In this paper, we design an adjustable connector of reciprocal frame, and a three-dimensional solid model of this connector with Circular Hollow Section has been created in the FEM software Abaqus CAE to study its mechanical properties. When the plastic hinge is formed at the end of the Circular Hollow Section, the connector is still in an elastic state. It is concluded that the adjustable connector of reciprocal frame has high strength and rigidity, realizing the goal for designing higher connector strength over Circular Hollow Section strength. Then parametric analysis is used to analyse the influence of the connector about each part on the mechanical properties, and the flexural rigidity of the connector has been derived. A three-dimensional wire model of reciprocal frames has been created in the FEM software Abaqus CAE, and a full-scale test model of the structure is designed. The numerical simulation results agree well with the test results. It is verified that the reliability of the modeling method and the accuracy of the connector mechanical model.

In this paper the geometrical characteristics and construction method of hex-tri reciprocal frame are studied. The naming rules of structural units, members and joints of hex-tri reciprocal frame are proposed. Based on the study of relationships between the structural geometrical parameters, the formulas for the joint coordinates of the structural unit are derived, and the calculating method for normalized direction vectors of the unit members is also developed. The geometry construction method of hex-tri reciprocal frame is established in this paper. By this method the whole structure is formed as an assembly of the units arranged in rings about the structural center. The influences of the diameter, the length and the binding length of the member on the rise of hex-tri reciprocal frame are analyzed by an example. If the rise of hex-tri reciprocal frame needs to be specified in the design, the values of the diameter, the length and the binding length of the structural member need to be coordinated to meet the design requirements.