Wooden Spatial Structures Assembled with Disassembly Possible Simple Joints

Abstract

The authors propose a new clamped joint system that can easily join wooden members together and a wooden spatial structure that utilizes this system. The proposed system can clamp wood members without the need for special joint machining. Two types of clamps have been developed: orthogonal clamps and rotational clamps. A frame system is developed using this joint system, which is a hemispherical dome with a diameter of 5.4 m and its membrane is tensioned using struts. A preliminary framework structural analysis and membrane stress analysis are conducted to confirm the safety of the frame. Full-scale mock-up was constructed to validate the frame model analysis and verify construction procedures. As a combinable structure, a small-scale spatial structure assembled using orthogonal clamps is also described. It is the cube-shaped structure 2.8 m wide consisting of wall and ceiling planes. Single clamp loading tests are conducted to understand the load-deformation relationship of the proposed clamped joint system and full-scale horizontal loading tests have been conducted.