Form Finding and Optimal Brick Tessellation for Static Equilibrium of a Pierced Vault

The design of vaulted structures is living a true renaissance thanks to the computer aided graphic statics. The fundamental work, mostly done by Block, have brought a series of computer tool for the research of the vault form by analyzing the thrust network lines. This thesis firstly explores the load-carrying efficiency of different piercing pattern of a simple vault, generated by RhinoVault. As a main result, from FEM analysis, the more stable pattern was found in the uniform distribution of 29 holes along the diagonals. As a second stage, the more suitable tessellation of the voussoirs was examined to guarantee both equilibrium and manufacturing. Planes and surfaces map were employed to create a 3D printed mould system where to pour concrete and realize the bricks. Realized elements were assembled to create a table scale model of the vault.