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Introduction

The GSA-Grasshopper plugin will run GSA inside Grasshopper using GSA's .NET API.

You can create parametric models from scratch or open and edit existing models, carry out analysis in real-time, and view the results on the fly inside Rhino.

The GSA plugin enables computational design and automated workflows for structural engineers, utilising the powerful geometry engine in Rhino and the low-entry, visual scripting of Grasshopper.

GSA Components and Parameters​

Go to the Components page to get an overview of all GSA components, inputs and outputs and how they are sorted in categories within Grasshopper.

Or head over to the Parameters page to explore the underlying data that's being sent between components.

Getting started​

Follow the tutorial on installation instructions for a step-by-step guide on how to install the plugin.

Tutorials​

Example files​

Example files are part of our opensource repository for GSA-Grasshopper, including:

Features​

Run GSA headless through the .NET API​

  • Run GSA.Inside.Grasshopper - and potentially extended to any program that can run Rhino.Inside.
  • Fast and responsive, utilising the speed of GSA's solver for real-time feedback.
  • No more 'interoperability'; you are literally running GSA inside Rhino.

Work with existing files​

  • Not all team members required to know how to use Grasshopper.
  • Share GSA files (.gwb) created parametrically in Grasshopper with colleagues for checking or further work.
  • Open existing GSA files (.gwb) inside Grasshopper.

Native Rhino/Grasshopper Geometry support​

  • Use all built-in Grasshopper components for geometry transformations, like: move, mirror, morph, array, twist, offset, etc.
  • GSA-Grasshopper's custom parameters will convert (or "cast") automatically to/from native Grasshopper parameters
  • It is possible to "bake" all GSA-Grasshopper parameters into Rhino
  • Preview 3D sections, applied loads and result diagrams inside Rhino

Meshing​

  • Utilise GSA's powerful meshing capabilities inside Grasshopper; GSA-Grasshopper uses one of the fastest and most robust FE meshing algorithms on the market.
  • Create your geometry using Members and let GSA handle intersections and the creation of the analytical model.

Results​

  • Visualise results within Rhino/Grasshopper to check your design, or use it to automate your engineering workflow.
  • Combinations: Use the powerful post-processing tools in GSA for creating and retrieving combination case results.
  • Load and result diagrams can be displayed and their values annotated directly in Rhino's viewport

Easy handling of units​

  • All components and parameters are underpinned by units.
  • Convert to and from any relevant engineering units.
  • Based on open source UnitsNet, and extended with engineering units by Oasys.