Patent Grant
8074404
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a cable-strut roof system, and more particularly to a double-layer cable-strut roof system which comprises a plurality of tension members and compression members arranged in a new manner, and is adapted for exhibition venue, stadium, theater, airport terminal, railway station and other large-span space structure buildings.
2. Description of Related Arts
In recent decades, various types of large-span roof systems are widely used, such as reticulated shell structure constructed of rigid structural members. Reticulated shell structures, however, exhibit high ratio of rise to span, in order to obtain necessary stiffness and good work performance. The structure is heavyweight and more expensive to build with increasing in span.
Lightweight roof structures have gradually been applied with the development of new materials and new technology, such as application of prestressed flexible structures like cable network structures, tensioned membrane structures, and so on. The prestressed system has no stiffness and uncertain shape prior to prestressing. Here flexible system means each internal node thereof receives only flexible tension members such as cables or membranes without rigid compression members. As regards the way forces are transmitted through the system, the internal system is in continuous tension. This structure has the advantages of large-span and beautiful shape, while the internal system must rely on an external supporting system. Only when boundary nodes of the internal system are anchored to an external boundary and a lower supporting system, with their strong support and by prestressing flexible elements, the internal system could be a structure undertaking external loading. The boundary and lower supporting system can only be designed firmly for equilibrating internal tension forces, leading to high cost and a complicated prestressed structure. Another disadvantage of flexible structures involves too large structural deformation under loading.
A self-stressed structure, called a tensegrity structure, has been presented to optimize internal forces distribution, which is a system in a self-stress state and in a stable self-equilibrated state comprising a continuous set of tension members and a discontinuous or continuous set of compression members. Here the self-stress state means that tension members and compression members are connected together with predefined topological relations. During the assembling process, the interaction between members, and the interaction between members and nodes lead to the tension of the tension members and the compression of the compression members. The internal forces of the system do not result from external effect and do not rely on an external supporting system, so that the internal forces are self-stresses. This also indicates that the tensegrity system is an independent system and is essentially different from prestressed system. The stability and self-equilibrium indicate the initial mechanical state of the system, before any loading, even gravitational. The self-equilibrium of the system is in a self-stress state. The stability means that the system is capable of re-establishing its equilibrium position after a perturbation. The stability of the system is closely related to rational topological relations between the two sets of tension members and compression members of the system. Tensegrity structure is also essentially different from traditional structures (such as grid structure, reticulated shell structure, etc.) in members' arrangement and the way forces are distributed within it. It is a system in continuous tension and discontinuous or continuous compression. This mechanical mechanism is a very rational form pursued by engineers in engineering field. But, so far, with the exception of some tensegrity sculpture having the characteristics of art, tensegrity structure hasn't been used in buildings of large-span roof system in the field of construction.
A circular cable truss dome is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,553 to Geiger who has been inspired by the tensegrity principle. This cable truss dome is constructed of a plurality of upper tensioned members, diagonal tensioned members and vertical rigid struts in compression. The upper tensioned members and diagonal tensioned members are radially oriented and attached to an inner tension ring or to the vertical rigid struts, or to an outer compression ring. Several tensioned hoops are affixed to the lower end of the compression members. A flexible membrane is placed on top of the vertical rigid struts to form a roof for the delineated area. This structure is different from cable network structure and prestressed flexible membrane structure as it is constructed of flexible elements such as cables with stiff elements such as compression struts. Combination of stiff elements and flexible elements increase in the stiffness of the structure and overcome a disadvantage of a flexible structure resulting in large deformation under loading. The cable dome structure comprising a plurality of discontinuous compression members is also different from traditional structures such as reticulated shell structure in which compression necessitates the continuity of forces transmission, which efficiently use the tensile strength of cable, tremendously reducing the overall steel consumption and being lightweight. However, this structure does not use triangulated construction, so the structure lacks a degree of lateral stability at the top radial chord of the dome. Furthermore, due to the radial arrangement of the vertical strut, this structure is only appropriate for use in circular plane.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,259,158, 5,355,641 and 5,440,840 to Levy utilize a triangulated arrangement of tension members and compression members to construct a roof structure, which are based on the cable dome designed by Geiger. As a result the structure is more appropriate for an oval roof structure. The triangulated roof structure designed by Levy also includes a central truss positioned along the major axis of the oval. Furthermore, the structure can also be designed as triangulated cable dome with annular roof or retractable roof.
