Analysis and Test for shaping Formation of Space Truss by Means of Cable-tensioning

Abstract

For developing innovative construction techniques, extensive research has been carried out on the behavior characteristics for shaping formation of space structures by means of cable-tensioning method. This paper discusses the shaping formation of space structures by means of post-tensioning of the cable in bottom chords. It is a fast and economical construction method used in many types of space structures. Test models presented herein consist of uniform pyramids with multi-directional ball type joint, the space structure is shaped and erected into its final shape by cabletensioning in the bottom chords. The feasibility of the proposed post-tensioning technique and the reliability of the established geometric model were confirmed by finite element analysis and tests on a small-scale test model. Once the proposed posttensioning technique had been applied for shaping formation of space structure with multi-directional ball type joint, characteristics were determined from shaping test for practical design purposes. It proved to be an economic and reasonable method compared to conventional construction method including the heavy crane and scaffold