US3026651A

US3026651A - Building construction

Info

Publication number: US3026651A
Application number: US676223A
Authority: US
Inventors: Donald L Richter
Original assignee: Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp
Current assignee: Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corp
Priority date: 1957-08-05
Filing date: 1957-08-05
Publication date: 1962-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 1979-03-27

Description

March 27, 1962 lC BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 5, 1957 INVENTOR DONALD L.R|CHTER ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 D. L. RICHTER 3,026,651

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 JET-7'5- 96 INVENTOR DONALD L. RICHTER BYWQW ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 DONALDLRICHTER 13% IO EY March 27, 1962 D. L. RICHTER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Aug. 5, 1957 1N VENTOR DONALD L. RICHTER ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 D. RICHTER 3,

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR DONALD L. R l CHTER March 27, 1962 D. L. RICHTER 3,026,651

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 March 27, 1962 D. RICHTER 3,026,651

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 5, 1957 a Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR DONALD L. RICHTER ATTORNEY March 27, 1962 D. RICHTER BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 5, 1957 d INVENTOR DONALD L.RICHTER ATTORNEY United States Patent Fatented Mar. 27, 1962 3,626,651 EUHLDKNG (IUNSTRUUTIGN Donald L. Richter, Gahland, Caliii, assignor to Kaiser Aluminum 5r Chemical Corporation, Oakland, Calif., a corporation of Delaware Filed Aug. 5, 1957, Ser. No. 676,223 11 t'llaims. (Ql. 59-52) This invention relates to building structures and the components therefor. More particularly, this invention relates to structural units of integrated form, wherein the individual units, when employed for fabrication of a roof, wall, spherical building or the like, comprise both the protective covering as well as the framework of the structure in which they are incorporated. This application also constitutes a continuation-in-part of my present co-pending application Serial No. 632,893, filed January 7, 1957 and'now abandoned.

One specific, though not the only, environment in which the structural units of the instant invention may be employed to great advantage is in the fabrication of geodesic domelike structures. Such domelike structures may be of the type shown and described in Fuller Patent 2,682,- 235. The structural unit of the instant invention also constitutes an improvement over any of the unit shapes and composite building elements disclosed in that patent.

Additionally, the structural unit herein described may find general utility in the fabrication of walls, roofs, etc., of more conventional design. When incorporated in these latter structures, the structural units provide a building structure having exceptional strength, lightness and attractiveness. The individual structural units themselves are unique in configuration. They are also rugged, light in weight and exceptionally easy to handle besides being easy to fabricate. Each of these units in a sense comprises a tetrahedral section or building block, which, when associated with and joined to similar building blocks, will form a unique covering for a building.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a unique tetrahedral type structural unit, for use in building structures wherein the unit has an exceptionally high strength toweight ratio.

It is another object of this invention to provide a unique structural unit, for building structures wherein the framework of a finished architectural design is automatically formed by components of the structural units, as they are being emplaced.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a unique building structure made up of a plurality of structural units of the instant invention which are arranged in such a fashion that the distribution of stress approaches that of a uniform homogeneous shell under similar loading, and wherein the units may be advantageously arranged in such a fashion that they form a three-dimensional space-truss.

A further object of this invention is to provide a building structure comprised of a plurality of unique structural units, wherein each structural unit comprises both a stressed skin and part of the framework of the finished architectural design.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a unique structural unit, which, when assembled with other structural units of similar design will form a three-di mensional space-truss covering for a building with the various components of the structural units that form the framework of the building being'arranged in turn along the arcs of great circles.

A further object of this invention is to provide a unique structural unit which because of its particulardesign and construction effectively resists flexing andbending after installation of the same. i

A further object of this invention is to provide a unique building structure made of structural units, which are roughly diamond-shaped in plan, with the units being so assembled together that the various load stresses imposed on the units are directed towards the several vertices or tips of the diamond-shaped units and wherein all the metal in each unit bears its full share of the load.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a spherical building made up of a plurality of unique diamond-shaped, tetrahedral units together with novel means for securing several units to each other, wherein the units comprise both the coveringand structural framework for the building and wherein the means used to anchor the building to the ground and the portions of the units constituting the framework are arranged along the arcs of great circles.

A further object of this invention is to provide a building structure made up of a plurality of unique diamondshaped tetrahedral units together with novel means for securing several units together adjacent the various vertices' ortips of the units.

Another object of this invention is to provide a building structure made up of a plurality of unique diamondshaped tetrahedral units together with novelmeans for anchoring the structure formed from these unitsto the ground.

These and other objects of the instant invention not specifically referred to but inherent therein are accomplished by providing a building covering comprised of a plurality of three-dimensional tetrahedral-shaped panels. Each panel in turn is preferably comprised of a sheet of metal which is preferably diamond in shape. Portions of the diamond-shaped sheet metal are progressively bent or creased so that two opposing corners of the shape will be drawn upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the metal sheet. The displaced corners are connected by a bridging strut of any desired cross-sectional configuration. The edges of the sheet metal shape are also advantageously provided with marginal flanges, while the sheet metal itself may be embossed to provide it with suitable delineations impressed into the sheet during the shaping thereof, all of which will be more fully described hereinafter. These delineations not only enhance the overall appearance of the sheet metal, but they also prevent undesirable flexing in the sheet metal during use.

