A tensegrity system formed from a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensegrity modules

Abstract

This invention provides a tensioned monolithic system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned monolithic modules. The system includes several module units, a back tie, a front tie, and a lower tie. These module units are arranged in a one-dimensional series to form the tensioned monolithic system. Each module unit is either a 6-bar, 24-30-cable tensioned monolithic module formed by discrete icosahedrons or a 5-bar, 20-24-cable novel tensioned monolithic module formed by discrete tetrahedrons. Each tensioned monolithic module consists of longitudinal horizontal pressure bars, transverse horizontal pressure bars, and vertical pressure bars connected sequentially to the ends of the pressure bars by cables. Seven types of 6-bar, 24-30-cable icosahedral novel tensioned monolithic modules and five types of 5-bar, 20-24-cable tetrahedral novel tensioned monolithic modules are used, and these polyhedral tensioned monolithic modules are arranged in a one-dimensional array to form a continuous architectural functional space for passage or residence of personnel and vehicles. The modules can be arranged with equal or unequal heights and widths to create a staggered, natural architectural form. Ties or rods are added between the modules to form a unified whole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of building technology, specifically to a tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules. Background Technology

[0002] From Karl Ioganson's 1920 Constructivist sculpture of a triangular prism-shaped tensile monolithic module (3 rods and 9 cables) to Kenneth Duane Snelson's 1948 tensile monolithic artwork "X-Column," and then to Professor Richard Buckminster Fuller's coinage of the term "Tensegrity" in his 1962 patent, over a century has passed. The theoretical research on tensile monoliths, originating from the cosmological concept of "an island of pressure floating in an ocean of tension," has taken deep root and flourished. This brilliant jewel in the crown of morphological science continues to shine, guiding the innovative development of large-span spatial structural systems. However, in stark contrast to the abundant theoretical research and the ubiquitous natural forms of tensile monoliths, truly comprehensive tensile monolithic architectural practices are still rare, a regrettable situation that urgently requires breakthroughs.

[0003] Currently, there are very few architectural practices worldwide that have been designed, analyzed, and ultimately built with the characteristics of tensioned integral structures, as shown in the table.

[0004] The practice or attempt of tensioning the entire building

[0005]

[0006] The following are some possible reasons why there are few practical applications of tensioned monolithic structures worldwide:

[0007] (1) The internal space of traditional prismatic tensioned monolithic modules is small and irregular, and it is difficult to meet the functional space requirements of buildings after topological or geometric transformation. For example, this problem can be improved by changing straight rods to curved rods or by using truncated polyhedral tensioned monolithic modules. However, curved rods are actually planar or spatial curved beams rather than simple two-force rods, and the research on the mechanical properties of truncated polyhedral tensioned monolithic modules still needs to be deepened.

[0008] (2) Early regular prismatic tensioned monolithic modules had only one compression member and three cables at each vertex. Self-stress modes existed only when the geometry was unusual, meaning the number of self-stress modes varied with the geometry. The system's self-strain energy might disappear (i.e., be converted into kinetic energy or other forms), and the change in self-strain energy might be discontinuous rather than continuous, thus exhibiting characteristics of a non-self-conservative system. Furthermore, the self-equilibrium state of early traditional regular prismatic tensioned monolithic modules corresponded to a minimum value for the tensile material quantity functional and a maximum value for the compressive material quantity functional (ignoring the local stability of the compression members), rather than the other way around. This means that traditional prismatic tensioned monolithic modules always achieved self-equilibrium using the least amount of tensile material and the most amount of compressive material, and the accumulation of material seemed to favor the principal compressive stress state.

