Collaborative form-finding of multiple treelike column structures based on improved numerical inverse hanging method

The mechanical properties of treelike column structures are greatly influenced by their forms, emphasizing the importance of form optimization. However, previous studies have primarily focused on optimizing the morphology of individual treelike column, neglecting the interaction of multiple column structures. This oversight leads to deviation in the optimal morphology. In order to investigate the impact of the deviation on the performances of structures, the collaborative form-finding analysis of multiple column structures has been carried out using improved Numerical Inverse Hanging Method (NIHM). This research is based on the design of a large-span roof structure supported by 8 treelike column structures at the terminal of Dalian Jinzhou Bay Airport. Firstly, the traditional NIHM was improved to achieve collaborative form-finding of multiple treelike column structures. Then the differences between collaborative form-finding analysis of multi columns and individual analysis of single column were discussed in depth. Comparative results show collaborative form-finding exhibits more reasonable over individual form-finding. In the case where all joints are located on one side of the fixed end, the results of individual form-finding are similar to those of the initial model, while collaborative form-finding shows a significant enhancement in mechanical performance. Notably, when there exists a substantial height discrepancy among branch joint, collaborative form-finding achieves a displacement reduction of 21 % compared to individual form-finding, along with a reduction of 35 % in maximum equivalent stress. •An improved numerical inverse hanging method has been proposed to achieve form-finding of multiple treelike structures.•A comparative analysis was conducted on the application of the multiple treelike structures at Dalian Jinzhou Bay Airport.•Collaborative form-finding has significantly improved mechanical performance compared to individual form-finding.