Lightweight transformable structures: materialising the synergy between architectural and structural engineering

Abstract

As opposed to conventional, static structures, transformable structures possess a transformational capacity enabling them to efficiently respond to altered boundary conditions, such as climatic conditions, different locations, varying functional requirements, or emergency situations. Generally, this capacity is provided through built-in mobility (structural mechanisms) or by means of assembly/disassembly of its constitutive members (kit-of-parts systems). The former group demonstrates kinematic properties that allow them to rapidly respond to changing needs by folding, expanding, or by any other form of deployment. Generally they come in the form of lightweight deployable structures that can easily transform between different configurations. This makes them fit for temporary, mobile applications or for adding adaptable sub-structures to buildings. In what follows, the research performed at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel by the Transform Research Group, the Lightweight Structures Lab, and the Mechanics of Materials and Constructions research group (MeMC), all collaborating on lightweight deployable structures, is presented. Through six case studies, diverse possibilities of deployable structures in architectural and structural engineering are explored. Key aspects concerning the design, analysis and construction of mobile, as well as adaptable constructions, are explained. Finally, conclusions are drawn on the intricate relationship between the geometric configuration, the kinematic behaviour and Mobile and Rapidly Assembled Structures IV 1

Deployable structures classification: A review

“…The classification table has been referenced and used by many other authors. 7,54,87 Not denying the classification's success, some deficiencies must be pointed out. For example, due to Hanaor and Levy having created the classification 15 years ago, there are some classes of structures missing that have appeared since.…”

“…In the section regarding cable and membrane structures, most of the examples presented are demountable structures, not deployable. Such structures are designed as kit-of-parts 54 systems made of basic components that can be reconfigured, substituted and reused. They are transported in a number of sections to then be assembled on site.…”

Rapidly Assembled Reciprocal Systems with Bending-active Components: The Reciplydome Project

“…Thanks to their unique ability to change shape or be reconfigured, transformable structures can easily adapt to short-term, evolving or even unexpected needs [1]. Their rapid and reversible erection however, generally comes with an increased technical complexity.…”

A Review of Thickness-Accommodation Techniques in Origami-Inspired Engineering

“…Connections between origami artists advanced the complexity and realism of the art, but more significantly, there arose connections between origami and mathematics, sciences, and engineering, which have led to the adoption of origami structures and mechanisms in a wide range of technical fields [2][3][4][5]. Structures and mechanisms, both adapted and inspired from origami, have found applications as diverse as acoustics [6][7][8], active structures [9], air bags [10][11][12][13], batteries [14][15][16][17], deployable shelters [18][19][20][21][22][23], DNA [24][25][26][27][28], energy absorption [29][30][31][32], foldcore sandwich panels [33][34][35][36], medical devices [37][38][39][40][41][42], MEMS devices [43][44][45][46][47]…”