Compared with the Geiger system, the Levy system has higher stiffness and structural stability. Both the Geiger system and the Levy system are adapted for spanning large areas for supporting a roof such as arena or stadium for Olympic game. The two systems improved the traditional way that forces are transmitted, which are applicable to span large areas with attractive design. For example, the average steel weight of the Georgia Dome roof designed according to the Levy patent is about 30 kg/m2. The forces transmitted through the two systems are similar, both from the inside such as the innermost tension hoop (or center truss), the vertical struts and cables (including upper cables, tension hoops and diagonal cables) to the outside such as outer upper cables and diagonal cables and finally to the outer compression ring. The outer compression ring receives tension forces resulting from the inner cables of the inner system affixed to it in all directions. The system is built by assembling all components and anchoring the outermost upper cables and diagonal cables to the outer compression ring. Generally, compared with the inner components, the compression ring made of reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete has a huge size. Moreover the compression ring has been a part of the whole building, it is very difficult to identify cable dome structure as an independent structure. As the Geiger system and the Levy system rely on a robust supporting system around and down below, they are still in the scope of prestressed structures and will inevitably have disadvantages of prestressed structure. Furthermore, such domes are costly to build due to node fabrication, construction and installation.
Because of the drawbacks highlighted above of the rigid reticulated shell structure, prestressed flexible structure and cable dome structure, it is necessary to develop a new type of large-span lightweight space structure, which can be simple to construct and have considerable economic benefits, also have innovative features with unique visual effects.
An object of the present invention is to provide a double-layer cable-strut roof structure with rational forces transmission and without strong peripheral and lower supporting system by applying the tensegrity principle. The structure overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the rigid reticulated shell structure, prestressed flexible structure and cable dome structure, having the advantages of tensegrity structure such as stable self equilibrium in the self-stress state, lightweight, independence, which can be applied in exhibition venue, stadium, theater, airport terminal, railway station and other large-span space structures. More specifically, the invention of the double-layer cable-strut roof system includes a central structure, an edge structure and an intermediate structure between them. The intermediate structure comprises a plurality of cable-strut units constructed of a plurality of tension members and compression members arranged in the predefined manner, in which tension members form a continuous network and compression members are discontinuous or continuous, each node receiving a plurality of tension members but only one or two compression members. In order to facilitate the description, each node receiving only one compression member within intermediate structure is named as a first system, otherwise as a second system.
The first system of the invention provides a double-layer cable-strut roof system, comprising: a continuous compression central structure; a continuous compression edge structure; a plurality of sets of first diagonal struts each of which positioning along a first direction and extending from the central structure to the edge structure; a plurality of sets of second diagonal struts each of which positioning along a second direction and extending from the central structure to the edge structure, wherein an inner node of each of the first diagonal struts is located on an upper layer and an outer node of each of the first diagonal strut is located on a lower layer; wherein an inner node of each of the second diagonal struts is located on the lower layer and an outer node of each of the second diagonal strut is located on the upper layer; wherein each of the sets of first diagonal struts comprises at least one first diagonal strut being spaced apart from each other, an innermost first diagonal strut being connected to the central structure and an outermost first diagonal strut being connected to the edge structure; wherein each of the sets of second diagonal struts comprises at least one second diagonal strut being spaced apart from each other, an innermost second diagonal strut being connected to the central structure and an outermost second diagonal strut being connected to the edge structure; wherein the first direction of each of the sets of first diagonal struts is spaced apart from the second direction of each of the sets of second diagonal struts between the central and the edge structures; wherein each of the sets of first diagonal struts is arranged alternately with one of the sets of second diagonal struts; and a plurality of cables interconnecting the first diagonal struts and the second diagonal struts and comprising: a first diagonal cable extending from the inner node of one of the first diagonal struts of one of the sets of first diagonal struts to the outer node of an inner adjacent one of the first diagonal struts of the same set; a second diagonal cable extending from the inner node of one of the second diagonal struts of one of the sets of second diagonal struts to the outer node of an inner adjacent one of the second diagonal struts of the same set; a first upper cable extending from the inner node of one of the first diagonal struts of one of the sets of first diagonal struts to the outer node of a transversely adjacent one of the second diagonal struts of an adjacent one of the sets of second diagonal struts; a second upper cable extending from the inner node of the first diagonal strut of the set of first diagonal struts to the outer node of one of the second diagonal struts located on outer adjacent side of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut of the adjacent set of second diagonal struts; a first lower cable extending from the inner node of one of the second diagonal struts of one of the sets of second diagonal struts to the outer node of a transversely adjacent one of the first diagonal struts of an adjacent one of the sets of first diagonal struts; and a second lower cable extending from the inner node of the second diagonal strut of the set of second diagonal struts to the outer node of one of the first diagonal struts located on outer adjacent side of the transversely adjacent first diagonal strut of the adjacent set of first diagonal struts.