[0009] (3) Currently, the spatial stiffness of large, permanent tensioned monolithic systems assembled or embedded using traditional tensioned monolithic modules is relatively low, making it difficult to meet the load-bearing requirements of heavy-duty buildings, roofs, or bridge decks. High material utilization of the cable cross-section in a single tensioned monolithic module does not necessarily mean that the force flow transmission path of the assembled large tensioned monolithic system is the shortest or the total material usage is the lowest. The whole is composed of parts, but the parts must conform to the whole. On the other hand, the peak self-stress in the self-stress mode of traditional tensioned monolithic modules is generally controlled by the compression member, while buckling problems in the design of axially compressed members lead to low material utilization of the compression member;

[0010] (4) Large-scale tensioned monolithic systems generally have multiple independent self-stress modes. Prestressed design and construction are complex and the manufacturing process is more refined, resulting in higher construction and usage costs. This contradicts the long-standing extensive production methods in civil engineering. Summary of the Invention

[0011] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0012] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides a tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules, which solves the problems mentioned in the background technology.

[0013] (II) Technical Solution

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a tensioning system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioning modules, comprising several module units, a back tie, a front tie, and a lower tie. The module units are arranged in a one-dimensional series to form the tensioning system. Each module unit includes a set of vertical pressure bars, longitudinal horizontal pressure bars, and transverse horizontal pressure bars. The first set of pressure bars is arranged sequentially outside the second set to form an icosahedral tensioning module unit discrete into 6 bars. The ends of the vertical, longitudinal, and transverse horizontal pressure members are connected by tension members. In a series of modular units, several vertical pressure members of one of the modular units are used as masts. One end of the back tie cable and the front tie cable are connected to the top of the mast, and the other end of the back tie cable is diagonally pulled to the bottom end of the vertical pressure member of the adjacent modular unit. The other end of the front tie cable is diagonally pulled to the longitudinal horizontal pressure member of the adjacent modular unit, and the lower tie cable is horizontally tensioned to the bottom end of the vertical pressure member of the adjacent modular unit. A pedestrian bridge deck is erected on the transverse horizontal pressure members of several series of modular units.

[0015] Preferably, the tensioning system is composed of 20 standard modular units of different heights arranged in a sequential cycle, namely module a, module b and module c.

[0016] Preferably, the module unit is a 6-bar, 24-cable module unit, and the tension members are 24. The 12 ends of a group of vertical compression members, longitudinal horizontal compression members, and transverse horizontal compression members (except between the ends of the same group of compression members and between the ends of a compression member located far from its end in a group of compression members) are all connected by tension members.

[0017] Preferably, the module unit is a 6-bar, 25-cable module unit, and the tension member consists of 25 members. Based on the 6-bar, 24-cable module unit, a transverse horizontal cable is connected between the bottom ends of the two vertical compression members.

[0018] Preferably, the module unit is a 6-bar, 26-cable module unit, and the tension member consists of 26 members. Based on the 6-bar, 25-cable module unit, a transverse horizontal cable is connected between the top ends of the two vertical compression members.

[0019] Preferably, the module unit is a module unit with 6 bars and 27 to 30 cables.

[0020] Preferably, the tension member is one of parallel steel wire bundle PE cable, steel wire rope or steel strand cable and steel tie rod.

[0021] Preferably, the bottom end of the mast is connected to the ground foundation in the form of a steel pipe concrete column pier.

[0022] A tensioning system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioning modules, wherein each module unit includes a set of vertical pressure bars, a transverse horizontal pressure bar, and a longitudinal horizontal pressure bar. The first set of pressure bars, consisting of a set of vertical pressure bars, a longitudinal horizontal pressure bar, and a set of transverse horizontal pressure bars, is arranged sequentially on the outside of the second set of pressure bars to form a tensioning module unit that is a fourteen-sided discrete five-bar structure.

[0023] Preferably, the module unit is a module unit with 5 bars and 20 to 24 cables.

[0024] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0025] This invention provides a tensioned monolithic system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned monolithic modules. It possesses the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. This tensioned monolithic system, formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned modules, utilizes seven novel icosahedral tensioned monolithic systems with 6 bars and 24-30 cables, and five novel tetrahedral tensioned monolithic systems with 5 bars and 20-24 cables. These polyhedral tensioned modules are arranged in a one-dimensional array to form a continuous architectural functional space for the passage or residence of personnel and vehicles. The modules can be arranged with equal or unequal heights and widths to create a staggered, natural architectural form. Cables or tie rods are added between the modules to form a unified whole.

