Grasshopper (GH) is an object oriented, visual scripting environment. It provides items like points, curves, surfaces, . . . for geometric computing. The full range of geometric items can be inspected in the subcategory “Geometry” of the toolbar section “Params”. Karamba3D adds seven entities for building structural models:
Entity | Typology |
Model | contains all the information related to a structure |
Element | can be a beam, truss, shell or spring |
Element Set | groups together elements in a given order, makes them accessible under a common name |
Joint | defines the connectivity between neighboring elements |
Load | external action which is imposed on the structure |
Cross-section | defines a structural element’s geometry in section |
Material | provides information regarding the physical behavior of what a cross section is made of |
Support | defines how a structure connects to the ground. |
Karamba3D objects behave like GH entities.
They can be stored in containers (see the “Params” subcategory of the “Karamba3D” toolbar).
When converted into text by plugging them into a panel they provide textual output regarding their fundamental properties.
In order to build a structural model not all of the above entities need to be present. Karamba3D assumes default settings for materials and cross sections:
If no material is given, Karamba3D chooses steel (S235 according to EC3 with) for all cross sections.
For beams the default is a circular hollow cross sections (CHS) with an outer diameter ofand a wall thickness of . The default thickness of shells amounts to .