Strut and Tie Networks – An Approach to Numerical Curved Stress Fields

This paper presents a new method for form finding of general strut and tie networks with no limitations to the direction of loads and the arrangement of nodes and members. Based on this generally applicable approach Curved Stress Fields are approximated, which are able to vividly describe internal forces of solid structural surfaces. Yield Stress Fields define bounds of the eccentricity of Curved Stress Fields towards the centre surface of a structure and thus allow a consideration of structural resistance in the form-finding process.