Structural Analysis and Form-Finding of Triaxial Elastic Timber Gridshells Considering Interlayer Slips: Numerical Modelling and Full-Scale Test

Elastic timber gridshells are lightweight structures whose stiffness is highly dependent on multiple factors, such as boundary conditions and the semi-rigidity eccentricity of joints. Their structural analysis requires calibrated numerical models that incorporate all aspects influencing stiffness. Unfortunately, very little research experimentally verified can be found. This paper focuses behaviour a novel concept triaxial elastic long-gridshells supported only their short sides, called by authors TEL-gridshells. First, most relevant details construction process load test full-scale laboratory prototype presented. Then, two finite element for form-finding proposed. Both based modelling joints using series aligned couplings allow integration actual joint interlayer slip means springs in shear planes. The first model replicates geometry built from experimental measurements, focusing calibration. results used to verify proposed analyse influential structure. second reproduces prototype, residual stresses generated during deformation elements. From results, discussed some main considered design TEL-gridshells established.