Design concept of a kinetic form-active hybrid envelope structure

Abstract

In architecture and specifi cally in the design of structures, natural systems are of particular interest as far as their principle integral characteristic is concerned, that of a multi-layered, fi nely tuned and differentiated combination of their components, leading to an optimization and autonomous adaptability with regard to varying external conditions. At the same time, the development of contemporary adaptable lightweight structures takes place on the basis of tensegrity, scissor mechanisms or primary members with predominant bending deformability. Driven by the principle integral characteristic of natural systems, the design concept of a kinetic hybrid structure for a building membranes' envelope is presented in the current paper. The primary structure is composed of scissor compression and bending-active members interconnected in series through continuous tension-only members with closed circuit. The transformability of the system case example is presented in an initial confi guration and fi ve transformation states that correspond to respective transformation states of the membranes' envelope. The integral composition of the kinetic hybrid structure is described with its confi guration and parametric associative design. A preliminary investigation of the system's horizontal load-bearing behaviour throughout its transformation pathway follows a discussion on the motion planning of the structure. The latter builds on issues of the integrative development of the static and kinematic system, as well as minimization of external energy consumption for obtaining different operational confi guration states.

High-rise airflow structural concept

“…The lamellas are bended in their initial position. They are characterized by high elasticity, tension strength and residual stress behaviour enabling inverse transformations following uploading [8,9]. The latter is primarily utilized at the intermediate stage of motion, at the point that the bubble reaches its maximum level of contraction following the air input.…”

On decoding the structural behaviour of hybrid cable bending-active units in fastening, prestress and load-bearing state

“…In cases where unique adaptive behaviour is the optimum goal, the systems often lead to a complex kinetic behaviour with energy inefficient deformation processes. 3 Compared to long existing hard kinetic mechanisms and systems, contemporary research activities focus on the exploration of alternative approaches that seek structural flexibility, improved elasticity, higher controllability and sustainable structural design solutions that rely on applications of soft, pliable materials featuring passive elastic properties. 6 In principle, the soft mechanical approach is based on the utilisation of the materials' mechanical properties, in particular those of low elastic modulus, E , and high strength, σ Rd , to enable physical actions of increased transformability through the members' elastic deformability.…”

Adaptive structures – soft mechanical approach

“…Chronologically, the development of kinetic structures, primarily in terms of deployable tensegrity and scissor-like systems has been influenced by architectural form requirements, aesthetic factors, structural optimisation criteria, performance capacity and economy [2,3]. So far, such systems are mainly based on kinetic mechanisms followed by hard mechanical approaches, while taking into consideration aspects of self-weight minimisation, modularity, connectivity and constructability [4]. While both aforementioned systems do not provide extensive flexibility, since their motions are limited between a closed and open state, reconfigurable systems have been acknowledged for their enhanced adaptive behaviour in terms of their physical ability to reconfigure themselves in various modular geometries and overall morphologies [5].…”