[0027] 2. The tensioning system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioning modules, after optimization of its structural composition, cross-sectional dimensions, and node forms, can meet the load-bearing capacity and normal use requirements of current Chinese standards and regulations. In addition, this tensioning system can be modularly assembled, shortening the construction cycle. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the bridge deck of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an overall side view of the bridge deck of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the module unit of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a side view of the connection between the pedestrian bridge deck and the transverse horizontal strut according to the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the vertical compression member and the steel-concrete composite column pier of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the vertical compression member of this invention as a mast;

[0034] Figure 7 This is an isometric view of the 6-bar, 25-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the present invention with the 6 rods and 26 cables having the transverse horizontal cables removed;

[0036] Figure 9 This is an isometric view of the 6-bar, 26-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 10 This is a side view of the 6-bar, 26-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 11 This is an isometric view of the 6-bar, 27-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 12 This is an isometric view of the 6-bar, 28-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 13 This is an isometric view of the 6-bar, 29-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 14 This is an isometric view of the 6-bar, 30-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 15 This is an isometric view of the 5-bar, 21-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 16 This is a side view of the modular unit of the present invention, consisting of 5 rods and 21 cables;

[0044] Figure 17 This is an isometric view of the 5-bar, 20-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention with the 5 rods and 21 cables having the transverse horizontal cables removed;

[0046] Figure 19 This is an isometric view of the 5-bar, 22-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 20 This is an isometric view of the 5-bar, 23-cable modular unit of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 21 This is an isometric view of the 5-bar, 24-cable modular unit of the present invention.

[0049] In the diagram: 1 Back tie cable, 2 Front tie cable, 3 Lower tie cable, 4 Vertical compression member, 5 Longitudinal horizontal compression member, 6 Transverse horizontal compression member, 7 Tension member, 10 Steel pipe concrete column pier, 11 Ground foundation, 13 Mast, 14 Pedestrian bridge deck, 15 Transverse horizontal cable one, 16 Transverse horizontal cable two, 17 Longitudinal horizontal cable, 19 Vertical cable. Detailed Implementation

[0050] This invention provides a tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules, such as... Figure 1 As shown, taking a four-span continuous pedestrian bridge with a total length of 280m as an example, it includes 20 modular units, back tie cable 1, front tie cable 2, and lower tie cable 3. The 20 modular units are arranged in a one-dimensional series to form a tensioned overall system.

[0051] like Figure 1-14 As shown, here is an example of a module unit:

[0052] The module unit includes a set of vertical compression bars 4, longitudinal horizontal compression bars 5, and transverse horizontal compression bars 6. The first set of compression bars 4, longitudinal horizontal compression bars 5, and transverse horizontal compression bars 6 are arranged sequentially on the outside of the second set of compression bars to form an icosahedral discrete 6-bar tension module unit. The ends of different vertical compression bars 4, longitudinal horizontal compression bars 5, and transverse horizontal compression bars 6 are connected by tension members 7 to form a spatially stable tension module unit.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the 20 modular units are composed of three standard modular units of unequal height arranged in a sequential cycle: module a, module b, and module c. The length of the vertical compression bar 4 in modules a, b, and c decreases sequentially.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, in this implementation, two modules a, b, and c are arranged alternately on both sides of module a. The vertical compression members 4 of the 1st, 3rd, 14th, 7th, and 20th module units also serve as columns, and the bottom is connected to the lower ground foundation 11 in the form of steel pipe concrete column piers 10. Figure 6 As shown, the vertical compression rods 4 of the 3rd and 14th module units also serve as masts 13.

[0055] One end of the back tie cable 1 and the front tie cable 2 are connected to the top of the mast 13, and the other end of the back tie cable 1 is diagonally pulled to the bottom of the vertical pressure bar 4 of the adjacent module unit; the other end of the front tie cable 2 is diagonally pulled to the longitudinal horizontal pressure bar 5 of the adjacent module unit, and the lower tie cable 3 is horizontally tensioned to the bottom of the vertical pressure bar 4 of the adjacent module unit. The upper and lower longitudinal horizontal pressure bars 5 of a module unit are asymmetrically arranged; the pedestrian bridge deck 14 is located above the transverse horizontal pressure bar 6, and there is sufficient space between the upper longitudinal horizontal pressure bar 5 and the transverse horizontal pressure bar 6 supporting the bridge deck to ensure that the clearance height H of the pedestrian bridge deck 14 meets the usage requirements.

