Structures 2 days (weekend format) · In person
Grasshopper for Structures Course
For structural engineersParametric design applied to structural engineering: form-finding, optimization with genetic algorithms and FEM integration on real bridge and reticular-structure cases.
Who it's for
- Structural engineers wanting parametric tools for design
- Civil / building engineering or architecture students interested in structures
- Anyone with Grasshopper basics (or who took the Base course)
Program
Day 1 — morning
Parametric logic & data
- Introduction to parametric logic: case studies and design experiences
- Data list management: tree structures (data trees) and script organization
- Introduction to conditional components (if, cull, dispatch)
- Hands-on exercise: defining a reinforced-concrete section
Day 1 — afternoon
Formulas & mesh
- Using complex formulas with the Expression component or GhPython
- Introduction to mesh generation
- Triangular and quadrangular meshing strategies with the Weaverbird plug-in
- Hands-on exercise: arch bridge modeling
Day 2 — morning
Plug-ins & form-finding
- Overview of the most-used plug-ins (Kangaroo, Weaverbird, LunchBox, Karamba3D)
- Introduction to form-finding with the Kangaroo plug-in
- Exercise: form-finding of catenaries and shell structures
Day 2 — afternoon
Analysis & optimization
- Generating analysis models with Karamba3D
- Exercise: reticular structure and optimization with genetic algorithms
- Wrap-up and final discussion
What you'll be able to do
- Generate parametric structural geometries
- Quickly vary configurations and compare design alternatives
- Integrate structural analysis into the form-finding process
- Export models to FEM software for further checks