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GSA-Grasshopper Notes

Build 1.0.0​

October 2023

Official release of GSA-Grasshopper plugin following an extended period of beta testing.

Features​

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.

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's process.

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, including: move, mirror, morph, array, twist, offset, etc.
  • GSA-Grasshopper's custom parameters will convert (or cast) automatically to or from native Grasshopper parameters.
  • It is possible to "Bake" all GSA-Grasshopper parameters into Rhino
  • Additionally, you can preview 3D sections, applied loads and result diagrams from GSA 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 manage intersections and the creation of the analytical model.

3D Sections​

  • Preview 3D sections of the GSA model inside Rhino

Results​

  • Visualise results within Rhino/Grasshopper to check your design, or use it to automate your engineering workflow.
  • Use GSA's powerful post-processing tools to create and retrieve results for load combinations.
  • Load and result diagrams and their values can be displayed and 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 opensource UnitsNet, and extended with engineering units by Oasys.

Fixes​

  • All reported and known issues from the beta testing period have been resolved.

General​

  • The plugin is distributed through Rhino Package Manager.
  • Rhino 6.27 or later is supported.
  • GSA-Grasshopper requires GSA 10.2 to run.