The way forces distributed within the first system is similar to that within tensegrity structure. The topology of the first system is predefined, each node receiving a plurality of cables and a single strut (a plurality of struts only in the central and edge structures). The first system is independently of the external supporting system, during assembling the components and the nodes, tension in cables and compression in struts being established by interaction of cables, struts and nodes. When each node is in equilibrium between tension and compression, which is in a self equilibrated state, all cables are in tension and all struts are in compression, the whole system being in a stable self equilibrated state. The roof system of the invention, placed on the ground or hoisted to a hanging position such as top of support columns or other lower supporting structure, is independent of the external around or down below supporting system and an independent structure after assembling. So the cable-strut roof system is a self-equilibrium system, which makes essential difference from prestressed system anchored to an external supporting system. Furthermore, the invention of the first system utilizes the way of transmitting forces of continuous tension and discontinuous compression, and efficiently uses the material characteristics of high tensile strength of cable and the compressive strength of strut to make the structure with rational forces distribution, low cost and lightweight. Thus, the invention of the double-layer cable-strut roof system overcomes the disadvantages and shortcomings of the above mentioned Geiger system and Levy system, which rely on a strong external supporting system, and has the advantages what tensegrity structure has. Moreover, as the topology of the system is predefined, the forces are evenly distributed within the system. Thus, as the span increases, the size of components has little change, so that steel consumption and dead weight of the structure substantially increase in proportion to the span to achieve a more large-span structure. Moreover, in practical projects, the less variety of nodes and component specifications can be used to allow for low cost and industrialization.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is that the edge structure and the central structure include an inward and an outward suspended cable-strut structure respectively. Both the inward and the outward suspended cable-strut structures comprise: a plurality of upper tension-compression rings, lower tension-compression rings, upper compression rings and lower compression rings, and a plurality of diagonal struts between the upper and the lower layers and continuous cables, etc.
The central and the edge structures may also utilize cable-strut structure so as to bring great convenience for fabrication and assembling of structural components. The diagonal struts, cables, compression rings and tension-compression rings are arranged in a manner with specified topology of structural components, so the values of compression in the compression rings, in the tension-compression rings and in the diagonal struts belong to a same level. The struts specifications used in the compression rings, in the tension-compression rings and in the diagonal struts could be same without huge reinforced concrete rings or prestressed concrete rings so as to greatly simplify the structural design and assembling construction to allow for low cost and industrialization.
The second system of the invention provides a double-layer cable-strut roof system comprising: a continuous compression central structure; a continuous compression edge structure; a plurality of sets of diagonal struts, each of which being located along a predefined direction and comprising at least one first diagonal strut or at least one second diagonal strut, extending from the central structure to the edge structure, wherein each of the first diagonal struts has an inner node located on an upper layer and an outer node located on a lower layer; wherein each of the second diagonal struts has an inner node located on the lower layer and an outer node located on the upper layer; wherein the first and the second diagonal struts of each of the sets are arranged alternately and joined together node-to-node, forming a zig-zag shape, an innermost first or second diagonal strut being connected to the central structure, an outermost first or second diagonal strut being connected to the edge structure; wherein each of the sets is spaced apart from each other and the sets are independent of one another between the central and the edge structures; wherein each of the first diagonal struts of the sets is transversally adjacent to the second diagonal strut of an adjacent one of the sets and vice versa; and a plurality of cables interconnecting the first diagonal struts and the second diagonal struts and comprising: a diagonal cable extending from the inner node of one of the first diagonal struts of one of the sets of diagonal struts to the inner node of a transversely adjacent one of the second diagonal struts of an adjacent one of the sets of diagonal struts; a diagonal cable extending from the outer node of the first diagonal strut of the set of diagonal struts to the outer node of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut of the adjacent set of diagonal struts; an upper cable extending from the inner node of the first diagonal strut of the set to the outer node of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut of the adjacent set of diagonal struts; an upper cable extending from the inner node of the first diagonal strut of the set to the inner node of another one of the first diagonal struts whose outer node is connected to the inner node of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut of the adjacent set of diagonal struts; a lower cable extending from the outer node of the first diagonal strut of the set of diagonal struts to the inner node of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut of the adjacent set of diagonal struts; and a lower cable extending from the outer node of the first diagonal strut of the set of diagonal struts to the outer node of another one of the first diagonal struts whose inner node is connected to the outer node of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut of the adjacent set of diagonal struts.
