Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Compound curve structure – Geodesic shape
Patent
1990-04-20
1991-12-03
Scherbel, David A.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Compound curve structure
Geodesic shape
52660, 52664, 52747, 52DIG10, E04B 132, E04C 242
Patent
active
050690094
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of shell structures used for the structural side walls and roofs of buildings, and methods of constructing such shell structures.
2. Description of Related Art
For lattice-like structures comprising shell-type frames, use has been made of solid truss, rigid joint structural members and cage structure type steel frames in which steel frame members are removably and fixedly connected to each other at respective intersection points, and necessary portions of these steel frame members are tensioned by fastening rods. These structures must be assembled according to a predetermined configuration, and, like the shell of the truss structure, have basically little freedom in the formation of curved surfaces.
Structures of a type using cables are complicated and require means for fixing cables to roof members, or the like.
Conventional shells of the general solid truss structure require great accuracy in the dimension of each member, and involve problems of economic assembly.
The present invention provides improvements over such prior art shell structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A shell structure according to the present invention utilizes elongate strip members, preferably steel, which are relatively easy to bend and twist, by weaving or interlacing the strip members in two or more directions one on another or by providing connections equivalent to weaving or interlacing. The invention comprises two preferred configurations of structure: cylindrical and dome-like.
The respective elongate strip members cross each other orthogonally or obliquely to form a mesh. The intervals between aligned elongate strip members are determined in part out of consideration for ease of interlacing such that the relative positions between the strip members are not largely disordered by the interlacing process.
The respective elongated strip members are overlaid one on another in a planar fashion at respective intersection points, but are not required to be completely fixed to each other during fabrication. When elongated strip members are interlaced one with the other, some displacement or slippage is permitted at their intersection points both linearly and angularly.
The shell structure is fastened with hoop means on its periphery to maintain a predetermined structural configuration, although selected portions of the periphery of the shell structure need not be fastened to the hoops. In order to prevent the shell structure in a set-up condition from being deformed due to wind and/or earthquake, the respective joints may be fixed by bolts, braces may be used partially or wholly, or tension members, such as wire, may be used.
Other embodiments of the invention in lieu of weaving or interlacing are employed when it is difficult to weave or interlace elongated strip members due to restrictions of quality or workability of the strip members. These embodiments simulate weaving or interlacing by utilization of various connecting means where the strips overlap, and are based on the same principle as the woven and interlaced embodiments, to accomplish essentially the same beneficial inventive results.
In addition to elongate flat metal strip members, such as strip steel, the use of reinforced plastic strips is also contemplated. Also, flange-like ribs may be provided on the edges of the strip members which add strength and rigidity to the structure without hindering the means for weaving the strip members. These ribs beneficially provide clearance space for bolt heads and nuts where it is required to use threaded fasteners to secure overlapping strip members. One means of securing the strip members in lieu of weaving is to secure each overlap of strip members by threaded fastener means. Another means of securing strip members in lieu of weaving is to secure short straps over the intersections of strip members. These straps may be secured by threaded fasteners, or by welding, and various combinations of straps may be used. Further, structures may be
REFERENCES:
patent: 297631 (1884-04-01), Plimsoll
patent: 614008 (1898-11-01), King
patent: 2877510 (1959-03-01), Bruemmer
patent: 2886697 (1959-05-01), Pomeroy
patent: 4182086 (1980-01-01), Crooks
"Tensile Structures", vol. 1, Pneumatic Structures by Frei Otto, the MIT Press, 1967, pp. 158-163.
McGann Ripley Deborah
Scherbel David A.
Tilberry James H.
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