Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B1/1903—Connecting nodes specially adapted therefor
  • E04B1/1912—Connecting nodes specially adapted therefor with central cubical connecting element
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1927—Struts specially adapted therefor of essentially circular cross section
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1933—Struts specially adapted therefor of polygonal, e.g. square, cross section
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1957—Details of connections between nodes and struts
  • E04B2001/1963—Screw connections with axis at an angle, e.g. perpendicular, to the main axis of the strut
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1975—Frameworks where the struts are directly connected to each other, i.e. without interposed connecting nodes or plates
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1978—Frameworks assembled from preformed subframes, e.g. pyramids
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1981—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1981—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
  • E04B2001/1984—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework rectangular, e.g. square, grid
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional framework structures
  • E04B2001/1981—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
  • E04B2001/1987—Three-dimensional framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework triangular grid

Definitions

• THIS INVENTION relates to adjustable space frames.
• the invention is also directed to improved methods for connecting and bracing the space frame components .
• Spaces frames are particularly suited to span- ning large areas where minimal obstruction by support ⁇ ing columns is required.
• the frames often require expensive mode connectors and the components manufactured to close tolerances.
• the space frames are generally rigid and unyielding and are difficult to assemble. Curved structures generally require special members and increase construction time. Finally, they are difficult to design as the use of a large number of components connected at modes make them difficult to computer model as complex computer design analysis techniques must be employed.
• SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide adjustable space frames which are easy to assemble and which do not require close tolerances in the components .
• adjustable space frames which can be pre-ca bered and which can be very ductile to very rigid dependent on the proposed appli ⁇ cation.
• adjustable space frames which can be easily analysed and assembled in the manner of two dimen ⁇ sioned trusses and which can be easily tarried to suit different stresses on the components throughout the frames .
• the present invention resides in an adjustable space frame including: an upper grid of chords intersecting at a plurality of modes and a lower grid of chords inter ⁇ secting at a plurality of modes wherein: at least one of- the modes in the upper grid is connected to at least one of the modes in the ' lower grid by a tension and/or compression brace or strut being adjustable to apply and curvature to the space frame and/or to vary the rigidity of the space frame.
• the modes of the upper grid are connected to corresponding modes in the lower grid by posts to which the chords are connected, and a pair of diagonal tension braces interconnect the modes on an adjacent pair of posts in the frame.
• the tension braces may extend dia- gonally across the boxes between the posts at opposite corners of the boxes .
• the tension braces may be arranged longitudi ⁇ nally and/or laterally relative to the frame to enable cambering of the frame in one or two directions.
• Non-adjustable braces may be provided in the direction which does not require cambering or curvature.
• the frames may be triangular, square, rectangular, hexa ⁇ gonal or any other suitable regular polygon in plan view and the chords of the lower grid may underlie, or be offset relative to the chords of the upper grid.
• the present invention resides in a method for connecting the chords to a mode of a space frame including: a post at the mode; at least one stub extending from the post to engage a respective chord in the space frames; and means to connect the chord to the stub.
• the present invention resides in a method for connecting the chords to a mode of a space frame including: a post at the mode; at least one hole or slot in the post to receive a respective chord in the space frame; and means to connect the chord to the hole or slot in the post.
• the tension bracing may include a pair of U- or D-shaped brackets, or L-shaped straps, connectable to the chords and/or posts by bolts or other fasten ⁇ ers, interconnected by rods or flexible cables; tensioned rods received in holes in the chords are tensioned by nuts on threaded ends of the rods; or a pair of rods connected by a turnbuckle.
• FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a space frame adjustable in one direction
• FIGS. 2 to 4 are isometric views of triangu- lar, hexagonal and hexagonal space frames respect ⁇ ively;
• FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a space frame where the lateral chords in the grid are offset;
• FIGS. 6 to 16 show alternative methods of connecting the chords to the posts;
• FIGS. 17 to 21 show alternative types of tension braces
• FIG. 22 is a rigid panel which can be used in substitution for the rigid, non-adjustable brace
• FIG. 23 shows a method for relieving stress in a strut or brace
• FIG. 24 is a side view of a second type of space frame having blocks at the modes in substitution for posts ;
• FIG. 25 is an underside isometric view of one of the blocks
• FIG. 26 is a side view of a third type of space frame using inclined posts and adjustable chords.
• FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the space frame of FIG. 26.
• the space frame 10 has respective upper and lower grids 11, 12 with longitu ⁇ dinal and lateral chords 13, 14 connected to vertical posts 15 at modal connection points defining regular rectangular boxes.
• the frame 10 may be cambered or curved along the longitudinal "trusses”.
