A New Plug-In to Model Stereotomy in Curved Structures: PoliBrick
摘要
This paper presents a new Grasshopper’s plugin for Rhino software, specifically designed to facilitate the modeling of various brickwork shells with intricate designs such as masonry arches and vaults. The plugin, named PoliBrick, stands out by simplifying parametric modeling across a considerable number of free forms curved surfaces, proving invaluable for creating complex brick arch and vaults patterns. Its operational approach is different from every parametric procedure available in the literature because PoliBrick can reproduce all free-form shells. The plugin is implemented with a user-friendly interface by means of only six essential tools to reduce the computational burden of the modeling process, prioritizing user accessibility. The main objective of this approach is to reproduce with immediate feedback any brick arrangement that the user may desire, for example basket weave, stretcher bond, herringbone, and more. Additionally, it effortlessly integrates post-analysis for the structural analysis of single and double curvature vaulted structures by incorporating PoliBrick into software of different complexity, using favored methodologies such as finite or distinct elements methods. Thanks to PoliBrick, a new procedure arises, transforming the conceptualization and implementation of brick patterns within architectural and structural design. The validity of the procedure is confirmed through a vast number of benchmarks chosen by the authors to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed algorithm.