Reinterpretation of catenary vaulted spaces: Construction of a prototype and structural evaluation through Multibody Rope Approach

The paper aims at describing an innovative way to build catenary-shaped structures by fixing the geometry of a hanging chain through welding. This works according to the principle of the inverted catenary arch. The obtained catenary frames can be used to create architectural pavilions. A preliminary case study inspired by the Chapel of the Holy Shroud, designed by the Italian Architect Guarino Guarini is presented. The Chapel is built with a series of entwined superimposed arches In the second part, the study for the realization of a prototype composed of a “winged structure” that has been built and exposed in Turin in June 2023 is reported. Both the configurations are described and an evaluation of their behavior is presented. Their shape has been compared to a corresponding funicular form.The digital representation of these structures is made using the multi-body rope approach (MRA). Different MRA enhancing strategies are explained and discussed.