Other objects and advantages of the instant invention will become more apparent from a review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein: i

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the unique tetrahedral structural unit or panel of the instant invention, with reference planes being shown to emphasize the details thereof;

FlGURE 2. is a side-elevational view of the unit shown in FIGURE 1, the reference planes being omitted for the sake of clarity;

FIGURE 3 is an end-elevational view of the structural unit shown in FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIGURE 35! is an exploded perspective view of the structural 'unit of FIGURES 1-3 together'with the basic components needed for securing the unit to similar units, during the construction of a wall, roof or other covering in a building structure;

FIGURE 4 is a plan View. showing a representative geometric pattern, that may be formed by plurality of the structural units of the instant invention, when they are joined together;

FIGURE 5 is an example of one type of geodesic dome structure, such as that disclosed in Patent 2,682,235,

which may be advantageously fabricated from the structural units of the instant invention;

FIGURE 5a is an example of another type of geodesic dome structure that may be fabricated by using the structural units of the instant invention and discloses one arrangement for anchoring certain of the units located along the perimeter of structure to ground piers in a unique fashion;

FIGURE 6 is a bottom plan view of a suitable type gusset member that may be used for joining a plurality of structural units together adjacent their long diagonals;

FIGURE 7 is a cross-sectional view of the gusset member shown in FIGURE 6 when taken along line 77 thereof;

FIGURE 8 is a further cross-sectional view of the gusset member shown in FIGURE 6, when taken along line 88 thereof;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of the geodesic dome disclosed in FIGURE 5a and shows in more detail a unique arrangement for anchoring the dome to the ground by securing the anchoring elements to the proper reaction points on the dome or sphere;

FIGURE 10 is another bottom plan view of the gusset member shown in FIGURE 6 when anchored to several structural units adjacent their long diagonals; and with a structural supporting column shown in dotted lines also being secured to the gusset member;

FIGURE 11 is a plan view of the underside of a wall or three-dimensional space-truss formed by the structural units of the instant invention and discloses the manner in which three adjacent panels are joined together adjacent their short diagonals by means of a cluster of suitable gusset anchoring elements;

FIGURE 12 is an exploded view of the cluster of gusset anchoring elements shown in FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 is a broken front elevational view of a ground pier and a structural unit anchored thereto, and discloses the various accessories employed for securing the structural unit to the pier and to similar adjacent units;

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view taken along the line 14-14 of FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view taken along the line 1515 of FIGURE 13 with parts removed for the sake of clarity;

FIGURE 16 is a bottom plan view of a modified cluster of gusset anchoring elements used to secure two structural units together when one of the units is anchored to a ground pier; and

FIGURE 17 is a side elevational view of a ground pier, with a structural unit and sphere supporting column anchored thereto.

With further reference to the drawings and in particular to FIGURES 1 and 3a it may be seen that the unique tetrahedral structural unit or building block of the instant invention is preferably comprised of a sheet metal element or panel 1, preferably diamond-shaped in plan view and having a major axis MM and minor axis NN. In most instances after forming, the major axis or the center long diagonal of the panel will also be slightly cambered upwardly from the true horizontal plane H. Major axis MM also lies in a true vertical plane V.

The minor axis NN is slightly above the horizontal plane H but is normal with respect to the axis MM and hence normal with respect to the vertical plane V. Although the minor axis NN is located slightly above horizontal plane H, it is normal with respect to the vertical plane V. The basic unit thus described includes corners or

vertices

2, 3, 4 and 5,

corners

2 and 3 lying along major axis MM and

corners

4 and 5 lying along the minor axis NN. Thus, it may be seen that since the corners and 5 lie along the same line or minor axis NN and since the major axis MM lies along the intersection of planes H and V, the sheet metal forms a curve passing from corner 4 through the axis MM and thence to corner 5. The

corners

4 and 5 are in turn connected to a suitably shaped strut member 6 which lies along and generally coincides with minor axis NN. This strut is also generally parallel to but vertically spaced from the plane H and normal to the plane V. The relation between the strut and sheet is more clearly discernible by inspection of shadow line S which would be cast on the sheet as shown in FIGURE 1. The strut is secured to the unit 1 at the

corners

4 and 5 by means of an apertured flanged sleeve member, which fits over the end of the strut, or the end of the strut may be provided with apertured flanged portions 6 disposed at the proper angle, with suitable bolts 7', rivets or the like passing through openings 8 in the flanges 6 and in corresponding openings 9', or holes in the panel unit 1 adjacent the

corners

4 and 5.