The above mentioned second system of the cable-strut roof system has the advantages not only of what the first system has, such as no need to be anchored to an external supporting system, self-stress, self-equilibrium, rational and uniform forces distribution within the system, etc., but also of lower cost. As the second system is in continuous tension and continuous compression, which is different from the first system that is in continuous tension and discontinuous compression so as to have a lower steel consumption compared with the first system.
Better is that the edge structure and the central structure include a plurality of upper and lower compression rings.
Compared with the central and the edge structures comprising cable-strut structures in the first system, the central and the edge structures in the second system comprise a simpler structure to bring a greater convenience for structural designing, component fabrication, construction and installation.
Moreover, the structural members in the roof system are arranged regularly whether in the first or in the second system, so the structural units are arranged flexibly and designed to be adaptable for various building shapes according to building function, which are applicable to exhibition venue, stadium, theater, airport terminal building, railway station and other large-span space buildings. The upper and the lower layers of the roof system could be flat or curve which is in a regular or irregular form, or is a convex surface or a concave surface. The plan projection of the roof system may be an oval curve, a circular curve or other non-circular curve, may also be a quadrangular curve or other polygonal curve. The roof system may be closed entirely, may have a large opening intermediately or may comprise a plurality of structural units. The distance between the upper and the lower layers is adjustable due to the diagonal struts provided between the upper and the lower layers. The ratio of rise to span can be adjusted flexibly according to design required. The upper layer could be parallel or unparallel to the lower layer.
These and other objectives, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.
Referring to
As shown in
The diagonal cables 4.1 interconnect each diagonal strut 3.1 to an adjacent diagonal strut 3.1. The diagonal cables 4.1 comprise (
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As shown in
The vertical cables 5.1 run between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut located on the major axis of the oval. As seen in
A plurality of upper cables are provided for running between the upper node of one diagonal strut 3.1 and the upper node of an adjacent diagonal strut 3.1, forming a continuous network. As shown in
(1) a central upper cable 30.1 running between two adjacent upper inner nodes 15c′.1 and 15d″ of two first diagonal struts 14$.1 located on the major axis of the oval.
(2) upper cables such as 31, including: (a) an upper cable 31$.1 extending from upper inner node 15c′.1 of the first diagonal strut 14$.1 to upper outer node 15g (or 15i) of the adjacent second diagonal strut 17$.1; (b) an upper cable 31* extending from upper common node 15g at which the first diagonal strut 14* crosses the second diagonal strut 17$.1 to upper outer node 15c (or 15d′.1) of the adjacent second diagonal strut 17*; (c) an upper cable 31′.1 extending from upper outer node 15b.1 of the second diagonal strut 17.1 to upper inner node 15c of the proximal one of the adjacent first pair of inner diagonal struts 18; (d) an upper cable 31.1 extending from upper inner node 15a.1 of the first diagonal strut 14.1 to upper outer node 15b.1 of the adjacent second diagonal strut 17.1; (e) an upper cable 31″ extending from an upper inner node 15a″.1 of the first diagonal strut 14″.1 to upper outer node 15f of the proximal one of the adjacent second pair of outer diagonal struts 21; (f) an upper cable 31# extending from upper inner node 15f of the first diagonal strut 14# to upper outer node 15h (or 15j) of the adjacent second diagonal strut 17#.
(3) an upper cable 32 extending from upper outer node 15d of the second pair of inner diagonal struts 19 to upper inner node 15c of the proximal one of the adjacent first pair of inner diagonal struts 18.
(4) an upper cable 33 extending from upper inner node 15a.1 of the first diagonal strut 14.1 to an upper outer node 15b′.1 of the second diagonal strut 17′.1 located on outer proximal side of the second diagonal strut 17.1 which is transversely adjacent to the first diagonal strut 14.1.
(5) an upper cable 34 extending from upper inner node 15e of the first pair of outer diagonal struts 20 to upper outer node 15f of the proximal one of the adjacent second pair of outer diagonal struts 21.
