Cost-Effective and Constructible Gridshell Design Through the Fusion of Form-Finding and Evolutionary Algorithms

The construction industry, despite its considerable environmental footprint, represents a crucial segment of the global economy. Consequently, even minor advancements in this field can generate significant global benefits. Structural optimization emerges as a promising strategy for addressing these challenges, particularly in the design of gridshell structures. Gridshells, known for their ability to span large spaces without intermediary supports, offer remarkable structural efficiency. However, their construction complexity has limited their widespread use. Optimization techniques can address this by improving material efficiency and simplifying construction processes. This study introduces an optimization framework for free-form gridshell structures, combining evolutionary algorithms with the enhanced Multi-body Rope Approach (i-MRA) for form-finding. The primary objectives minimize structural components, reduce material consumption, decrease production waste, and ensure compliance with structural standards. This approach provides an innovative and efficient solution for the conceptual design of lightweight and structurally efficient gridshells.