Shaping curved steel rod structures

The paper addresses the problem of the efficient shaping of curved steel rod structures conducted based on the enneper surface. The proposed parametric design process consists in linking the geometric shaping of grid models with their structural analysis and optimization, which is realized through the application of design tools working in the rhinoceros 3D software. The mechanical performance of lattices covered with glass panels is evaluated and the structures are pre-dimensioned. The presented aesthetic grid shells with good structural characteristics may constitute original coverings. however, the analysis, which targets an early stage of the design, aims at providing design guidelines to facilitate communication between architects and civil engineers.