Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
September 2010
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction.......................................................................................2
2. Features of the Geometrica System .......................................................2
3. Space Frames ...................................................................................3
4. Vaults ..............................................................................................5
5. Circular Domes .................................................................................7
6. Freedome® ....................................................................................11
7. Hyparwave™ .................................................................................13
We'd like to take you on a "tour" of possibilities. The following pages describe the advantages of
geometry in realizing long span structures. We hope the information will help in your next project and
help you bring your designs to reality.
The hub consists is an extruded aluminum cylinder with threaded slots. The structural members are steel
or aluminum tubes formed at the ends into a matching linear shape that slides into the hub's slot. When all
the tubes in a certain hub have been assembled, the joint is completed with washers and a single bolt.
Once complete, the hub is stronger than the joined tubes, and, most importantly, the joined bars resist
bending moments in the direction perpendicular to the bar's axis and the joint itself. As we shall see, this
feature permits many variations on basic geometries that are simply not possible with other structural
systems.
But square grids are not ideal for long span structures for two reasons:
4. Camber: The "flat" space frame may be manufactured with a slight deformation in the direction
contrary to the expected deflection under service loads. This eliminates any possible unsightly sag
of the structure, particularly for the longer spans. Camber may be applied to either or both chord
layers of a space frame.
Any set of the above modifications may be combined into very stiff, strong and light space frames. For
example, the Swift Group's hangar at Skyharbor in Phoenix is designed to span 50m with dense top chord,
varying depth and camber.
Another space frame geometry commonly used is the triangular grid. Because of their triangular pattern,
these grids can resist in-plane twist. But as in square grids, their depth is limited and, for a large portion of
their extent, they often contain more web members than are necessary to carry the load. In order to
overcome these disadvantages, triangular grids may also benefit from the modifications available to
square grids. See section on domes below for some of the variations in triangular grids.
4 Vaults
Vaults are structures that span in one direction only, such as arches or longitudinal cylinders (barrel
vaults). Spans start at around 40m and can be over 100m. They are used for sports facilities,
transportation terminals, aircraft hangars and environmental protection.
Geometrica vaults are generally reinforced with ribs every few meters. Some architectural vaults are
continuous space frames developed to the desired geometry.
5 Circular Domes
There are three geometric parameters to define a circular dome:
A. Meridian,
B. Pattern, and
C. Layers
A. Meridian
Circular domes are surfaces of revolution. These surfaces are generated by rotating a meridian curve
about a vertical axis. The meridian curve may be shaped to "hug" any clearance line desired, whether for
storage or for architectural use. For example, in storage applications with automated stacker-reclaimer
equipment, the meridian may start nearly vertical, and then quickly turn into a more gentle slope.
Meridian curves are similar to the cross-sectional curves of vaults. For example, if there are large apex
forces, an acute geometry provides a positive slope near the apex to resist the load.
B. Pattern
Although square-grid and radial geometries (or combinations of these) are sometimes used in domes, the
in-surface geometry of the dome should really be fully triangulated in order to develop the full benefits of
shell-action. A dome with square patterns on the surface will generally result in a more costly solution.
110m Marchwood dome in England combines single layer, ribbed, vierendeel and double layer geometries
As circular domes, Freedomes may have lamella, kiewitt or lace in-surface pattern and single or double
structural layers. Where Freedomes differ from circular domes is in their overall shape. Four parameters
are required to define a Freedome®:
• Border of dome,
• Height at apex,
• One meridian and
• Angle in plan about which the selected meridian is taken.
There is literally an infinite number of possible plans for a Freedome®. Some of the more common are
variations on the rectangle, but triangles, stars, ovals and other shapes are possible.
The meridian in the one direction you choose may be parabolic, elliptical, circular, or any other smooth
curve.
Once the geometry and support conditions of your structure are defined, Geometrica engineers can
propose the most efficient patterns and layer options for your enclosure, or you may choose the pattern
yourself.
A Freedome® may be supported by concrete or steel columns, walls, edge beams, or slabs. The dome may
be reinforced with an integral tension ring to withstand its horizontal reaction due to gravity loads.
There are many variations on basic Freedome® shapes. Some interesting ones include:
1. Variations in spring line: the spring line of a Freedome® may vary in elevation when desired. This
may allow side support, corner support, or higher edges for special openings.
2. Setting the apex off-center: This may be useful when one side is not supported, for instance in an
amphitheater or an aviary.
3. Minimal surface: Another variation of an efficient Freedome® is a minimal surface; as the word
describes it, it is the least surface necessary to cover a particular boundary. It can be achieved by
varying the support heights, as illustrated in the figure. Other variations to a minimal surface can
be achieved by applying a load to “dome” it.
Hyparwavetm
Hyparwavetm Arrangement
Hyparwavetm Cantilever
That's the tour. We hope you are excited about the possibilities!