Abstract
Some contemporary structures like cable nets, membranes and tensegrity systems are initially stressed systems and require form finding processes. The final shape has to fulfil equilibrium conditions. Corresponding relations are not linear and initially a so-called “forcedensity method” has been developed by Linkwitz and Scheck (1971) in order to linearise the problem. This paper describes its utilisation, and an innovative form-finding process the Surface Stress Density Method, based upon the use of isotropic stress tensors, which allows the calculation of broad range of structures and appears as an extension of the existing Force Density Method. Several illustrative examples point out the efficiency of the procedures and also their adaptation to the requirements of either architects or engineers.