Russell Gentry

Rich Knowledge Parametric Tools for Concrete Masonry Design Automation of Preliminary Structural Analysis, Detailing and Specifications

Our research focuses on how new computational tools and design methods can support the design process of masonry buildings. Specifically we discuss the potential of parametric modeling technologies to promote innovation by embedding knowledge on masonry construction as both generative rules and checker functions. Their goal is to inform designers on the feasibility of their intents on early stages of the design process. For this purpose we will adopt a methodology and notation called Building Object Behavior (BOB) to identify and translate construction knowledge towards the implementation of masonry parametric objects. A curved masonry wall is used as case study for the development of several parametric prototypes and their possible implications for collaboration are discussed.

A Compound Analogical Design for Low Cost Solar Panel Systems

In support of the Department of Energy Sunshot initiative target of

Structural, Deployable Folds — Design and Simulation of Biological Inspired Folded Structures

1.25 per watt photovoltaics systems for commercial applications, whole system designs were pursued using the analogical design methodology, an essential step in the bio inspired design approach. A functional decomposition of solar panel systems was conducted, and then key functions critical to system integrity and cost reduction were identified. Three sources of bio-inspiration were mainly used: hierarchical structures as a common design dimension exploited in natural systems, and leaves’ ability to maintain position through changes in shape and angle of attack when triggered by wind flow, and limpet shells’ reduction of hydrodynamic forces by way of natural geometrical features. The design team developed concepts with varying degrees of abstraction then attempted to reconcile them with other functional requirements. Variants that descended from the leaf concept were generally found to be biophilic and offer aesthetic value; however, presented shortcomings in electrical design and installation procedure (Kellert 2008). Alternatively, concepts inspired by hierarchical structures and limpet shells were found to have greater variability, enabling reconciliation with other functional requirements, resulting in a complete system solution capable of meeting the cost reduction objective. From the analysis of these design variants, we may conclude that transferring solution principles directly from nature is best done when there is small set of functional requirements that must be fulfilled and value in a biophilic design. However, in cases of significant system complexity, abstracted lessons from nature may be found to be more flexible and easily reconciled with multiple requirements.© 2012 ASME

A Process-Driven Representation Schema for Masonry Wall Assemblies

This paper presents a concept of folding as a form-generator for a structural system that allows the ability to deploy large spanning structures. The presented approach studies the embedded kinetic possibilities of folded structures and focuses on a parametric modeling process that allows structural performance evaluation of different types of the same origami family in order to optimize the geometry for a given scenario. The workflow between scripting based form generation – within Rhinoceros and Excel – and LS-DYNA is presented in detail. Additionally, within the context of an architectural project we discuss the question of scalability from a thin microstructure to a thickened roof structure.

Quad Pod: Ultra-efficient PV Racking System for Long Span Ground Mount and Canopy Applications

The paper introduces a new approach for the representation of masonry walls in Building Information Modeling applications. The proposed representational scheme addresses the different types and levels of information required to support the design and construction of masonry walls. In particular, the paper proposes the concept of masonry wall “region”, as a suitable abstraction to represent the variety of view-dependent features that characterize the life-cycle of masonry walls. At the geometric level, a masonry region works as a surrogate for the description of arbitrary aggregation relations without the cost associated with the explicit propagation of masonry units. In this way, a higher degree of semantic expressiveness can be achieved while keeping the design model flexible and agile. The concept of masonry regions motivates the formulation of a conceptual data model as foundation upon which different masonryspecific applications can be developed in the future, along with the definition of model views necessary to support masonry related data queries and exchanges. The paper outlines the theoretical background behind the concept of masonry regions and its relationship with the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). Finally the paper introduces a proof-ofconcept implementation for a masonry wall schema, and discusses the next steps in the research.

Knowledge-based parametric tools for concrete masonry walls: Conceptual design and preliminary structural analysis

Renewable energy from Photovoltaic (PV) Systems is poised to reach the major milestone of grid parity in the coming years due to substantial decreases in the cost of silicon based PV technologies. One of the remaining hurdles to overcome in order to achieve grid parity is the Balance of System (BoS) cost which includes all of the costs other than the PV modules and electrical inverters. This paper presents a novel approach to the problem of racking and mounting for utility scale PV power plants and urban canopy applications with a new racking system design and installation process model. The goal of this design is to provide the most cost effective racking system for utility scale PV arrays. This system, called the Quad Pod, is predicated on the principles of pre-assembly to minimize labor cost and ultra efficient long span truss design to minimize material cost. Additionally, both approaches yield significant improvements in installation time and worker safety and comfort.