Integrated Load Bearing Ribs for Architectural Framing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mid and long span roof and floor framing systems face challenges in cost, sustainability, and architectural flexibility, with pre-designed truss systems requiring separate roof and ceiling assemblies, leading to increased costs and environmental impact due to material inefficiencies and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A sustainable, integrated framing system utilizing pre-fabricated load-bearing ribs with compression chord elements, adjustable tension elements, and a web structure that can be arranged in various configurations to form complex three-dimensional profiles, allowing for efficient on-site assembly and reduced need for costly field fastening and inspections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-designed truss systems are used to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but architectural flexibility and aesthetic appeal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The structural system is segmented into modular rib units that can be independently fabricated and then assembled. Each rib module contains integrated components (chords, webbing, connections) that can be standardized for cost-effective production while the modular nature allows flexible arrangement to achieve various architectural forms and spans.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from traditional two-dimensional truss arrays to three-dimensional rib structures with varying depths and configurations. This dimensional evolution enables complex architectural forms and aesthetic expressions while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized rib modules that can be arranged in diverse spatial configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom designed trusses with curved or sloping chords are fabricated to achieve architectural profiles, then architectural flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Architectural profiles and structural configurations are predetermined through standardized rib module designs that incorporate curved or sloping chords as integral components. These pre-engineered modules are fabricated with built-in aesthetic forms, eliminating the need for costly field modifications or custom fabrication while maintaining architectural flexibility through selective module selection and arrangement.
3Length of moving object
If trusses are shipped in multiple sections to exceed permitted shipping lengths, then span capability is improved, but assembly time and field construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The overall span is divided into modular rib units of manageable lengths that can be efficiently transported and handled. These segments are designed with standardized connection interfaces that enable rapid on-site assembly through simple joining operations, minimizing field construction time while achieving the required total span length.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate ceiling and roof subassemblies are constructed to achieve desired profiles and conceal utilities, then architectural functionality is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The structural rib modules are designed to integrate multiple functions into single components. The ribs simultaneously provide structural support, define architectural profiles, and create integrated spaces for concealing utilities and mechanical systems. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ceiling and roof subassemblies, reducing overall system complexity and material consumption while maintaining full architectural functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a cost-effective, sustainable, and aesthetically flexible solution for mid to long span structures by enabling efficient on-site construction with minimal field assembly, reducing material waste, and enhancing architectural design options while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more adjustable tension elements embedded within the web element. In a further aspect, an end support node is attached to each end of a load bearing rib structure, and the one or more tension elements are tensioned against the end support nodes
Data Source
AI summary
A sustainable, integrated framing system and methods of assembly thereof are presented herein. In some embodiments, a roof, primary structure, and a ceiling are structurally defined and supported by pre-fabricated load bearing ribs of the sustainable, integrated framing system. The pre-fabricated load bearing ribs facilitate efficient building erection on-site without expensive and time consuming welding and associated inspections. Each rib includes a compression chord element, a web element extending below the compression chord element, and one or more adjustable tension elements embedded within the web element. An end support node is attached to each end of a load bearing rib structure and the one or more tension elements are tensioned against the end support node (s). In some embodiments, the top profile, the bottom profile, or both, of a web structure are shaped to meet aesthetic or functional design objectives independent of the load carrying capability of the load bearing rib.