INTRODUCTION

This research indends  to explore different funicular forms and to achieve them at domestic level without using any digital software.

Funicular Forms

Defination of funicular form  -  an open or closed figure that is not necessarily plane and that is formed by a rope or cord acted upon at a number of points by forces acting in various directions.

Conceptually, a funicular structure could be said to be a structure which can achieve equilibrium state by adopting a mechanism of a 'right' form (shape/geometry) corresponding to the applied loads. This ‘right’ form is referred to as the ‘funicular’ geometry. Basic concept of funicular is if we suspend any rope from two points , that rope will adjust its form for any load in tension 

Industrial level make use of 3D printers and softwares like grasshopper to achieve certain kind of funicular geometry . In this experiment we are trying to achieve this geometry at basic level without using any digital means. Flexible materials such as ropes, and textiles don't offer resistance in bending or compression so they can  form funicular structures that most efficiently follow the flow of tension forces that's why I have used Plaited braid rope and Jute fabric for experiments .Funicular structures work with a precise geometry.

This project is an attempt to achieve funicular form at Domestic level without using any digital software.

For this, experiment done by DDU was studied.

EXPERIMENTS

Experiment no 1 -   To understand and achieve basic funicular structure with thin thread

Material -  normal thread , 6 wooden sticks , thermocol , weights

Procedure - 

1.   Assemble 6 wooden stick on thermocol such that it form respective setup .

2.  Cut threads of equal length and suspend them on set up by giving supports at both ends .

3.  Tie weights with small length of threads( all equal ) .

4.  apply two weights to each thread to give them tension .

All following Experiments have done in set up of 

base - 28 : 28 inches and height of 18 inches

Aim - To achieve funicular shapes by corresponding geometry

Materials -  Plaited braid rope and Jute fabric , thin wires 

Procedure - 

1 . Create  specific outline of shape using thread 

2.Tie knots at specific distances and places such a it will create a certain geometry. 

(it will create tension in geometry which will be helpful to give form and stability to structure )

3. Suspend it under gravitational force .

4.Apply specific weights to achieve funicular structure.

5. Invert the structure and tie knots points .

Experiment 2

Experiment 3

Experiment 4

Experiment 5