CABLE-STRUT SYSTEMS - PART II - CABLE-STRUT

In this part, the basic concept of cable-strut systems is introduced. Cable-strut systems, including reciprocal prism (RP) and cell pyramida l (CP) grids invented by the author, as successful attempts to introdu ce cables into simplexes to form grids, are revolutions in space struc tures. Their properties are presented in this paper. Cable-strut syste ms possess self-stressed equilibrium, avoiding reliance on a bulky anc horage system, which is a most important advantage in construction ove r conventional flexible structures. It has improved greatly the struct ural properties of tensegrity systems, which also possess self-stresse d equilibrium. Its planar form becomes the lightest self-stressed equi librium space bar systems. The additional advantages over conventional space bar systems are that its joint design can be simplified, and it s grid depth and grid length cart be adjusted easily to sustain large bar forces and to lower bar forces further. Moreover, its stiffness ca n be increased by introducing bars to replace connecting cables to for m double-layer and triple-layer forms. Super-span domical and cylindri cal forms of RP system have also proved to be feasible and economical. The advantage of cable-strut systems in architecture is that the syst ems are clear in sense of sight, which makes them very attractive. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd All rights reserved.