Performance-based form-finding and material distribution of free form roof structures: Implementation in the Post Rotterdam Case Study

The redevelopment of the Post Rotterdam building and, in particular, the design proposal of the vertical foyer initiated this research project. The foyer has a special design and as a result, a special analysis method has to be used. The desired material is steel, consequently stiffened steel shell structure was deemed the most appropriate...

Solar updraft tower - structural optimisation under dynamic wind action

As fossil fuel reserves are rapidly being depleted, sustainable alternatives have to be found to fulfil the world's energy demand. Numerous concepts have been proposed to generate electricity by harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power. One of these concepts is the the so-called solar updraft tower (SUT). The SUT consists...

A search for structural applications of transparent plastics in the building industry

Transparent building appeals to imagination. The availability of glass in all shapes and sizes is continuously increasing; architects and engineers thankfully make use of the given opportunities. But glass has also some specific disadvantages, as it’s extreme brittleness. Luckily more materials are available that offer the desired transparency;...