Exploration and Design of the Contemporary Bracket Set Through Topology Optimization

Abstract

AbstractDou Gong, pronounced in Chinese, and known as Bracket Set, is a vital support component in the ancient wooden tectonic systems. It is located between the column and the beam and connects the eave and pillar, making the heavy roof extend out of the eaves longer. The development of the bracket set is entirely a microcosm of the development of ancient Chinese architecture; the aesthetic structure and oriental artistic temperament behind the bracket make it gradually become the cultural and spiritual symbol of traditional Chinese architecture. In the contemporary era, inheriting and developing the bracket set has become an essential issue. This paper introduces the topological optimization method bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) for form-finding. Through analyzing the development trend of bracket set and mechanical structure, the authors integrate 2D and 3D optimization methods and apply the hybrid methods to form-finding. This research aims to design a new bracket set corresponding to “structural performance-based aesthetics.“ The workflow proposed in this paper is valuable for architrave and other traditional building components.