Computational design and fabrication of reusable multi-tangent bar structures
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Author / Producer
Date
2025-11
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Temporary bar structures made of reusable standardized components are widely used in construction, events, and exhibitions. They are economical, easy to assemble, and can be disassembled and reused in various structural arrangements for various purposes. However, existing reusable temporary structures are either limited to modular yet repetitive designs or require bespoke components, which restricts their reuse potential. Instead of designing bespoke kit of parts for limited reuse, this paper investigates how to design and build diverse freeform structures from one homogeneous kit of parts. We propose a computational framework to generate multi-tangent bar structures, a widely used jointing system, which allows bars to be joined at any point along their length with standard connectors. We present a mathematical formulation and a numerical scheme to optimize the bar spatial positions and contact assignment simultaneously, while ensuring that the constraints of tangency, collision, joint connectivity, and bar length are satisfied. Together with simulated case studies, we present two physical prototypes that reuse the same kit of parts using an augmented reality-guided assembly workflow.
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Publication status
published
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Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
188
Pages / Article No.
103907
Publisher
Elsevier
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Reuse; Kit of parts; Computational design; Space frames; Multi-tangent; Joints; Mixed reality; Assembly
Organisational unit
09620 - Coros, Stelian / Coros, Stelian
Notes
Funding
223384 - Computational design of skills, environment, and collaborative intelligence for assembly robots (SNF)
200644 - Fabrication-oriented Design of Nonlinear Network Materials (SNF)
200021_156011 - Hierarchical carbon-fiber composites with tailored interphase obtained via electrophoretic deposition of magnetized and funtionalized carbon nanotubes (SNF)
200644 - Fabrication-oriented Design of Nonlinear Network Materials (SNF)
200021_156011 - Hierarchical carbon-fiber composites with tailored interphase obtained via electrophoretic deposition of magnetized and funtionalized carbon nanotubes (SNF)