A plurality of lower cables are provided for running between the lower node of one diagonal strut 3.1 and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut 3.1, forming a continuous network. As shown in
(1) a lower cable 35.1 running between two adjacent lower inner nodes 16c′.1 and 16d′.1 of two second diagonal struts 17$.1 located on the major axis of the oval.
(2) lower cables such as 36, including: (a) a lower cable 36$.1 extending from lower inner node 16d′.1 of the second diagonal strut 17$.1 to lower outer node 16g of the adjacent first diagonal strut 14$.1; (b) a lower cable 36* extending from lower common node 16g at which the second diagonal strut 17* crosses the first diagonal strut 14$.1 to lower outer node 16d (or 16c″.1) of the adjacent first diagonal strut 14*; (c) a lower cable 36′.1 extending from lower outer node 16a.1 of the first diagonal strut 14.1 to lower inner node 16d of the proximal one of the adjacent second pair of inner diagonal struts 19; (d) a lower cable 36.1 extending from lower inner node 16b.1 of the second diagonal strut 17.1 to lower outer node 16a.1 of the adjacent first diagonal strut 14.1; (e) a lower cable 36″ extending from a lower inner node 16b″.1 of the second diagonal strut 17″.1 to lower outer node 16e of the proximal one of the adjacent first pair of outer diagonal struts 20; (f) a lower cable 36# extending from lower inner node 16e of the second diagonal strut 17# to lower outer node 16h of the adjacent first diagonal strut 14#.
(3) a lower cable 37 extending from lower outer node 16c of the first pair of inner diagonal struts 18 to lower inner node 16d of the proximal one of the adjacent second pair of inner diagonal struts 19.
(4) a lower cable 38 extending from lower inner node 16b.1 of the second diagonal strut 17.1 to a lower outer node 16a′.1 of the first diagonal strut 14′.1 located on outer proximal side of the first diagonal strut 14.1 which is transversely adjacent to the second diagonal strut 17.1.
(5) a lower cable 39 extending from lower inner node 16f of the second pair of outer diagonal struts 21 to lower outer node 16e of the proximal one of the adjacent first pair of outer diagonal struts 20.
As thus far described, the first system of the invention comprises a continuous compression central structure and a continuous compression edge structure, a plurality of sets of diagonal struts being provided between them which are independent of one another within one set or in different sets, a plurality of cables being arranged for interconnecting each diagonal strut to an adjacent diagonal strut, forming a continuous network. In the above embodiment, (1) the central structure includes: the tension-compression rings 7 and 11, the pairs of inner diagonal struts 18 and 19, the first diagonal cables 22*, the second diagonal cables 23*, the annular diagonal cables 25′.1 and 26, the upper cables 31′.1, 32 and the lower cables 36′.1, 37. As this embodiment is a center closed structure, within the tension-compression rings 7 and 11 the central structure further includes the inner compression rings 6.1, 10.1, the first diagonal struts 14$.1 (14$′.1, 14*), the second diagonal struts 17$.1 (17$′.1, 17*), the central diagonal cables 24.1, the annular diagonal cables 25.1, the upper cables 30.1, 31$.1 (31*), the lower cables 35.1, 36$.1 (36*) and the vertical cables 29.1 therein; (2) the edge structure includes: the tension-compression rings 8 and 12, the compression rings 9.1 and 13.1, the pairs of outer diagonal struts 20 and 21, the first diagonal struts 14#, the second diagonal struts 17#, the first diagonal cables 22#, the second diagonal cables 23#, the annular diagonal cables 27 and 28 (28′), the upper cables 31″ (31#), 34 and the lower cables 36″ (36#) and 39; (3) between the central and the edge structures, a plurality of sets of the first diagonal struts 14.1 (14′.1, 14″.1) and the second diagonal struts 17.1 (17′.1, 17″.1) are oriented radially and independent of one another within one set or in different sets and interconnected by the first diagonal cables 22, the second diagonal cables 23, the upper cables 31.1, 33, and the lower cables 36.1, 38.
In the present embodiment, the central and the edge structures are constructed in a preferred manner, but those skilled in the art will recognize that other structure types may be used, for example, an annular truss or double layer annular structure constructed of rigid structural members or concrete. Preferably, as the topology of cables and struts is predefined, all nodes are in self-equilibriums and the edge structure only contributes to stabilizing those nodes located on it or be adjacent to it, which is different from Geiger system and Levy system relying on an outer compression ring generally made of reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete.
