It is provided a computer-implemented method for designing a three-dimensional modeled object. The method comprises providing geometrical elements that represent the modeled object and that include a set in which the geometrical elements are a copy one of another. The method also comprises defining a graph, determining maximal sub-graphs of the graph, and identifying, within the determined sub-graphs, the set of connected components having the highest number of arcs and for which the rigid motions represented by the arcs all respect the identity criterion. Such a method improves the design of a 3D modeled object.