Panelized Structural Truss System for Building Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building construction methods rely heavily on concrete and structural steel framing, which are costly and inefficient for managing vertical and lateral forces, especially in taller buildings, and do not offer a viable solution for structures with many openings like windows and doors.
Innovation Solution
The Unified Truss Construction System (UTCS) employs standardized, light-gauge metal framed vertical wall panels, trusses, and structural columns with unique connecting plates and clips to absorb and transfer vertical and lateral forces, eliminating the need for heavy steel and concrete by using a limited number of horizontal truss panel configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If concrete and structural steel framing are used to support vertical loads in taller buildings, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the construction cost and material weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The building structure is divided into modular panelized components that can be assembled together. Each panel is a self-contained structural unit with standardized connections, allowing the overall structure to be built from repeated segments rather than using continuous heavy concrete or steel framing throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining light gauge metal framing members with panel materials to create a hybrid structural system. This composite approach provides sufficient strength while reducing overall material weight compared to traditional all-concrete or all-steel structures.
2Force
If heavy steel let-in bracing or heavy steel panels are used to manage lateral forces in buildings taller than five stories, then the lateral force resistance is improved, but the device complexity and construction difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The panelized structural system is designed so that the same panel components serve multiple functions: vertical load bearing, lateral force resistance, and structural stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized bracing elements, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Lateral force resistance is achieved through the segmented panel assembly system rather than continuous heavy bracing. The standardized panel connections and modular configuration provide lateral stability through the overall structure rather than through individual heavy bracing members.
3Strength
If traditional bearing wall structures are used to manage vertical forces, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the ease of manufacture and construction time are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The structural panels are pre-manufactured as complete assembly units before arriving at the construction site. This preliminary fabrication allows for quality control and optimization in a controlled manufacturing environment, while enabling rapid assembly on-site without the need for complex field construction of traditional bearing walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The building is constructed from modular panel segments that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled together. This segmentation enables parallel production of multiple panels while maintaining load-bearing capacity, significantly improving construction speed compared to traditional monolithic bearing wall construction.
4Force
If let-in diagonal bracing is used throughout the wall line, then the lateral force management is improved, but the adaptability to buildings with many openings is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The panelized system allows different panel configurations to be used in different locations based on specific structural requirements. Panels can be designed with varying degrees of opening accommodation while maintaining lateral force resistance, allowing optimization for each specific building location rather than using a one-size-fits-all bracing approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Structural truss panels include first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members and first and second vertical elongated members fastened to the first, second, third, and fourth horizontal elongated members. The first and fourth horizontal elongated members form respectively a top and a bottom of the structural truss panel. The first and second vertical elongated members forming respective sides of the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel further includes and an angled webbing fastened between the first and second vertical elongated members and the first and second horizontal elongated members thereby creating an integrated web truss within the structural truss panel. The structural truss panel includes first, second, and third brace members forming a V-braced truss panel.