MS, Kent State University, 2020, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Inspired by the historical construction technique and contemporary form-finding methods, as well as practices in designing and constructing masonry vaults, the thesis explores different forms that can be built without centering during construction. This thesis examines the literature associated with the geometries, construction techniques and methods used to generate masonry arches, vaults, and domes without centering or with minimum supports. The main idea about which lies on the self-supporting courses where each masonry unit has its own equilibrium condition. Based on the principles of equilibrium, this research develops algorithms for two cases: when bricks are not bonded with mortar and are bonded with mortar. The algorithms to generate an arch when subjected to additional vertical load for both cases have also been investigated. Moreover, using the Python component in Grasshopper, a tool is developed using the proposed algorithms in this thesis. The tool is used for parametric designs to create new forms of masonry vaults which could be built without centering.

Committee: Rui Liu Dr. (Advisor); Elwin C. Robison Dr. (Committee Member); Qindan Huang Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architectural; Architecture; Design