Dirty Compression Vault Python Script


Earth Vault Building Concept

This script is for designing vault cross-sections for compression structures.
Any material good in compression will suffice; i.e., concrete, brick, or even earth.
Adding composite tension members will yield stronger results, like a beaver lodge.

Beaver Lodge

You will need Python 2.7 and Google Sketchup.
Python 2.7
Google Sketchup 8
Arch Script

Forgive the nasty spaghetti code. If there is any demand for this, I might take the time to clean it up.

#This is some real spaghetti code that runs on python 2.7
#It prints out some ruby API code that runs in Google Sketchup
#Paste the output into a text file with the extension ".rb"
You should get something like this.
#In Sketchup go to Window>Ruby Console
#Type: load 'C:\path_to_file.rb'
#This will draw out half an arch with the parameters used below to define the arch. The arch will be in static equilibrium.

After a little cleaning up and mirroring, you will get something like this.
Resulting Arch
Here is some good reading about an experimental barn..