Considering now the sheet or panel itself, attention will be given to the manner in which the arcuate configuration is imparted thereto. The basic sheet metal such as aluminum may simply be bent such that the

corners

4 and 5 are displaced from their normal plane of rest. However, it is preferable that the sheet be provided with delineations in the manner and for the purpose to be described hereinafter. The sheet 1 is advantageously provided with a plurality of delineations or

creases

12 and 13 which roughly form a unique quilted pattern. These delineations or creases are advantageously impressed in the sheet during the curving of the sheet; in fact, the edges or

corners

4 and 5 are advantageously bent gradually upward to their predetermined position by creasing of the sheet 1 to form the

delineations

12 and 13 in a conventional break press mechanism. This creasing is performed by simply bending the sheet and without any deleterious stretching or weakening of the metal at the points of bending or creasing.

After the delineations have been impressed in the sheet, the marginal edges may be turned down to form the reinforce

marginal flanges

7 and 8, 9 and 11, whereby the

creases

12 and 13 if impressed on the sheet prior to :flanging will also be carried over into the flanges. If desired, the flanges may also be bent inwardly to form a flange tab 10. Delineations or creases 12, originate at the corner 2 and fan out in sunburst fashion therefrom and project toward the edges of the sheet as defined by the

corners

5, 4 and 3. It will be noted that no single line 12 substantially coincides with the major axis MM, all delineations being disposed at an angle thereto. Similarly, delineations or creases 13 originate and fan out from the corner 3 to the sides defined between

corners

5, 2 and 4 and again no delineations 13 coincide with the major axis MM but are angulated with respect thereto. Thus, the intersections of

delineations

12 and 13 which take place intermediate the corners of the sheet and the delineations themselves form a unique reinforcing quilt-type pattern comprised roughly of a series of diamond-shaped figures and triangular figures of varying form and dimensions. The purpose of this delineated pattern is twofold. First, it will be appreciated that each of the resulted delineated geometrical figures may be angularly disposed one with respect to the other such that the sheet will be arched or curved in the manner indicated. Secondly, the pattern thus formed stabilizes the metal skin of the panel and precludes to a great extent the so-called oil canning, flexing or popping of the sheet during installations. In this connection, it is to be noted that the arrangement or 7 pattern formed by delineations l2 and 13 is such that no thereof, the edges of the sheet are advantageously provided with downturned stiffening or reinforcing

flanges

7, 8, 9 and 11, which extend from corners 2 to 4, 4 to 3, 3 to 5, and 5 to 2, respectively. These flanged edges of each of the structural units 1, as well as the struts and the long central diagonal of the metal sheet, advantageously act as the frame elements of the three-dimensional truss structure formed by an assemblage of the structural units of the instant invention in a manner to be more fully described hereinafter.

Corners

2, 3, 4 and 5 may also be squared off for facility in assembling a plurality of units together.

While the fianging and pattern-forming operations have been described in terms of separate operations, it is quite possible and oftentimes most desirable that both the flanging and pattern-forming be conducted substantially as a single step resulting in the formation of a completed shape as shown in FIGURES 1, 2, 3 and 3a, with the exception of the strut 6.

The strut 6 which connects

corners

4 and 5, as is clearly shown in FIGURES l, 3 and 3a, may be comprised of a tube, hollow bar or other structurfl shape, preferably having a high strength to weight ratio of which a tube is an excellent example. The strut may be welded, bolted, bracketed or otherwise secured to the arched, flanged, and delineated sheet. The strut may also be connected with the

corners

4 and 5 in such a fashion that several stress conditions are imparted to the completed unit. For example, if the sheet is bowed or arched beyond its normal condition when delineated and flanged, the strut will be 9 placed under a slight tensile stress, when it is fixed to the

corners

4 and 5 since in order to fix the strut to the corners it will then be necessary to draw the

corners

4 and 5 inwardly. If, however, the corners of the sheet must be drawn slightly outwardly from their initial bowed position as formed in order to secure the strut thereto, the strut 6 will then be placed under a slight compression. If, however, the length of the strut and the distance between the

corners

4 and 5 is substantially equal to the strut dimension, then no stress will be introduced to the strut. It will be appreciated, too, that while shown as a diamond with the strut being parallel to its minor axis, the sheet metal shape 1 may also be more on the order of a square with the strut 6 connected to either of the two opposite corners diagonally across the sheet. Alternately, the strut could be connected to the

corners

2 and 3 of the diamond-shaped sheet so that it parallels the major axis of the diamond. This, of course, will depend upon the particular geometric pattern that is desired in the finished three-dimensional truss structure or other building unit formed from these units. In the latter case, where the strut is secured to the apices or

corners

2 and 3 of the diamond-shaped sheet and parallel to the major axis thereof, it is obvious that

corners

2 and 3 rather than 4 and 5 would be displaced upwardly from the plane of rest of the sheet and delineations l2 and 1.3 would likewise emanate from the corners '4 and 5.

There has thus been described a unique structural unit of unusual design and appearance. The sheet and the various components thereof are preferably for red of a light metal, such as aluminum. The unit described is light, strong and possesses an exceptionally pleasing appearance, when used in forming architectural shapes such as domes of the type mentioned previously, walls, roofs, ceilings and interior and exterior surfaces, and regardless of whether such structures are merely decorative or both decorative and functional.

