Conformal principal-asymptotic nets: Parametric design and modular construction of elastic gridshells
Abstract
Current modular design approaches often rely on numerical optimization to satisfy fabrication constraints, which can be computationally intensive and sensitive to initial geometric conditions. This work introduces a parametric design algorithm based on Conformal Principal-Asymptotic (CPA) networks on Minimal Surfaces (MS). This “pre-rationalized” approach enables the rapid generation of diverse shell morphologies while ensuring that construction logic, such as developability and node-orthogonality, is constantly preserved. The method provides a versatile design space for both surface geometry and beam configurations, while also facilitating geometric analyses of assembly-induced stresses. Our methodology is validated through a full-scale experimental timber model, providing a physical proof-of-concept that demonstrates a streamlined workflow for the design and modular assembly of complex elastic gridshells.
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BibTeX
@article{li2026conformal,
title = {{Conformal principal-asymptotic nets: Parametric design and modular construction of elastic gridshells}},
author = {Xinye Li and Mohammad Mansouri and Ahmed Elshafei},
journal = {International Journal of Space Structures},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1177/09560599261466006},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05753359v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Conformal principal-asymptotic nets: Parametric design and modular construction of elastic gridshells
AU - Xinye Li
AU - Mohammad Mansouri
AU - Ahmed Elshafei
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/03
JO - International Journal of Space Structures
DO - 10.1177/09560599261466006
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05753359v1
AB - Current modular design approaches often rely on numerical optimization to satisfy fabrication constraints, which can be computationally intensive and sensitive to initial geometric conditions. This work introduces a parametric design algorithm based on Conformal Principal-Asymptotic (CPA) networks on Minimal Surfaces (MS). This “pre-rationalized” approach enables the rapid generation of diverse shell morphologies while ensuring that construction logic, such as developability and node-orthogonality, is constantly preserved. The method provides a versatile design space for both surface geometry and beam configurations, while also facilitating geometric analyses of assembly-induced stresses. Our methodology is validated through a full-scale experimental timber model, providing a physical proof-of-concept that demonstrates a streamlined workflow for the design and modular assembly of complex elastic gridshells.
SN - 0266-3511
SN - 0266-3511
ER -