Adaptive structural systems possess the ability of geometrical and mechanical adjustment with regard to changing functional, loading, or environmental conditions. In particular, gridshells following bending-active principles in their deformation behavior, require a comprehensive approach in dealing with aspects of form-finding and adaptive structural behavior. The respective framework provides systems of multi-curvature configurations with transformability capabilities that are implemented through a step-by-step process of an initially non-deformed planar grid. In the current paper an adaptive bending-active plate gridshell is proposed. This is a proposal of a structural concept and not of a specific structural/architectural solution. It consists of an array of paired elastic member stripes, which combined with interconnecting telescopic bars and cables of variable length connecting the supports, operate the necessary deformation in providing the system's planar expansion and erection. The topology of the structure and its configurability are initially digitally investigated. Twelve different cases have been developed, based on control parameters of the supports' displacement and the telescopic tubes' length modification. A particular system configuration has been realized in a small-scale model, and further investigated following a sequential nonlinear static Finite-Element Analysis (FEA), in its form-finding and load-deformation behavior.

The development of transformable structures in architecture is primarily based on the reduction of self-weight, construction volume and technical complexity, so as to achieve reconfigurability and provide efficient kinematics in terms of shape transformations and deformations. Along these lines, the current paper refers to the design and analysis of an adaptive structure of two components alternatingly linearly interconnected

This paper discusses soft structural transformation strategies and responsive motional activation control methods for the development of an interactive building skin, responsible for regulating inner light conditions, with particular feedback from human position and stature. Inspired from the latest employment of smart mobile devices in building industry as an on/off wireless control switchboard, the present project demonstrates an alternative, gesture-based activation methodology towards a more natural and approachable way of controlling architectural environments. Elastically deformable planar elements of low thickness, in the basis of bending-active principles, have been chosen for the composition of a ‘soft’, modular adaptive building skin that enables flexible kinetic transformation with enhanced diverse geometrical conversion. Alongside the question of responsive motional control strategies, the search for a practical design setup is investigated aiming to establish a computational-oriented methodology that integrates information from both direct physical sensory data and indirect computational programming and organization of the input information. This is discussed through the case studies, where the physical performance of individuals is examined to generate input parameters responsible for the appropriate gesture activation of the digitally simulated responsive skin. User’s physical actions are recorded via the synergy of multiple sensors and classified into two main categories. Computation of both data resulted on an enriched user motion decoding, and therefore the encoding of specific structural reactions.

Recent applications of bending-active structural principles have facilitated the development of unique, material and energy efficient, free-form lightweight systems. The systems are realized through the application of an interdisciplinary design, computational fabrication, exclusive assembly techniques and construction. These aspects are directly linked to the form-finding process through the bending-active members’ activation. A number of design and construction parameters necessary for the morphological objectives succession, as well as the consideration of the deformation behavior of the systems, have raised the challenge of associating generative configuration parameters with their respective post-formed load-deformation behavior. Along these lines, the present paper examines the design of a planar hybrid bending-active system that consists of a single elastic member interconnected with cable elements at equal length intervals of 1 m. The three-stage development of the system consists of its assembly in planar arrangement (i) and erection (ii) following an initial uniform cables’ length reduction, in connection with the appropriate kinematic constraints of the ground supports. In a consecutive post-tensioning stage (iii), the supports are fixed and the cables’ length is further reduced to provide higher system prestress conditions and a differentiated span to height ratio. In a preliminary stage, the system load-deformation behavior under uniformly distributed vertical load is investigated at the end of its erection (ii&Q) and post-tensioning stage (iii&Q). The analysis examines seven system configurations with increasing number of cable segments, from two to eight. For the eight cable segments system, fourteen alternative post-tensioned configurations, emerging from individual, or group, cable activation, are investigated in their load-deformation behavior. The analysis provides insights into the configurability of the hybrid systems and their load-deformation behavior. In conclusion, the paper discusses design aspects that contribute towards structurally efficient configurations of the hybrid system series.

Research on bending-active systems integrates geometry, design and engineering, as a way to successfully utilize large elastic deformations and achieve form variation and unique system configurations. The deformation process in bending-active members requires thin materials which, however, often fail to provide adequate load-bearing capacity to the structure. The present paper proposes the hybridization of elastic members, with secondary structural components, in order to induce structural efficiency and increased load-deformation capacity. A hybrid system consisting of two elastic strips is interconnected at constant distances along the span direction through strut elements and cables. The configuration series developed refers to the number of segments of the interconnected strips and the resulting spans. The numerical investigation is conducted through a progressive nonlinear form-finding and load-deformation Finite-Element Analysis (FEA). The analysis follows a three-stage development

This article examines the structural behaviour of six structural units composed of single, simply paired and paired-interconnected bending-active members, coupl...