project C:STRUCTURE

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STRUCTURE

CONCEPT

In order to make a fully adaptable construction, the structural system should provide for both positive and negative curvatures. A system of inflatable components is implemented and will work in this manner:

- achieving over-pressure in the top components creates positive curvature in the structure - the arch

- achieving over-pressure in the bottom components creates negative curvature and stiffens the whole structure - the counter-arch

generic component - the brick

over-pressure - positive curve


The over-pressure in the inflatable tube has the effect of transforming the component into a curved beam-like element.

The components have been weaved in a brick-like pattern for increased rigidity. The brick pattern is adopted for the top and bottom layers and for lateral component strips.

elevation scheme with connections


top view scheme


Air-valve diagram system - every patch / strip has 2 compressors for each layer; every component has one on-off valve

top view scheme

RESEARCH

Over the duration of the course several structural systems have been analyzed:

- muscle / pulley system

- cube- grid system

- hanging system

- inflatable system

The result of the analysis is that the inflatable system seemed to offer the best performance regarding the concept implemented. Two options for the inflatable system were discussed:

Linear component

linear component 1st test model - ground supports and connections not designed

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Bubble component

bubble component - 1st test model

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After analyzing both options the general conclusion is that the linear component presents a better performance regarding the project concept and final implementation. The main reasons for choosing the linear component are:

- the linear component presents similar structural stiffness as the bubble component

- the linear component has better dynamics with the component frame

- the linear component is better suited for fluent, flowing arches that are inline with the concept

- the linear component has a simpler tube and valve infrastructure

- the linear component has better material implementation regarding the 1:1 scale prototype


References

Inflatables

Bernhard Sommer, Desert Cloud

Frei Otto

Variable Geometry Truss

VALIDATORS

Michela Turrin, PhD researcher at Design Informatics:
an elastic system of inflatables that form the structure is a possible system

Gerrie Hobbelman, structural engineer:
the linear system of arches is a viable structural system

STRUCTURE DESIGN

Cable pulley ground support system - concept

The strips are connected to the ground via cables attached to the pulleys. The pulleys are buried into the ground and the cables glide through small slits in the ground surface. The system holds the arch structure by tension of the cables activated by the pulley motors. Every arch patch has 4 cable anchors 2 for each support / arch ends.

Movie

Component fabrication drawings

Each strip has a width of 3 m and comprises width-wise 12 components.

linear component 1st test model - ground supports and connections not designed

Prototype pictures

Scale system1.jpeg Scale surface system

Scale system2.jpeg Scale surface system

Scale surface.jpeg Scale surface

Scale detail.jpeg Scale surface system detail

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