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Shaping Efficiency: Parametric Design for Schwedler Domes.

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Title: Shaping Efficiency: Parametric Design for Schwedler Domes.
Authors: Ibrahim, Ahmed Fathy Aly Omar1 (AUTHOR), Jeleniewicz, Katarzyna1,2 (AUTHOR) katarzyna_jeleniewicz@sggw.edu.pl, Piekarczuk, Artur1,2 (AUTHOR)
Source: Materials (1996-1944). May2026, Vol. 19 Issue 9, p1772. 25p.
Subjects: Parametric modeling, Structural design, Visual programming languages (Computer science), Domes (Architecture), Building information modeling, Structural analysis (Engineering), Structural optimization, Computer programming
Abstract: Highlights: Up to 31% reduction in structural mass was achieved through the use of closed-section profiles. Hybrid configuration (IPE ribs + SHS rings) provided the most efficient structural performance among the three configurations considered, reaching utilization ratios of 0.87 (ribs) and 0.63 (rings). Parametric modeling enabled the rapid generation and comparison of multiple design variants within a unified computational workflow. A dedicated Python component generates the cladding polylines from the same nodal data used by the structural model so that non-uniform snow loading can be applied per panel group without manual selection in the finite-element environment. Parametric workflows enable efficient identification of structurally optimized configurations in lattice dome systems. Design automation significantly reduces modeling time while ensuring consistency between geometric and analytical models. The proposed approach provides a foundation for integrating structural analysis with automated design and future optimization processes and for connecting the same parametric source to BIM and fabrication environments and to life-cycle assessment. Lightweight structures such as Schwedler domes offer high strength-to-weight ratios for large-span applications; however, their design typically involves time-consuming iterative processes. This study proposes an integrated parametric workflow combining geometry generation, structural analysis, and automated load application to improve both design efficiency and structural performance. The methodology is based on Python scripting within Grasshopper, enabling parametric control of dome geometry and direct interoperability with Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional. Three open-apex Schwedler dome configurations were analyzed as a focused demonstration of the workflow, differing in cross-sectional typology and structural layout. The results show that the use of closed sections reduces structural mass by up to 31%, while hybrid configurations achieve significantly improved member utilization, reaching 0.87 for ribs and 0.63 for rings. Importantly, the parametric workflow enabled the rapid generation and evaluation of multiple design variants, significantly reducing modeling time and eliminating inconsistencies between geometric and analytical models. The study demonstrates that parametric modeling provides an effective framework for designing efficient dome structures, enabling both material optimization and accelerated design processes. The same parametric source is also suitable for extension into BIM and fabrication environments, as well as into life-cycle assessment, which are identified as planned continuations of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Materials (1996-1944) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Shaping Efficiency: Parametric Design for Schwedler Domes.
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  Data: Highlights: Up to 31% reduction in structural mass was achieved through the use of closed-section profiles. Hybrid configuration (IPE ribs + SHS rings) provided the most efficient structural performance among the three configurations considered, reaching utilization ratios of 0.87 (ribs) and 0.63 (rings). Parametric modeling enabled the rapid generation and comparison of multiple design variants within a unified computational workflow. A dedicated Python component generates the cladding polylines from the same nodal data used by the structural model so that non-uniform snow loading can be applied per panel group without manual selection in the finite-element environment. Parametric workflows enable efficient identification of structurally optimized configurations in lattice dome systems. Design automation significantly reduces modeling time while ensuring consistency between geometric and analytical models. The proposed approach provides a foundation for integrating structural analysis with automated design and future optimization processes and for connecting the same parametric source to BIM and fabrication environments and to life-cycle assessment. Lightweight structures such as Schwedler domes offer high strength-to-weight ratios for large-span applications; however, their design typically involves time-consuming iterative processes. This study proposes an integrated parametric workflow combining geometry generation, structural analysis, and automated load application to improve both design efficiency and structural performance. The methodology is based on Python scripting within Grasshopper, enabling parametric control of dome geometry and direct interoperability with Autodesk Robot Structural Analysis Professional. Three open-apex Schwedler dome configurations were analyzed as a focused demonstration of the workflow, differing in cross-sectional typology and structural layout. The results show that the use of closed sections reduces structural mass by up to 31%, while hybrid configurations achieve significantly improved member utilization, reaching 0.87 for ribs and 0.63 for rings. Importantly, the parametric workflow enabled the rapid generation and evaluation of multiple design variants, significantly reducing modeling time and eliminating inconsistencies between geometric and analytical models. The study demonstrates that parametric modeling provides an effective framework for designing efficient dome structures, enabling both material optimization and accelerated design processes. The same parametric source is also suitable for extension into BIM and fabrication environments, as well as into life-cycle assessment, which are identified as planned continuations of this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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  Label:
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Materials (1996-1944) is the property of MDPI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.3390/ma19091772
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      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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        PageCount: 25
        StartPage: 1772
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Parametric modeling
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Structural design
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Visual programming languages (Computer science)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Domes (Architecture)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Building information modeling
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Structural analysis (Engineering)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Structural optimization
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Computer programming
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Shaping Efficiency: Parametric Design for Schwedler Domes.
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            NameFull: Ibrahim, Ahmed Fathy Aly Omar
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            NameFull: Jeleniewicz, Katarzyna
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            NameFull: Piekarczuk, Artur
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            – D: 01
              M: 05
              Text: May2026
              Type: published
              Y: 2026
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              Value: 19
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              Value: 9
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