Abstract
Inspired by the high mechanical performance of diagrid structures, the minimization of material consumption on braced tubes and the expressive potency of tensegrity modular structures, this work proposes an innovative three-dimensional system for tall buildings. A new modular structural system generated from the assembly of tetrahedral units is investigated. The paper integrates insights on the architectural implications and mechanical performance of the reticular system arranged in repetitive triangular-based modules. The impact of different geometric configurations of the structural members on the economic design is also discussed and recommendations for the optimal topology are made. Guidelines for the design and analytical formula for accessing preliminary member sizes are proposed on the basis of stiffness requirements.
Highlights
In the design of high-rise buildings, tallness causes a great vulnerability of the structure to horizontal loads, which must be compensated for by providing adequate lateral performance in order to satisfy strength, stiffness and stability requirements
Inspired by the high mechanical performance of diagrid structures, the minimization of material consumption on braced frames and the expressive potency of tensegrity modular structures, this work proposes the application of tetrahedral structural systems in the design of tall buildings
The new modular structural system is generated from the assembly of tetrahedral unit cells
Summary
In the design of high-rise buildings, tallness causes a great vulnerability of the structure to horizontal loads, which must be compensated for by providing adequate lateral performance in order to satisfy strength, stiffness and stability requirements. Recent advances in improving the structural efficiency of tall buildings are directed toward a new generation of façade grids with geometric unit cell configurations: DiaGrid, PentaGrid, HexaGrid, OctaGrid, and the so-called Voronoi-grid. The design of lateral bracing systems, for example, requires the selection of a suitable pattern for the diagonals arrangement, which is commonly performed through trial-and-error procedures In this context, topology optimization represents an effective tool for improving the design of tall buildings and has been found to be useful for the definition of efficient and innovative structures. Inspired by the high mechanical performance of diagrid structures, the minimization of material consumption on braced frames and the expressive potency of tensegrity modular structures, this work proposes the application of tetrahedral structural systems in the design of tall buildings. The approach is applied to a set of structures with various unit module assemblies
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