Form-finding using nonlinear analysis method of tensioned fabric structure in the form of half-costa with different boundaries / Nurul Afiqah Abd Malek

Tensioned fabric structure is an outstandingly lightweight and flexible type of roofing
structure which are efficient for vast construction applications. This structure has the
ability to adopt interesting forms. Minimal surfaces appears to be the most suitable

group of surfaces for tensioned fabric structure application due to its stability. Half-
Costa in YZ-plane is chosen among other minimal surfaces on the account of the

complexity and uniqueness. This surface emerges from Costa minimal surface that is
divided on the YZ-plane. Half-Costa TFS model in YZ-plane poses many curvatures
and does not have a mathematically defined boundary. Since this form is chosen as a
roofing structure, the problem of boundary condition are addressed. Therefore, the aim
of this study includes proposing suitable range of geometry which will focus on top part
of half-Costa TFS model and investigation on boundary condition towards the idea of
half-Costa TFS model in YZ-plane. In order to ensure proposed models are structurally
viable to become a roofing structure, form-finding is carried out based on nonlinear
analysis method. This computational form-finding involves series of analysis which
started with an initial assumed shape. This shape are then went through stress analysis
followed by convergence checking. Initial equilibrium shape are obtained subsequent
to convergence. Three heights are introduced for range of geometry and out of these
heights, only H= 2.826 unit is able to achieved convergence. The form-finding for
different boundaries are proceeded with the converged height. There are ten boundaries
that are in equal tensioned, presented in this study alongside with the application of
cable reinforced for each of the model. Results are presented in graph of total stress
deviation versus stress analysis stage and initial equilibrium shape. All in all, there are
certain degree of challenges in achieving convergence since initially assumed shape
greatly affect the convergence of half-Costa TFS model. Nonetheless, the outcome of
this study has put forth half-Costa TFS model in YZ-plane as the next form to be taken
into account in TFS application.