Parametric design of steel structures - Fundamentals of parametric design using Grasshopper

By using parametric modelling tools, designers can simulate a high number of design-variants with relatively low effort. Visual programming software's like Grasshopper significantly lowers the threshold for beginners to start building parametric models. This paper discusses how using Grasshopper as a parametric design tool can be applied by structural engineers to improve well-informed decision making, when designing a steel structure. Finally, worth mentioning further possibilities parametric design workflows can bring are discussed such as optimisation strategies, optimising sustainability and including structural connections in the parametric model.