As shown in
A plurality of diagonal cables 104.1 (
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All above elements is arranged in the manner shown in
A plurality of diagonal cables are provided for running between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut. The diagonal cables include: (1) a longitudinally or transversely oriented first diagonal cable running from the upper node of one first diagonal strut to the lower node of an inner adjacent first diagonal strut, or interconnecting one first diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides or along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve, extending outwardly from the upper node to the lower node; a longitudinally or transversely oriented second diagonal cable running from the upper node of one second diagonal strut to the lower node of an outer adjacent second diagonal strut, or interconnecting one second diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides or along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve, extending inwardly from the upper node to the lower node; (2) peripheral diagonal cables being positioned along each of the outer sides of the rectangular curve, including: a peripheral diagonal cable running between the inner nodes of two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides of the rectangular curve; a peripheral diagonal cable running between the inner nodes (some of which being connected to .the outer nodes of the pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides of the rectangular curve) of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of an edge structure; a peripheral diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of the edge structure; (3) axial diagonal cables being positioned along each of the inner axes of the rectangular curve, including: an axial diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve; an axial diagonal cable running between the outer nodes (some of which being connected to the inner nodes of the pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve) of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of a central structure; an axial diagonal cable running between the inner nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of the central structure.
A plurality of struts and cables positioned along each of the inner axes of the rectangular curve, a plurality of compression rings and tension-compression rings, and a network of cables are provided on the upper layer and on the lower layer of the roof system respectively. The network of cables includes: (1) a cable interconnecting one first diagonal strut to an adjacent second diagonal strut; (2) a cable interconnecting one first diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides of the rectangular curve; (3) a cable interconnecting one second diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides of the rectangular curve; (4) a cable interconnecting one first diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve; (5) a cable interconnecting one second diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve; (6) a cable interconnecting two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the outer sides of the rectangular curve; (7) a cable interconnecting two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve.
In the present embodiment, the pairs of struts and the correlative cables and the struts positioned along each of the inner axes of the rectangular curve constitute the central structure, while those positioned along each of the outer sides of the rectangular curve constitute the edge structure. The plurality of sets of discontinuous diagonal struts and continuous cables are arranged in a similar manner discussed in previous embodiments, but here the sets of diagonal struts are located parallel to the long outer side or the short outer side of the rectangular curve.
As shown in
A plurality of diagonal cables are provided for running between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut. The diagonal cables include: (1) a longitudinally or transversely oriented first diagonal cable running from the upper node of one first diagonal strut to the lower node of an inner adjacent first diagonal strut of the same set, or interconnecting one first diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner or the outer rectangle or to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system, extending outwardly from the upper node to the lower node; a longitudinally or transversely oriented second diagonal cable running from the upper node of one second diagonal strut to the lower node of an outer adjacent second diagonal strut of the same set, or interconnecting one second diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner or the outer rectangle or to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system, extending inwardly from the upper node to the lower node; (2) inner peripheral diagonal cables being positioned along each of the sides of the inner rectangle, including: an inner peripheral diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner rectangle; an inner peripheral diagonal cable running between the outer nodes (some of which being connected to the inner nodes of the pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner rectangle) of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of an central structure; an inner peripheral diagonal cables running between the inner nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of the central structure; (3) outer peripheral diagonal cables being positioned along each of the sides of the outer rectangle, including: an outer peripheral diagonal cable running between the inner nodes of two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the outer rectangle; an outer peripheral diagonal cable running between the inner nodes (some of which being connected to the outer nodes of the pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the outer rectangle) of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of an edge structure; an outer peripheral diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of the edge structure; (4) axial diagonal cables being positioned along each of the inner axes of the roof system, including: an axial diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system; an axial diagonal cable running between the outer nodes (some of which being connected to the inner nodes of the pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system) of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of an axial structure; an axial diagonal cable running between the inner nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts of the axial structure.
