Manufacture and prefabrication practice on a test model of a novel six-bar tetrahedral cylindrical lattice shell

Abstract

A six-bar tetrahedral unit of a rhombic projection plane is a basic geometric invariable body with a simple configuration. A six-bar tetrahedral cylindrical lattice shell can be assembled by rhombic projection plane six-bar tetrahedral units with identical geometry sizes, which is conducive to standardized design, industrial production, and prefabricated construction. The popularization and application requirements of green architecture industry can also be met using such a shell. A model test of a six-bar tetrahedral cylindrical lattice shell was developed to simulate the practical application of the prefabricated structural system. A new type of joint for the prefabricated structure was proposed that is easy to assemble and is lightweight. A tridimensional fine-tuning bed jig was developed to ensure the manufacturing precision of the pre-made six-bar tetrahedral units. Stacking and transport of the units were practiced. The assembly process from units to the integral shell was conducted in an experimental hall; the result testified the advantages of easy stack, convenient transport, and highly efficient fabrication. The structural assembly errors of the shell were measured, and the measurement results verified the installation accuracy of the test model. This practical study lays the foundation for further engineering applications of six-bar tetrahedral cylindrical lattice shells.