A computational workflow for design-to-assembly of shingle covering systems for multi-curved surface structures

Shingle covering of multi-curved surfaces is usually a manual process with no precise plan for the arrangement and assembly of shingle elements. Such processes lack the computational capacity of algorithmic methods for modeling, analysis, and optimization of shingle systems within a seamless digital workflow. As a solution, this paper presents an algorithmic procedure for the design and assembly of shingle covering systems for multi-curved surface structures. The proposed algorithm evaluates the reference surface curvatures to generate an efficient layout of shingles of identical size. The proposed model generates the arrangement of shingles based on given input parameters, including the shingle dimensions and overlapping domains. For a precise and quick on-site assembly, the corresponding nailing strips are also automatically generated on which the shingles could be installed. The applications and limitations of the proposed algorithm are discussed through a detailed analysis of various case studies.