Lancaster University expert to develop new insights into ‘gridshell’ roof design

A Lancaster mathematician is working with industrial partners to gain deeper insights into the design of special roof structures called ‘gridshells’.

Gridshell and cable net structures are impressive-looking constructions, a prominent example of a gridshell is the roof of the Great Court in the British Museum. But aside from their visual attractiveness, they also have many important structural properties – such as being lightweight, as well as material and energy-efficient.

Dr Bernd Schulze, Reader in Pure Mathematics at Lancaster University, will work with leading engineers from the architectural and engineering firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) on a 12-month project that aims to develop new design applications for gridshell roofs and net structures. One of the engineers Dr Schulze will collaborate with is William Baker, the chief engineer for the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which is located in Dubai. Other key collaborators at SOM include Cameron Millar and Toby Mitchell.

The project, which will start later this year, has been funded with £27,000 by the International Centre for Mathematical Sciences.

Dr Schulze will use mathematical methods from Geometric Rigidity Theory and Graphic Statics to help develop the design tools.

He said: “Gridshells are visually interesting structures that also bring a lot of physical advantages. Our project will gain a deeper understanding of the mathematical properties of gridshells and their vertical projections into the xy plane. By advancing this knowledge we aim to improve design methods for gridshells.and contribute to helping make engineering more sustainable.”

The project will also see a workshop held to encourage knowledge exchange between mathematicians, applied scientists and industry professionals.