A Grasshopper Plugin for Finite Element Analysis with Solid Elements and Its Application on Gridshell Nodes

Linking architectural models to structural analyses can be demanding and time-consuming, especially when the cannot accurately analysed using readily available one- or two-dimensional finite elements. This paper presents a tool for element analysis solid elements developed as plugin Grasshopper 3D® that enables designers include of complex objects within same software design exploration. A benchmark on cantilever beam is compared with both ANSYS® theoretical solution, before versatility demonstrated by analyzing metal part in timber gridshell nodes. The results were satisfying prove useful early phase collaboration between diciplines.