• the tension braces may be provided diagonally across the “boxes" as indicated by the solid lines 16a to produce a highly rigid frame. (If the tension braces 16 have a low tension, the frame 10 will be very ductile in the longitudinal direction while being very rigid in the lateral direction due to the rigid braces 17.) By increasing the tension in the tension braces 16, the frame 10 will become more rigid in the longitudinal direction.
• FIGS. 2 and 3 show triangular and hexagonal space frames 20, 30 respectively, where the tension braces 21, 31 lie within vertical planes inter- connecting the posts 22, 32, while FIG. 4 shows a hexagonal space frame 40 where the tension braces 41 extend diagonal across the frame to connect diagonally opposed posts 42. In all these frames, the chords 23, 33, 43 in the upper and lower grids are vertically aligned.
• FIG. 5 shows a space frame 50 where the posts 51 are inclined so that the lateral chords 52 of the upper grid are offset relative to the lateral chords 53 of the lower grid, the longitudinal chords 54 being aligned and the tension braces 55 lie along the longi ⁇ tudinal and lateral axes of the frame. This arrange ⁇ ment provides lateral restraint. in the longitudinal directions of the frame.
• tubular stubs 60 are welded to, and extend laterally from the vertical post 61, each stub 60 being arranged to be received in a respective chord 62, with aligned holes 63, 64 being provided to receive suitable fasteners (not shown) to transfer the load from the chord to the stub in shear.
• a block 70 is provided with the stubs 71.
• FIG. 8 shows a post 80 where the stubs 81 are formed by a pair of tubes 82 extending through the post
• FIG. 9 shows a post 90 where a chord 91 extends through the post and receives and supports a chord 92 of reduced diameter.
• This arrangement is particularly suitable where different forces occur in the space frame.
• the posts 100 has a pair of sleeves 101 to receive chords 102 in one direction and a pair of stubs 103 to be inserted in the chords 102 in the other direction.
• the stubs 110 may be inclined to the posts 111 to receive the chords " 112 at any suit- able angle.
• the post 120 in FIG. 2 has aligned pairs of
• slots 121, 122 to receive sleeve connectors 123 (or continuous chords) in an overlapping arrangment .
• slots 130 may be provided adjacent the ends of the chords 131 to engage the side t walls of the posts 132.
• the post 140 has slots 141 which receive the chords 142, which are locked by the engagement of the side walls of the slots 141 in slots 143 formed in the chords.
• FIG. 15 shows the chords 150 received in holes in the posts 151 and locked by wedges 152 engaged in slots 153 in the chords.
• chords 160 abut the side walls of the post 161 and are secured thereto by threaded tension rods 162 which extend through the chords and are tensioned by nuts 163.
• a tension brace 170 has a U-shaped bracket 171 at each end, each bracket being connected to a respective stub 172 (or sleeve) and chord (not shown) adjacent the post 173 by a bolt fastener 173.
• the brackets of each brace 170 are connected by a tension rod 175 fitted with tensioning nuts 176.
• tension rod 175 fitted with tensioning nuts 176.
• the tension brace 180 has substan ⁇ tially L-shaped brackets 181 which receive the ends of the tension rod 182, while in FIG. 19, the ends of the tension rods 190, forming the tension braces, are bent to enable connection directly to the stubs 191 (or chords) on the post 192, the tensioning being effected by the nuts 193.
• the tension braces 200 may also be connected to the posts 201 or be overlapped for connection to the stubs and chords 202 on the opposite sides of the posts.
• FIG. 21 shows a tension brace 210 which com ⁇ prises a pair of hollow tension tubes 211 internally threaded to receive a connecting rod 212 in the manner of a turnbuckle to provide the necessary tension.
• rigid braces 17 were provided in the lateral direction of the frame. These may be replaced by rigid infill panels 220 (see FIG. 22) which may engage stubs 221 on the posts 222.
• FIG. 23 shows a modification of the modal connection of FIG. 16 where washers 230 of neoprene (or other suitable elastomeric material) are inter ⁇ posed between the ends of the chords 231 and the post 232 to accommodate differences in tolerances in the chords .
• the posts interconnect the upper and lower grids in the space frames.
• chords 241 are of the type shown in FIGS. 16 or 23 and are connected to mode blocks 242 the blocks 242 in the grid being connected to compressure/tension brackets 243 formed in the manner of the chords 231 in FIG. 23, being provided with the washers 230. and with tension rods extending through the braces.
• a multi- way triangulation is generated in the frame 240.
• the space frame 260 shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 has fixed length posts 261 which are interconnected to adjustable length chords 262 at the modes, the ends of the post being angled in two directions to allow for the inclination of the posts 261 and of the truss 270 indicated by shading in FIG. 27.
• the chords 212 may comprise a pair of tubular lengths interconnected by a threaded rod in the manner of the tension braces 210 in FIG. 21.
• chords may be sealed to the stub/sleeves or posts and water circu ⁇ lated therethrough to give the frames a fire rating.
• chords and braces are connected to the posts and the assembly may be effected at ground level before hoisting to the desired height.
• the tension braces may be tensioned on the ground or after raising the frame and may be tensioned to produce a ' camber in the frames to-oppose any loads e.g. due to the weight of roof panels applied to the f ames.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Rod-Shaped Construction Members (AREA)
• Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
• Buildings Adapted To Withstand Abnormal External Influences (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=3771224

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (5)

Families Citing this family (7)

Citations (1)

Family Cites Families (14)

• 1986
  • 1986-08-18 EP EP19860905150 patent/EP0267914A4/en not_active Withdrawn
  • 1986-08-18 GB GB8803500A patent/GB2199865B/en not_active Expired
  • 1986-08-18 JP JP61504520A patent/JPS63500877A/ja active Pending
  • 1986-08-18 WO PCT/AU1986/000239 patent/WO1987001150A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1986-08-18 AU AU62268/86A patent/AU593011B2/en not_active Ceased

Patent Citations (1)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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