It is to be noted that the single strut 6 between points 4 and plus the formed diamond between

points

2, 3, 4 and *5 in effect define a tetrahedron-like solid. Thestrut 6, the diamond edges 35, 52, 2% and 43, and the diamond valley between points 5M and M.4 define the 6 edges of the tetrahedron-like polyhedron formed by the sheet 1.

Considered another way, the tetrahedron-like solid may be considered as having one face formed by the diagonal on axis MM and diamond edges 35 and 5-2; another face by the same diagonal and diamond edges 3-4 and 4-2; a further face by strut 6 and diamond edges 4-3 and 3-5; and the final face by strut 6 and diamond edges S2 and 24. In any event, the result is still a tetrahedral section.

When one section is joined to adjacent diamond sections to form a series of building blocks, each panel section in effect serves as a three-dimensional beam unit. The mathematical arrangement of this unit is such that load stresses are distributed substantially through all of the metal and are directed through the diamond vertices or tips. When all the diamond vertices of the various units are so arranged as to fall on the surface of a theoretical sphere, remarkable structural strength arises as a result. The overall effect is one of resolving all loads onto the substantially uniformly stressed spherical segments or structural units 1 in a fashion similar in principle to the high efficiency of an egg shell. As a result, each panel or structural unit 1 does not merely consist of a load-supporting framework covered with idle sheeting but in effect is a stressed skin self-reinforcing space-truss unit in which all metal bears its share of the load. Thus, it will be appreciated that such a tetrahedron-like element has considerable three-dimensional strength. The central portion of the sheet 1 located along line or plane MM, i.e., the long diagonal, also advantageously acts in the manner of a strut.

Having thus considered the individual units, several means of utilizing the units will now be described. One such use is the construction of domes, among them being geodesic domes of the type shown in U.S. Patent No. 2,682,235. The patent mentioned discloses a method of constructing domelike structures utilizing various geometric shapes along with a special assembled framework of struts bounding each shape, whether triangular, diamond or the like. The instant invention is an improvement particularly over the structure disclosed in the patent in that it requires the use of fewer and lighter parts, in addition to having general utility in other building structures.

Referring now to the manner in which the structural units he 'ein disclosed may be utilized in forming a generally planar surface, it may be seen that a plurality of units, including flanged and bowed sheet metal shapes 1 and including a strut 6' are joined at a common point such as is seen in FIGURE 4. Six of the units have adjacent flanged edges in abutting relation. The struts 6 of each of the six units approximately define a regular hexagon. Located at the vertex point A from which the respective units radiate is a suitable hub element or rosettelike gusset 20, an example of which is shown in FIGURE 6. The

corners

2 and 3 along the long diagonal of the units I are also advantageously connected to this gusset Ztl.

In the case of the vertex point B at which the short diagonal of adjacent units converge, the short

diagonal corners

4 or 5 of adjacent sheet metal panels may be joined together and in turn be reinforced by a cluster 24 of another type of hub element or hublike clamp element, an example of which is shown in FIGURES 3a and 11 and all of which will be described more fully hereinafter.

Each'rosette 2i) which may be an aluminum casting is comprised of a central hub or web portion it? from which a plurality of spokelike members 42 radiate in the manner of a wheel. The center of the huhdll may also be provided with an opening 43. Each spoke is generally channelshaped in' cross-section and includes a web 4 and down-turned side flanges 45. 'A combination sheet and strut l is anchored at one of its

corners

2 or 3, to a rosette it by having the corner of the unit 1 and flanges 7-11 or 3 -9 overlap the

flanges

45 and 2. spoke 42 of the rosette 20 adjacent to the point where the spoke merges with the hub 40' as indicated particularly in FIGURE 10. When the gusset 20 is in place, a certain amount of open space will exist between the panel corners and the spokes of the gusset. These openings will be eifectively closed by the use of an outside cover plate 21, as indicated in dotted lines of FIGURE 10 and in full lines in FIGURE 9.

Plate 211 may be secured directly to the outside surfaces of the panels adjacent gusset 20 by means of an adhesive, or to the gusset 20 itself by means of a suitable bolt thrust through the opening 43. When bolts or rivets 23 are inserted in the openings 50 in the

corners

2 or 3 of the unit 1 and similar openings 50 in the spokes 42 of the rosette 20, the converging corners of units will be securely locked to the rosette.

The structural units 1 are also advantageously secured to each other at their

flanged portions

8 and 7, 9 and 11, by welding or by means of bolts or rivets 54 thrust through openings 52 in the flanges of the adjacent sheets. The struts 6 are also advantageously interconnected to each other in a unique fashion to be described more fully hereinafter such that there is effected a framework in the form of a regular hexagon which, when the units are joined together, resists compressive stresses or the like in which the units would be inherently weak along their minor axes.

