Evolving solutions for minimum Roof Deflection of a building

Student : Prajakta Panchal
Tutor : Luis Fraguada
Assistant Tutor : Rodrigo Aguirre

Genetic algorithms in evolutionary computation can be utilized to find a bunch of effective solutions over a given set of parameters in design. By using such tools in architecture, it is possible to simplify the process of finding better solutions for abstract forces and to propose design solutions that enhance the performance of a building.

Organic roof – Evolving Solutions

A building block with organic roof having Ground + 2 floors is created. The terrace is covered with an organic roof supported primarily on four fixed columns at the four edges of the building block. For maximum support, two extra columns have been placed within the rectangular slab of the terrace.

Roof deflection

Parameters :
Parameter 01 – Position of 2 extra columns within the rectangular terrace slab
Parameter 02 – Roof profile within a range

Output – Minimum deflection in the roof

Bounding Box indication

Process : 

Millipede (Rhinoceros plug-in) is used to find the deflection and stresses in the roof. Two columns have been placed for extra support onto the terrace slab. The location of these two columns is derived by Galapagos (Grasshopper) to obtain minimum deflection in the roof. Pink bounding box indicates maximum deflection while the white bounding box indicates minimum deflection.

Column location indicator

Roof Deflection Matrix :

The matrix indicates the deflection of the roof along with the text for minimum deflection and the x, y, z coordinates of the two extra columns for that deflection option. The most suitable column locations giving minimum deflection are reinstated.

Suitable column location

Galapagos generated Matrix

Galapagos generated Matrix