Behaviour Characteristics of Form Finding for Space Structures by Means of Cable-Tensioning

Abstract

The study, presented in this paper, is concerned with the form finding of cabletensioned space structures that are constructed with bolt and ball type joints. The cable-tensioning method for single chorded space truss (SCST) structures is an innovative, fast, and economical construction method at the special construction. Along the middle line direction of the each SCST structures, the cable-tensioning is performed with the steel cable in the tubular members at the bottom of the space structures. In this study, the test models combined with pyramid shaped units, these models are connected with bolt type joint with a gusset plate and a ball type joint. From the planar structures on the ground, by means of cable-tensioning, the space structures are shaped and erected into their final curved space structures. The feasibility of the proposed cable-tensioning technique and the reliability of the established geometric model were confirmed with nonlinear finite element analysis and experiments for a small-scale test models. Through the experiments in the two types of SCST structures, within the yield limit of the members, a planar layout can be deformed to a desired space shape. As a result, the proposed cable-tensioning technique could be applied to the shaping formation of the various SCST structures, so we can obtain the behaviour characteristic of the joint for each joint types in form finding for practical design purposes. For a special site condition of the construction field, this cable-tensioning technique should be a reasonable and economic construction method compared with the conventional construction method including the heavy crane and scaffold.