[0056] Vertical compression members 4, longitudinal horizontal compression members 5, and transverse horizontal compression members 6 can be made of steel sections such as round steel pipes or rectangular steel pipes with equal or variable cross sections.

[0057] The tension member 7 is made of one of the following: parallel steel wire bundle PE cable, steel wire rope or steel strand cable and steel tie rod.

[0058] The modular unit has 7 different configurations with 6 bars and 24 to 30 cables;

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, the module unit is a module unit with 6 rods and 24 cables. There are 24 tension members 7. The 12 ends of a group of vertical compression members 4, longitudinal horizontal compression members 5, and transverse horizontal compression members 6 (except between the ends of the same group of compression members and between the ends of a compression member located far from its end in a group of compression members) are all connected by tension members 7.

[0060] like Figure 3 As shown, the modular unit is a 6-bar, 25-cable modular unit, and the tension member 7 consists of 25 members, as shown. Figure 7-8 As shown, based on the modular unit with 6 bars and 24 cables, a horizontal cable 15 is connected between the bottom ends of the two vertical pressure bars 4.

[0061] like Figure 9-10 As shown, the module unit is a module unit with 6 rods and 26 cables. There are 26 tension members 7. Based on the module unit with 6 rods and 25 cables, a horizontal cable 16 is connected between the tops of the two vertical compression members 4.

[0062] like Figure 11 As shown, the modular unit is a 6-bar, 27-cable modular unit. The tension members 7 consist of 27 members. Based on the 6-bar, 25-cable modular unit, longitudinal horizontal cables 17 are added between the two ends of the two transverse horizontal compression members 6.

[0063] like Figure 12 As shown, the modular unit is a 6-bar, 28-cable modular unit. The tension member 7 consists of 28 members. Based on the 6-bar, 27-cable modular unit, an upper transverse horizontal cable 16 is added between the tops of the two vertical compression members 4.

[0064] like Figure 13 As shown, the modular unit is a 6-bar, 29-cable modular unit. The tension member 7 consists of 29 members. Based on the 6-bar, 27-cable modular unit, vertical cables 19 are added on both sides between the ends of the two longitudinal horizontal compression members 5.

[0065] like Figure 14 As shown, the modular unit is a 6-bar, 30-cable modular unit. The tension member 7 consists of 30 bars. Based on the 6-bar, 29-cable modular unit, an upper transverse horizontal cable 16 is added between the tops of the two vertical compression bars 4.

[0066] like Figure 15-21 As shown, here is a second embodiment of the module unit:

[0067] A tensioning system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioning modules. The module unit includes a set of vertical pressure bars 4, a transverse horizontal pressure bar 6, and a longitudinal horizontal pressure bar 5. The first set of pressure bars, consisting of a set of vertical pressure bars 4, a longitudinal horizontal pressure bar 5, and a set of transverse horizontal pressure bars 6, is arranged sequentially on the outside of the second set of pressure bars to form a tensioning module unit that is discretized into 5 bars in a fourteen-sided polyhedron.

[0068] The modular unit has five different configurations with 5 bars and 20 to 24 cables;

[0069] like Figure 17 As shown, the module unit consists of 5 rods and 20 cables, with 20 tension members 7. The 10 ends of the two vertical compression members 4, the longitudinal horizontal compression members 5, and the two transverse horizontal compression members 6 (except between the ends of the same group of compression members and between the ends of a compression member located far from its end in a certain group of compression members) are all connected by tension members 7.

[0070] like Figure 15-16 As shown, the modular unit is a 5-bar, 21-cable modular unit, with 21 tension members (7). Figure 17-18 As shown, based on the 5-bar 20-cable modular unit, a transverse horizontal cable 15 is connected between the bottom ends of the two vertical pressure bars 4.