To the afore-described basic pattern, there may be added additional series of structural units so arranged that the struts 6 are connected to the six vertex points B of the basic hexagonlike frame and radiate outwardly from these points to the points R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6, all as is clearly shown in FIGURE 4. It may be seen that the edges of the sheets 1 of the integrated units now define a hexagon, the frame being comprised of a central regular hexagon surrounded by six halfshaped formed hexagons, each of which has one side common to the original geometric figure. Assuming now that the points R1 and R6 rest on suitable reaction points indicated as S1 and S2 in FIGURE 4, it may be seen that the straight edge at the bottom of the sheets may be continued by the addition of a half of unit 20'. This latter unit may advantageously have its strut 6 resting on reaction points S2 and S3. The strut 6 of this half unit 20 may also be omitted, if desired.

The means for securing adjacent structural units at the

corners

4 or 5 on the short diagonals thereof will now be described.

These means comprise a cluster 24 of hub clamps 61, 62 and 63. These may be made in the form of castings, and each clamp is securable to a separate unit 1 adjacent the

corner

4 or 5 on the short diagonal thereof. Ordinarily, the short diagonal corners of three units 1 will converge at the vertex point B because of the geometric pattern formed by the units 1. Thus, only three hub clamps will be used. Hub clamp 61 includes an inclined outer bearing surface 64 for engaging the bottom surface of a structural unit 1 adjacent a

corner

4 or 5 thereof and a partially arcuate boss 65 which contacts the rounded off portion 66 of the hub clamp 62. Boss 65 is provided with a central aperture 68 and bearing surface 64 with a plurality of openings 69. Openings 69 register with corresponding openings 9' in a structural unit 1 so that bolts or rivets 77 may be inserted therein to lock the clamp to the structural unit. Hub clamp 62 in addition to having rounded off portion 66 also includes an inclined outer bearing surface 69 for contacting the

corner

4 or 5 of a structural unit 1. Bearing surface 69 has openings 76 therein and rounded off portion 66 has a central opening 71. Openings 76 as in the case of clamp 61 register with similar openings 9 in a structural unit 1. Clamp 63 is also provided with an inclined outer bearing surface 73 for contacting the inside surface of a structural unit 1 and a downwardly projecting rounded boss 74. Bearing surface 73 has openings 75 therein, while boss '74 has a cen- 8 tr-al opening 76 therein. The openings 75 register with corresponding openings 9 in a structural unit so that rivets or bolts 77 may be inserted therein to lock the clamp to a structural unit. Each of the hub clamps may also be provided with several sets of reinforcing ribs. After the inclined bearing surfaces 64, 69 and '73 of the several clamps are secured to the several structural units 1, they are then secured together by means of a bolt 78 thrust through the

openings

68, 71 and 76 in the several hub clamps and a nut 79, all as clearly indicated in FIG- URE 11. The rounded off portions 66 of clamp 62, as well as the

rounded oif bosses

65 and 74 of

clamps

61 and 63, also permit ready adjustment of the clamps one with respect to the other during the period they are locked together. The inclination of the bearing surfaces 64, 69 and 73 also coincides substantially with the slope of the units 1

adjacent comers

4 and 5. The open spaces that may be present at the point where the cluster 24 of hub clamps secure the short diagonals of adjacent units together may be substantially eliminated, if desired, by means of a cover plate 32 applied over the outer surfaces of the several units, the cover plate 82 being held in place by a suitable adhesive securing it directly to the top surface of the sheets, or alternatively by the bolt 78. Such a cover plate is shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 11.

It is also of interest to note in connection with the vertices B or points where the corners of the short diagonals of the structural units 1 converge that they form the apices of a plurality of pyramidal type units when the long diagonal of each unit is considered as a frame member in the over-all framework of the sphere or dome and with the long diagonal of each unit 1 serving as a base line for a pyramid. The strut 6 serves to connect the apices of each pyramidal type unit.

Finally, the manner of connecting the various panels together, along with their struts at the short diagonals thereof, is such that the struts on adjacent units are also interconnected with each other whereby the struts advantageously transfer loads from one to the other. The outside appearance of the building is also enhanced in that gussets 20 and hub clamp clusters 24 are located inside of the building and are concealed from the view of one looking at the building from the outside.

By use of the structural panels 1 herein described, a unique structure is formed having a geometrically-patterned spiderlike framework comprised of struts 6 and a surface wall of undulating, marginally-joined diamondshaped sheets. The geometric pattern of the frame is generally a series of recurring hexagons. Each diamond with its respective strut defines a tetrahedron-like threedimensional structure and as shown in FIGURES 4, 5 and 5a, these tetrahedron-like elements are joined edge to edge in such a manner that the space between every three joined to the common point is also a tetrahedron. Thus, the total assembly may be considered a three-dimensional space-truss of considerable strength. The combination and interaction of struts and diamonds will provide an exceptionally strong structural surface such as a flat single or double curved wall or roof. It will also be noted that by appropriate portioning of the diamond and strut dimensions the pattern defined by the struts in FIG- URE 4 can be other than hexagons, that is, any number more than three diamonds can be associated about the one common vertex.

