Dynamic relaxation modelling of braced bending active gridshells with rectangular sections

Bending active gridshells are structures that involve sophisticated analysis, design and construction processes. Like shells generally, they can achieve large span to thickness ratios. The computational modelling of bending active gridshells will include, in general, both a form-finding stage and a subsequent stage analysing deformations and internal forces under imposed loads. The analysis of bending active gridshells using the dynamic relaxation method is well represented in the literature. This study examines the effects of different joint models and bracing systems on the stiffness of gridshells. The effect of two types of bracing on stiffness is compared. The effects of different joint models are also examined. The computational modelling is carried out by implementing the dynamic relaxation method in MATLAB and validated by reference to closed form benchmark solutions and previously validated finite element models. Significant variations in stiffness are observed for different bracing and joint models.