Optimization of barrel vault surfaces using energetic potential method

Spatial structures are one of the most popular structural systems used to cover large spaces. Arrangement of the bars and nodes has a big influence on the distribution of forces inside the structure. Author was developing the method of dividing a surface which was called the energetic potential method. It is based on a natural process we know as the Coulomb Law. Using it we can create a self-optimizing structure where all of its nodes, mutually repulsing, are finally located in a similar distance to one another. Thanks to special computer program written by Author it was possible to generate a lot of structures with unique topology and after that could do a static analysis of them. After those it was found that some structures have a better ratio than popular structures so Author suppose that the method can have practical application in future [4].