[0071] like Figure 19 As shown, the module unit is a module unit with 5 rods and 22 cables. There are 22 tension members 7. Based on the module unit with 5 rods and 21 cables, a horizontal cable 16 is connected between the tops of the two vertical compression members 4.

[0072] like Figure 20 As shown, the module unit is a module unit with 5 rods and 23 cables. There are 23 tension members 7. Based on the module unit with 5 rods and 21 cables, longitudinal horizontal cables 17 are connected between the ends of the two transverse horizontal compression members 6 on both sides.

[0073] like Figure 21 As shown, the module unit is a module unit with 5 rods and 24 cables. There are 24 tension members 7. Based on the module unit with 5 rods and 23 cables, a horizontal cable 16 is connected between the tops of the two vertical compression members 4.

[0074] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules, characterized in that: The system includes several modular units, a back tie (1), a front tie (2), and a lower tie (3). The modular units are arranged in a one-dimensional series to form a tensioning system. Each modular unit includes a set of vertical pressure bars (4), longitudinal horizontal pressure bars (5), and transverse horizontal pressure bars (6). The first set of pressure bars of the set of vertical pressure bars (4), longitudinal horizontal pressure bars (5), and transverse horizontal pressure bars (6) is arranged sequentially on the outside of the second set of pressure bars to form an icosahedral tensioning modular unit with 6 bars. The ends of different vertical pressure bars (4), longitudinal horizontal pressure bars (5), and transverse horizontal pressure bars (6) are connected by tension structures. The components (7) are connected, and a series of modular units are spaced apart. The vertical pressure bar (4) of one of the modular units is used as a mast (13). One end of the back tie cable (1) and the front tie cable (2) are connected to the top of the mast (13). The other end of the back tie cable (1) is obliquely pulled to the bottom of the vertical pressure bar (4) of the adjacent modular unit. The other end of the front tie cable (2) is obliquely pulled to the longitudinal horizontal pressure bar (5) of the adjacent modular unit. The lower tie cable (3) is horizontally tensioned to the bottom of the vertical pressure bar (4) of the adjacent modular unit. A pedestrian bridge deck (14) is erected on the transverse horizontal pressure bar (6) of several series of modular units.

2. The tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tensioning system consists of 20 standard modular units of different heights arranged in a sequential cycle, namely module a, module b and module c.

3. The tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The module unit is a module unit with 6 rods and 24 cables. The tension member (7) consists of 24 rods. The 12 ends of a group of vertical compression rods (4), longitudinal horizontal compression rods (5), and transverse horizontal compression rods (6) are connected by tension members (7), except between the ends of the same group of compression rods and between the ends of a compression rod located far from its end in a certain group of compression rods.

4. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 3, characterized in that: The module unit is a module unit with 6 rods and 25 cables. The tension member (7) consists of 25 rods. Based on the module unit with 6 rods and 24 cables, a horizontal cable (15) is connected between the bottom ends of the two vertical compression rods (4).

5. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 4, characterized in that: The module unit is a module unit with 6 rods and 26 cables. The tension member (7) consists of 26 rods. Based on the module unit with 6 rods and 25 cables, a horizontal cable (16) is connected between the top ends of the two vertical compression rods (4).

6. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 5, characterized in that: The module unit is a module unit with 6 bars and 27 to 30 cables.

7. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tension member (7) is one of the following: parallel steel wire bundle PE cable, steel wire rope, steel strand cable or steel tie rod.

8. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom end of the mast (13) is connected to the ground foundation (11) in the form of a steel pipe concrete column pier (10).

9. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules, characterized in that: The remaining components are the same as in claim 1, except that the module unit includes a set of vertical pressure bars (4), a transverse horizontal pressure bar (6) and a longitudinal horizontal pressure bar (5). The first set of pressure bars (4), the first set of pressure bars (5) and the second set of pressure bars (6) are arranged in sequence on the outside of the third set of pressure bars to form a tensioning module unit that is discretized into a fourteen-sided polyhedron with 5 bars.

10. A tensioned integral system formed by a one-dimensional array of polyhedral tensioned integral modules according to claim 9, characterized in that: The module unit is a module unit with 5 bars and 20 to 24 cables.

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