A similar construction may be used in forming roof structures. In such a case, it is preferable that the overall surface be somewhat arched such that the primary support for the roof as such comprises the framework made up of the geometric arrangement of struts 6 plus the skin elements themselves and with the center line and the flanged edges of each structural element in effect also acting as struts in the manner previously described. Thus, the sole support for a roof area of large size such as over an auditorium, theatre, theatre shop or the like would be furnished by the above described framework in combination with a suitable sidewall structure leaving the enclosed area unobstructed by posts, columns or the like. In the event the interruption of the closed area is not a prime consideration, the roof structure may be substantially level, the geometric frame being supported at selected points throughout its expanse and with suitable drain means being provided to collect moisture from the troughs deflned by the bowed or arched sheets 1. Referring now to geodesic dome-shaped structures such as are shown in FIGURES and 5a, it may be seen that the individual units may be utilized in such a manner as to fabricate a dome structure of the type referred to in the abovementioned Fuller patent with reaction points 8 -8 being shown for the structure of FIGURE 5 and reaction points S S being shown for the structure of FIGURE 5a.

It is to be understood that suitable sealants may be applied between the flanged edges of abut-ting units and at the vertex points A and B where the

corners

2 or 3, and 4 or 5, respectively, of the several panel units converge. One suitable type sealing compound which has. been found satisfactory for this purpose is one known as T'hiokol, a synthetic rubber-based sealing compound manufactured and sold by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.

The preferred way of utilizing the structural units 1 to the greatest advantage, such that equal or near equal stress distribution is obtained throughout the entire framework, is as has been described, that is, :by forming an appropriate series of approximately regular hexagons. A dome or sphere made up of such units and patterns is clearly shown in FIGURES 5 and 511, wherein each strut 6, the long and short diagonals and the marginal flanges 7, 1-1, 8 and 9 of any two contiguous units are positioned along great circle arcs utilizing in full the geometry as taught in the Fuller patent.

On occasion the metal units I maybe replaced by those made of plastic, glass or other transparent materials for lighting and decorative effects. Windows, entrances and exits may also be incorporated in the dome structure.

In one form of the invention and as indicated particu larly in FIGURES 5a and 9, in those instances where it is desirable to leave some open area adjacent the bottom perimeter of the sphere, unique means are provided for supporting and anchoring the sphere to the ground. These means are shown particularly in FIGURES 5a and 9, and 13-17. "In this instance, the bottom extremities of a pluralityof panel units 1 are directly anchored to the ground piers $6. Main support columnsill are also connected to the piers 80 and to the sphere at the vertex points A.

As indicated particularly in FIGURES 5a and 9 the anchoring piers 8i and support columns 81 are arranged in perimetric groups to conform with the curvature of the sphere and geometric arrangement of the panel units ll. In each of these groups the centerrnost diamondshaped sheet and its associated column til are generally located in only one inclined plane to the vertical. The downwardly projecting diamond shaped sheets and their associated columns 81 on either side of the centermost downwardly projecting diamond shaped sheet and its associated column bl, since they are radially disposed with respect to these centermost sheets and columns, are inclined in two planes.

As indicated particularly in FIGURE 13, each panel unit I is anchored at a long diagonal corner to a pier -80 by means of a somewhat Y-shaped plate 82. The stem $3 of the plate '82 is inserted between the upstanding plates 3d of the anchoring assemblytlo and loosely held therein. It is notpositively anchored between the plates, and this'permits freedom of movementsuch as may be caused by expansion and contraction of the domeassembly as a whole. Plates $5 in turn are welded or otherwise secured to a shoe plate-87 welded to a base plate 37. Base plate $7 is anchored by suitable stud bolts 38 to the concrete pier 3b. The ends of plates are welded to the end covers 88, and covers 88 are welded to plates 87 and 87'. In the case of the panel units 1 which are tilted or inclined in two planes, the plates 85 will also be somewhat tilted with respect to a true vertical in order to accommodate the panel unit and support column 81. The upper winged portions 9% and 9t) of plate 82. are inserted within the channels formed by the flanges 7 and Ill and flange tabs 10 thereon. Suitable elongated L-shaped shim members 91 and 91' are also sandwiched in between the winged portions and 90 of plate 82 and flanges 7 and II of the panel unit 1. The wing portions 0 and 90 of plate 82 are bolted directly to the

base flanges

93 and 93 of these shim members 91 and @I', while the upstanding flanges 94 and 94' of the shim members are bolted or riveted to the flanges 11 and 7, respectively, of the panel unit I. If desired, a fitting ?5 shown in dotted lines in FIGURE 13 may be inserted in the opening between the

shim members

91 and 91 and flanges 7 and I1 and tabs 10 to further rigidity the shim members with respect to the flanged edges of the sheet metal unit I, such a space 96 being shown in FIG- URE 15. This fitting would be secured by suitable means not shown both to

shim member

91 or 91 and the flange tabs 10.