A plurality of struts and cables positioned along each of the inner axes of the roof system, a plurality of inner compression rings, inner tension-compression rings, outer tension-compression rings, outer compression rings and a network of cables are provided on the upper layer and on the lower layer of the roof system respectively. The network of cables includes: (1) a cable interconnecting one first diagonal strut to an adjacent second diagonal strut; (2) a cable interconnecting one first diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner or the outer rectangle; (3) a cable interconnecting one second diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner or the outer rectangle; (4) a cable interconnecting one first diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system; (5) a cable interconnecting one second diagonal strut to a proximal pair of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system; (6) a cable interconnecting two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the inner rectangle; (7) a cable interconnecting two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the sides of the outer rectangle; (8) a cable interconnecting two adjacent pairs of diagonal struts located along one of the inner axes of the roof system.
The preferred embodiments according to the second system of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings,
As best shown in
The diagonal cables 4.2 run between the upper node of one diagonal strut 3.2 and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut 3.2. As seen in
(1) a central diagonal cable 24.2 being positioned along the major axis of the oval and extending from an upper inner node 15a′.2 of a first diagonal strut 14$.2 to a lower inner node 16b′.2 of a transversely adjacent second diagonal strut 17$.2, a plurality of which forming a zigzag shape.
(2) annular diagonal cables such as 25.2, a plurality of each of which forming a closed zigzag shape respectively, including: (a) an annular diagonal cable 25.2 extending from inner node 15a.2 of the first diagonal strut 14.2 to lower inner node 16b.2 of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut 17.2; (b) an annular diagonal cable 25′.2 extending from upper outer node 15b.2 of the second diagonal strut 17.2 to lower outer node 16a.2 of the transversely adjacent first diagonal strut 14.2.
As shown in
As shown in
The vertical cables 5.2 run between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of another diagonal strut located on the major axis of the oval. As seen in
A plurality of upper cables are provided for running between the upper nodes of diagonal struts 3.2, forming a continuous network. As shown in
upper cables such as 31.2, including: (a) an upper cable 31$.2 extending from upper inner node 15a′.2 of the first diagonal strut 14$.1 to upper outer node 15b′.2 (or 15d′.2) of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut 17$.2; (b) an upper cable 31.2 extending from upper inner node 15a.2 of the first diagonal strut 14.2 to upper outer node 15b.2 of the transversely adjacent second diagonal strut 17.2; (c) an upper cable 31′.2 extending from upper inner node 15a.2 of the first diagonal strut 14.2 to upper inner node 15b′.2 of the first diagonal strut 14′.2 whose outer node is connected to the inner node of the second diagonal strut 17.2 which is laterally adjacent to the first diagonal strut 14.2.
A plurality of lower cables are provided for running between the lower nodes of diagonal struts 3.2, forming a continuous network. As shown in
lower cables such as 36.2, including: (a) a lower cable 36$.2 extending from lower inner node 16b′.2 of the second diagonal strut 17$.2 to lower outer node 16a′.2 of the transversely adjacent first diagonal strut 14$.2; (b) a lower cable 36.2 extending from lower inner node 16b.2 of the second diagonal strut 17.2 to lower outer node 16a.2 of the transversely adjacent first diagonal strut 14.2; (c) a lower cable 36′.2 extending from lower outer node 16a.2 of the first diagonal strut 14.2 to lower outer node 16b′″.2 of a first diagonal strut whose inner node is connected to the outer node of the second diagonal strut 17.2 which is laterally adjacent to the first diagonal strut 14.2.
As thus far described, the second system of the invention comprises: a continuous compression central structure and a continuous compression edge structure, a plurality of sets of diagonal struts being provided between the two structures, the diagonal struts being joined together node-to-node within one set but being independent of one another between any two adjacent sets. A plurality of cables are provided for interconnecting the diagonal struts, forming a continuous network. In the above embodiment, (1) the central structure includes: the compression rings 6.2 and 10.2. As this embodiment is a center closed structure, within the compression rings 6.2 and 10.2 the central structure further includes the first diagonal struts 14$.2 (14$′.2), the second diagonal struts 17$.2 (17$′.2), the central struts 30.2, 35.2, the central diagonal cables 24.2, the vertical cables 29.2, the upper cables 31$.2 and the lower cables 36$.2; (2) the edge structure includes: the compression rings 9.2 and 13.2; (3) between the central and the edge structures, the plurality of independent sets of radially oriented diagonal struts comprise the first diagonal struts 14.2 (14′.2, 14″.2) and the second diagonal struts 17.2 (17′.2, 17″.2), which are interconnected by the annular diagonal cables 25.2, 25′.2.
