Extension of thrust network analysis with joints consideration and new equilibrium states

Thrust network analysis is usually applied to form finding of compressive-only structure. In order to study existing structures of historic interest, the joints of the structure need to be taken into account. We study the meaning of the three-dimensional thrust network with respect to the two-dimensional historical concepts of the line of pressure and line of resistance. We propose the refinement of the networks using additional branches with specific properties to widen the set of equilibrium solutions that can be computed. Finally, the application of the method to historic approaches of vault calculation is considered, as well as the convergence of the numerical geometrical coefficient of safety toward Heyman’s geometrical coefficient of safety.