Form-finding for design of compression shells, tensile membranes and tensegrities by means of the Multiple Force Density Method
2013-11-07 12:15 - 13:15 | GC B331
Prof. Enrique Hernández Montes
Form-finding of suitable tension-only or compression-only structures has been a significant engineering and scientific problem in the past century. Mechanical analogies as well as numerical procedures have been developed in the past leading to a number of solutions. Some cases, as double domes, remain however complicate to be obtained. In this seminar, it is presented an innovative approach to this problem based on topology and on the multiple force density method. This approach is shown to open a new window to the concept of designing tension-compression structures. The method is simple, intuitive and easy to understand.
Bio: Enrique Hernández Montes is full professor of Concrete Structures at the University of Granada (Spain), where he obtained his diploma and PhD in 1992 and 1995 respectively. He has been visiting professor at Politecnico di Milano (Italy). His main research activities are found in the field of Structural Engineering, particularly earthquake engineering, concrete structures, steel structures, form-finding and conceptual design. He is also in charge of teaching the subject Ethics and Aesthetics in Engineering at the University of Granada.
