Cable Stayed Structures:

References:
Fuller Moore: Understanding Structures
James B. Harris, Kevin Pui-K Li: Masted Structures in Architecture
Wolfgang Schueller, The Design of Building Structures
Definition:
Cable-stayed building structures support
horizontal spans by means of diagonal cables
suspended from a higher point. Moore, 1999.

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Cable Stayed Bridges

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Horizontal & Vertical Reactions

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Load Paths

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Reactions

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 Some 19th Century Examples

Friedrich Schnirch; Suspended Theater Roof; 1824

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 Some 19th Century Examples

J.A. Hittorf; Panorama; 1839

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 Some 19th Century Examples

C.R. MacIntosh; Greenhouse; 1853

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 Some 19th Century Examples

Mller & Giese; Auditorium; 1865

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 Some 20th Century Examples

R. Buckminster Fuller; Dymaxion House; 1927-29

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 Some 20th Century Examples

E.Bennett & Associates; Pavilion; Chicago; 1933

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Some 20th Century Examples

Buckhard; Gymnasium; Ellensburg; 1958

Corlett & Spackman; Stadium; Squaw Valley; 1960

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Some 20th Century Examples

London County Council Architects; Crystal Palace Sports Center; 1964

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Some 20th Century Examples

P.Zoelly; Exhibition Railway Station; 1964

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Some 20th Century Examples

F.Browns; Woking Pool; 1989

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Some 20th Century Examples

P.Cox & Partners; Darling Harbor Exhibition Centre; 1986

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 Some 20th Century Examples

P.Cox & Partners; Darling Harbor Exhibition Centre; 1986

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A Taxonomy of Masted Structures
The number, position and relationships of the
basic elements in relation to the pattern of
spaces they define. Harris; 1996.
Masts, cables & roof beams
Cellular spatial unit
Geometric operation

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A Taxonomy of Masted Structures

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Structural Behaviour
Vertical Loads
Uniformly Distributed: applied to the roof beam,
supported by stays
Concentrated: ponding rain or drifting snow; problematic
w/ multispan structures
Wind Uplift: limit bending in the mast; aerodynamic eaves;
secondary tensile system

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Structural Behaviour
Stiffness & Deflection
Not necessarily more or less flexible than conventional
structures
Longer spans however mean greater allowable deflection
Details at junctures w/ other building elements become
critical

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Structural Behaviour
Temperature Effects
External Structure: interface between external elements
& enclosure needs to allow for movement
Internal/ External Structure: need to allow for differential
expansion
Lightweight of roofing system requires high performance
membranes.

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Construction Issues
Cables, Rods or Tubes
Cables have a low modulus of elasticity, so stretch can
be 4x rods or tubes
Cables are more difficult to protect
Cable end connections are readily avaiable, but clumsy in
appearance, while rod end connections must be custom
fabricated through study of design and usage

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Benefits and Penalties
Can Meet a Wide Range of Functional Demands
Can Provide Column Free Space Increasing
Internal Flexibility
Can Be Easily Extended
Can Lead to Reduced Structural Weight
Can Lead to Higher Design Costs
Increased Thermal Movement
Erection Requires Special Consideration
Increased Costs for Corrosion Protection
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Case Studies: Foster & Rogers

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