarily toward conceptual design of architectural and civil engineering structures. EC tools are well suited for exploration in a way which promotes creative design. The multiplicity of solutions generated by EC techniques is less likely to cause design fixation, and so promote a more thorough exploration of possible solutions. The use of such tools also allows the designer greater latitude in exploring design criteria, such as aesthetics, by utilizing an interactive human-computer interface. This book begins with a survey of techniques that have been used in early phases of architectural design, and establishes a set of successful attributes, which are then discussed in the context of EC techniques. Finally, a specific implementation developed by the author is described.  Several examples are given in the area of architectural engineering, and comparisons are made with results obtained with more conventional optimization tools. This book is especially useful for designers interested in new methods for generating and exploring structural form, and is accessible to non-programmers in either field. Dr.-Ing. Peter von Buelow has worked as both architect and engineer, and is currently a professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, USA, where he teaches structures in the School of Architecture, and conducts research in structural form exploration based on evolutionary computation. For more information visit:  www.umich.edu/~pvbuelow

Using evolutionary algorithms to aid designers of architectural structures

This paper describes the application of an Intelligent Genetic Design Tool (IGDT) in the design of architectural, structural elements. As a computer design aid an IGDT is innovative in its intelligent interaction with the designer. By always submitting multiple solutions for review by the designer, it is less likely to cause design fixation than other optimization techniques, and allows the user greater range in exploring hard-to-code design criteria such as aesthetics. As an example, the design of a cantilever truss is briefly explored. Using the coded optimization criterion of weight, and the designer's non-coded criteria of visual aesthetics and performance, a series of possible designs are explored. The ability of an IGDT to intelligently respond to the designer's preferences in a way that promotes creative thinking on the part of the designer is demonstrated. A final truss design is selected based on the use of the tool. It is concluded that an IGDT offers a significantly different approach to computer aided structural design which has the potential to enhance the user's own creativity in determining a good solution

Design explorations of performance driven geometry in architectural design using parametric modeling and genetic algorithms

10.1016/j.aei.2011.07.009Advanced Engineering Informatics254656-67