Shape Formation of Some Dome-Like Space Trusses

Abstract

This paper presents some results of shaping or forming of dome-like structures comprised of space truss members, starting from an initial planar condition, and being developed to a doubly-curved shape or form. A comparison is made between the dome-like shapes formed from alternative simple square-grid chord modules to form space truss shapes. The elements are either planar squares of chords that are allowed to distort in their planes and twist as defined a priori, thereby forming rhombuses. Alternatively, square modules are used with out-of-plane web members. The out-of-plane web members provide additional constraints that force the square elements of chords to distort out of the plane, as well as allowing distortion in the plane. Additionally, this second type of space truss system allows the possibility of forming or shaping a dome-like structure by a post-tensioning process in a self-forming manner form an initial condition that can be flat or planar.