Pivotally mounted between and secured to the several plates 85, outwardly from the panel unit 1, is the lower extremity of a main support column 81. As indicated in FIGURE 17, this lower extremity of the column comprises a flat plate 98 inserted in a suitable slot in the column and then welded thereto. This flat plate is pivotally secured to plates 85 by bolt means 99. Secured to the upper extremity of column 81 in a fashion similar to plate 8 is another plate 10% indicated in dotted lines in FIGURE 10. It will be noted, however, that plate 100 is disposed at approximately a 90 angle to plate 98. The top of plate 1% and in turn the column is directly anchored to a gusset 20 in one of the lowermost vertex points A on the sphere. As indicated particularly in FIGURES 5a and 9, these latter vertex points A serve as the main reaction points for all loads and tension and compressive forces transmitted through the building framework, which includes, of course, the center long diagonal of each panel unit, all as indicated in dotted lines in FIGURES 5a and 9. These loads in turn are then transmitted into and through the columns 31 to the piers 80. It will also be observed by reference to FIGURE 9 that each column fits underneath the strut 6 of the panel unit I, with which it is associated. By loosely anchoring the base supporting panel units 1 and pivotally anchoring columns 81 to the piers iii any expansion or contraction in the sphere is readily compensated for. The panels are also advantageouslycontained by piers 8'6 in order to stabilize the sphere against translating, twisting and rotating.

With further reference to the drawings and in particular FIGURES 9, l3 and 16 in the case of where the

corners

4 and 5 on the short diagonals of two adjacent panels meet and are joined together, and where the corner of one panel unit I secured to a pier 845 is also secured to an adjacent unit, only two clamp elements are employed, such as clamp elements 62and 63. Considering FIGURE 16 as a view of the joint between corner 5 on the panel unit I secured to a pier and the corner 4 of the adjacent panel unit and looking from the inside out, the clamp element 62 is secured to corner 4 of one panel unit and the clamp element 63 to corner 5 of the other panel unit. In an effort to further strengthen the joint between the two panel units, it is also contemplated that a roughly ,Z-shaped reinforcing finger element 102 may be used. Each finger element, asindicated particularly in FIGURES 13, 15 andl6, includes a bottom extremity Alli; bolted tothe base flange 93 of the shim 75 member 91, a web 164 and an upperrounded and aper- 11 tured extremity 105 bolted directly to the

clamp elements

62 and 63 by means of the bolt 78 and nut 79.

From the above description it will be noted that when a plurality of these tetrahedral blocks are assembled as described, such as in a spherical building, the total arrangement becomes that of a hexagonal strut overlying a three-dimensional covering of diamond-shaped panels. The whole is structurally interacting to form a highly efiicient member which geometrically defines a shell segment of a sphere. The resultant structure is also a true space-truss being triangulated three dimensionally, and defining tetrahedrons. It is also geodesic in that the vertices of all tetrahedral building blocks or structural elements fall in a series of great circles, which define a sphere in the case of the building structures shown in FIGURES 5, a and 9.

The various panels and all accessories therefor used in making the spherical building described are preferably made of aluminum although it is understood that other materials may also be employed as desired. One advantage of the structural unit herein described is the fact that the units can be made of larger or smaller size, depending upon the type of structure in which they are to be incorporated. In any event, utilizing the units of the instant invention, the area to be covered is calculated along with the best possible size for the individual structural units. Then by considering the edges as terminating in a series of half and whole hexagons or other polygons, the number of units may be easily calculated with a slight compensation in turn being made for each unit such that once the appropriate geometric pattern is established, the remainder of the pattern is also established.

In all cases wherein the preferred form of the invention is used, an exceptionally strong, easily fabricated, lightweight attractive structure is provided. It will be appreciated that various changes can be made in the described invention which are within the scope thereof, the invention being limited only as defined in the following claims wherein what is claimed is:

What is claimed is:

1. In a building construction a plurality of structural units so disposed and secured to each other as to form a three-dimensional space truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered panel, said panel in turn being bowed about an axis coinciding with a diagonal center line in the said panel such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the panel, a strut member extending across the panel and connected at its ends with said upwardly displaced corners, means anchoring contiguous panels together in a fixed geometric pattern, said means includ ing hub elements securing groups of panels together at the vertices on the truss formed by the converging corners of the panels, and means securing the base perimeter of the building formed from certain of the said units to the ground, said means including ground piers and support columns, the lower extremities of said columns being secured to said piers and the upper extremities of said columns being secured to certain of said hub elements.

2. In a building construction as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said panels is provided with reinforcing creases which emanate as intersecting radii from certain corners of a panel.

3. In a building construction a plurality of structural units so disposed and secured to each other as to form a three-dimensional space-truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered sheet metal panel, said panel in turn being bowed about an axis coinciding with a diagonal center line in the said panel, such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the panel, a strut member extending across the panel and connected at its ends with said upwardly displaced corners, means anchoring contiguous panels together in a fixed geometric pattern, said means including hub elements securing groups of panels together at the vertices on the truss formed by the converging corners of the panels, and means securing the base perimeter of the building formed from certain of the said units to the ground, said means including ground piers and support columns, the lower extremities of which are pivotally secured to said piers and the upper extremities of which are secured to certain of said hub elements.

