Wood gridshell: theoretical and constructive aspects

Abstract Gridshells are light structures that allow the obtention of large spans, as well as the use of a wide variety of architectural shapes. However, in Brazil, there are no records of the construction of this type of structure, neither literature available on this type of structural composition. This paper presents the main theoretical aspects, as well as design and construction details of a gridshell built in wood in real scale. The construction costs are also reported. The structure was built by using a quadrangular flat mesh configuration, formed by double slatted Lyptus wood (Class D40), joined orthogonally, using 6.35 mm diameter screws. The plane mesh (with total dimensions of 9 m x 9 m) was bent until the desired curve was achieved. The system was subsequently locked by diagonal bracing elements. The knowledge obtained through this practical application led to a significant improvement in the original design idea related to controlling the shape of the structure during the building phase and the the optimisation of the executing strategies. The building recommendations presented in this paper will be a contribution to the scarce literature on the subject currently available in Brazil.