Abstract
In this paper, Laplacian smoothing, which is an algorithm originally used to smooth polygon meshes in computer graphics (CG), is applied to solve a structural form-finding problem with the proof that the result of such algorithm is equivalent to force density method. Such CG algorithm is used on the design of a new-built suspension footbridge in Shaoxing, China and the algorithm works well. Since Laplacian smoothing is a pure geometric algorithm without any mechanical concept, the algorithm shows the inner relationship between force and shape, more structural applicable CG algorithms are expected to be found in the future.
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Huang, Zj., Ding, Jm. & Xiang, Sy. Suspension Footbridge Form-Finding with Laplacian Smoothing Algorithm. Int J Steel Struct 20, 1989–1995 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-020-00396-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13296-020-00396-4