4. The building construction as set forth in claim 3 wherein the ends of the strut members in the said panels are also connected to certain of said hub elements.

5. In a building of generally spherical form a plurality of structural units so disposed and secured to each other as to form a three-dimensional space-truss, each of said units comprising a four-cornered sheet metal panel, each panel in turn being bowed about an axis which coincides with a diagonal center line in the panel, such that two opposing corners thereof are displaced upwardly from the normal plane of rest of the panel, a strut member extending across and connected at its ends to said upwardly displaced corners, means securing contiguous panels to each other at the marginal edges thereof, means securing said panels together at the vertex points on the truss where the corners of the panels converge with each other, the strut members and edges of the said panels defining in turn a structural framework, with said edges and strut members in turn being located along the arcs of great circles, and perimetrically arranged anchoring means for the said building, said last-mentioned means including a plurality of columns, one extremity of each column being secured to the framework formed by the edges and strut members of said panels and the other extremity of a column being pivotally secured to an anchoring pier, each of said columns also being disposed along an arc of a great circle as defined by the diagonal center lines of certain of said panels.

6. A building of generally spherical configuration, comprising a plurality of panel members integral portions of which serve as a covering for the building and other integral portions of which serve as the framework for the building, said panel members also being so disposed and secured together as to form a three-dimensional space-truss, and said last-mentioned portions of the panel members also being disposed along the arcs of great circles, means arranged perimetrically at the base of said building for anchoring the same to a series of ground piers, said means comprising a plurality of supporting columns, one end of each column being secured to a group of panel members at the point where certain edges thereof converge to form a reaction point, and the other end of the column being pivotally secured to a ground pier, said columns also being so anchored to said piers and said framework as to be located along and form continuations of the arcs of great circles formed by portions of certain of the panel members to which the columns are attached, said columns also being pitched so as to follow the curvature of the spherical building.

7. In a building as set forth in claim 6 wherein certain of said columns are pitched in a pair of planes.

8. In a building of generally spherical configuration and formed from a plurality of similarly shaped panels, certain integral portions of which constitute the framework for the building and other integral portions of which constitute the covering for the building, and with said first-mentioned portions of the panels that constitute the framework also being located along great circle arcs, means arranged along the base perimeter of said building for anchoring the same to the ground, said means including a plurality of spaced piers and means connecting certain of said panels directly to said piers, said means comprising a plurality of support columns, one extremity of each support column being secured to a group of panels at the point where certain edges of the panels in said group of panels converge to form a reaction point and the other extremity of said column being pivot-ally secured to a pier to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the panels, each of said column also being pitched so as to follow the curvature of the building and the arc of a great circle, said column also forming a continuation of the framework portion of one of said panels located along the arc of a great circle and to which it is connected.

9. The building as set forth in claim 8 wherein one of the panels in the group of panels to which a column is attached is also mounted on the same pier as the column so as to stabilize the spherical building against rotation.

10. The building as recited in claim 8 wherein said columns are arranged in groups, with the central column in each group being inclined in only one plane and with the other columns in each group being inclined in a pair of planes, whereby each column will follow the curvature of the building and at the same time be located along the arc of a great circle.

11. A building of generally spherical configuration and said building being formed from a plurality of similar diamond-shaped metal panels, said panels also compris ing the covering and framework for the building, each of said panels also being bowed about an axis coinciding with the long diagonal thereof, struts extending across the short diagonals of the panels and secured to said panels, the long diagonal and the marginal edges of the panels and the struts constituting the framework of the building, said struts and the portions of the panels constituting the framework being located along great circle arcs, and means arranged along the base perimeter of the building for anchoring the building to the ground, said means including a plurality of spaced ground piers and a plurality of columns, one extremity of each column being secured to a group of panels at the point where certain edges of the panels in said group of panels converge to form a reaction point, each column also forming a continuation of the long diagonal of one of the panels located along a great circle arc, and the other extremity of the column being pivotally anchored to a pier, and one of said panels to which a column i attached also being mounted on the same pier as the column so as to stabilize the building against rotation.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 417,094 Sagendorph Dec. 10, 1889 1,032,012 Martin July 9, 1912 1,885,294 Robertson Nov. 1, 1932 2,156,155 Howard Apr. 25, 1939 2,382,361 Wiener Aug. 14, 1945 2,383,370 Dean Oct. 16, 1945 2,484,096 Kay Oct. 11, 1949 2,526,323 Blaski Oct. 17, 1950 2,530,641 Winslow Nov. 21, 1950 2,682,235 Fuller June 29, 1954 2,705,928 Pont Apr. 12, 1955 2,711,181 Woods June 21, 1955 2,725,126 Ely Nov. 29, 1955 2,918,151 Kennedy Dec. 22, 1959