As shown in
A plurality of diagonal cables 104.2 (
As shown in
All above elements is arranged in the manner shown in
A plurality of diagonal cables are provided for running between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut. The diagonal cables include: (1) a diagonal cable being positioned along one of the inner axes of the rectangular curve, running between two inner nodes of two transversely adjacent first and second diagonal struts and running between two outer nodes of two transversely adjacent first and second diagonal struts; (2) a peripheral diagonal cable being positioned along one of the outer sides of the rectangular curve, running between two outer nodes of two adjacent outermost first and second diagonal struts.
A plurality of struts and cables positioned along each of the inner axes of the rectangle, a plurality of compression rings, and a network of cables are provided on the upper layer and on the lower layer respectively. The network of cables interconnects each first diagonal strut to an adjacent second diagonal strut.
In the present embodiment, the plurality of struts and the correlative cables and the struts positioned along each of the inner axes of the rectangular curve constitute a continuous compression central structure, while those positioned along each of the outer sides of the rectangular curve constitute a continuous compression edge structure. The discontinuous sets of diagonal struts and continuous cables are arranged in a similar manner as discussed in previous embodiments of the second system of the present invention, but here each set of diagonal struts are located parallel to a long outer side or a short outer side of the rectangular curve.
As shown in
A plurality of diagonal cables are provided for running between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut. The diagonal cables include: (1) axial diagonal cables being positioned along each of the inner axes of the roof system, including: an axial diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts; an axial diagonal cable running between the inner nodes of two adjacent first and second diagonal struts; (2) inner peripheral diagonal cables being positioned along each of the sides of the inner rectangle, including: an inner peripheral diagonal cable running between the inner nodes of two adjacent innermost first and second diagonal struts; (3) outer peripheral diagonal cables being positioned along each of the sides of the outer rectangle, including: an outer peripheral diagonal cable running between the outer nodes of two adjacent outermost first and second diagonal struts.
A plurality of inner and outer compression rings and a network of cables are provided on the upper layer and on the lower layer respectively. The network of cables interconnects each first diagonal strut to a transversely adjacent second diagonal strut.
A plurality of diagonal cables are provided for running between the upper node of one diagonal strut and the lower node of an adjacent diagonal strut. The diagonal cables include: (1) a peripheral diagonal cable being positioned along one of the outer sides of the rectangle and running between two outer nodes of two adjacent diagonal struts of first and second or central diagonal struts; (2) a central diagonal cable being positioned along the long central line of the arch and running between two inner nodes of two adjacent diagonal struts of first and second or central diagonal struts.
An outer compression ring and a network of cables within the outer compression ring are provided on the upper layer and on the lower layer respectively. The network of cables includes: upper cables and lower cables interconnect two adjacent diagonal struts of first and second or central diagonal struts.
While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it should be clearly understood that the embodiments of the invention described above are not intended as limitations on the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the thickness of a double-layer cable-strut roof system may be various; the upper and the lower layers may be plane surfaces or curve surfaces; the curve surface may be regular or irregular, convex or concave. In various configuration of the present invention, the roof system may project in plan any one of a substantially oval curve, a substantially circular curve, other non-circular curve, a substantially quadrangular curve or other polygonal curve. The roof structure may cover the underlying building space in its entirety or, alternatively, may cover a perimeter portion of the building space leaving the center area uncovered. The roof structure may be constituted by a plurality of structural units. The numerous variations could be made by changing length or gradient of a diagonal strut, by changing number or spacing of each set of diagonal struts, by changing direction along which each set of diagonal struts located or, by changing components arrangements of a central and an edge structures. In the preferred embodiments, components run radially or perpendicularly to the edge structure, but they may not run radially or perpendicularly to the edge structure in accordance with specific requirements of structural plan.
One skilled in the art will understand that the embodiment of the present invention as shown in the drawings and described above is exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.
It will thus be seen that the objects of the present invention have been fully and effectively accomplished. It embodiments have been shown and described for the purposes of illustrating the functional and structural principles of the present invention and is subject to change without departure from such principles. Therefore, this invention includes all modifications encompassed within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 1 0025558 | Apr 2006 | CN | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2007/001150 | 4/9/2007 | WO | 00 | 4/28/2010 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007/115500 | 10/18/2007 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5440840 | Levy | Aug 1995 | A |
| 5704169 | Richter | Jan 1998 | A |
| 20060053726 | Reynolds et al. | Mar 2006 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20110162294 A1 | Jul 2011 | US |
