VEctor Active Structures

11/22/2012
Vector Active Structure

System
Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal
Dept of Architecture,
GNDU, Amritsar
VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES

Vector, a Latin word meaning
"carrier"
Short, solid, straight-line
elements, i.e. lineal members
are structural components that
because of their small section
in comparison to their length
can transmit only forces in
direction of their length, i.e.
normal stresses (tension and/or
compression): compressive
and tensile members.
2 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

Compressive and tensile members
in triangular assemblage form a
stable composition complete in
itself, that, if suitably supported,
receives asymmetrical and
changing loads and transfers them
to the ends.
Compressive and tensile members,
arranged in a certain pattern and
put together in a system with
hinged joints, form mechanisms
that can redirect forces and can
transmit loads over long distances
without intermediate supports:
vector-active structure systems
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Distinction of vector-active structure systems is the
triangulated assemblage of straight-line members:
triangulation.
Vector-active structure systems effect redirection of forces in
that external forces are split up into several directions by two
or more members and are held in equilibrium by suitable
counter forces, vectors.
The position of truss members in relation to the external stress
direction determines in vector-active structure systems the
magnitude of vector stresses in the 'members. Suitable is an
angle between 450-600 to the direction of force; it achieves
effective redirection with relatively small vector forces.
Distinction of vector-active structure systems is the triangulated assemblage

of straight-line members: TRIANGULATION.
Vector-active structure systems effect redirection of forces in that external
forces are split up into several directions by two or more members and are
held in equilibrium by suitable counter forces, vectors.
Redirection of forces through vector mechanism has not necessarily to

occur in but one plane, nor load distribution in but one axis. Fissure of
forces can be also accomplished both in curved planes or three-
dimensional directions.
By arranging the members in singly or doubly curved planes the advantage
of form-active redirection of forces is integrated and thus a cohesive load-
carrying and stress resisting mechanism is set up: curved truss system.
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Vector-active structure systems are multi-component systems,
the mechanism of which rests upon the concerted action of
individual tensile and compressive members.
Knowledge of how forces can be made to change direction by
means of vector fissure and how the magnitude of vector
forces themselves can be checked is indispensable
prerequisite for the evolution of structure ideas on a vector-
active basis
Redirection of forces through vector mechanism has not
necessarily to occur in but one plane, nor load distribution in
but one axis. Distribution of forces can be also accomplished
both in curved planes or three-dimensional directions.

By arranging the members in singly or doubly curved planes the
advantage of form-active re-direction of forces is integrated and thus a
cohesive load-carrying and stress resisting mechanism is set up: curved
truss system.
Biaxial expansion of triangulated lattice girders leads to the planar space
truss.
With regard to the distribution of stresses vector-active structure systems can be
compared with those compact structures that have the same shape: in a simply
supported trussed girder with parallel chords the member stresses with regard to
direction and relative magnitude are similar to the inner stresses of a straight beam
likewise supported at both ends.
Since vector-active compositions are very efficient with respect to
changing load conditions and since they are composed of small-scale,
straight-line elements, they are suited to form vertical structure systems
for high rise buildings.
VECTOR ACTION THROUGH COMPRESSION
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VECTOR ACTION THROUGH TENSION
VECTOR ACTION THROUGH COMPRESSION & TENSION
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VECTOR ACTIVE STR. SYSTEMS

TRUSS
SPACE FRAMES
GEODESIC DOMES
TRUSS
Definition of a Truss
A truss is a structure composed of slender members
joined together at their end points.
Planar trusses lie in a single plane.
Typically, the joint connections are formed by bolting or
welding the end members together to a common plate,
called a gusset plate
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TRUSSES
A Truss is an assemble of individual linear elements arranged in a

triangle or combination of triangles to form a rigid framework that
can’t be deformed by the application of external forces without
deformation of one or more of its members.
The individual elements are typically assumed to be joined at their
intersections with pinned connections.
Members are arranged so that all loads and reactions occur only at
these intersections.
Introduction
• For the equilibrium of structures made of several
connected parts, the internal forces as well the external
forces are considered.
• In the interaction between connected parts, Newton’s 3rd

Law states that the forces of action and reaction between
bodies in contact have the same magnitude, same line of
action, and opposite sense.
• Two categories of engineering structures are considered:

a) Frames: contain at least one multi-force member,
i.e., member acted upon by 3 or more forces.
b) Trusses: formed from two-force members, i.e.,
straight members with end point connections
Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 6 - 18

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Definition of a Truss
• A truss consists of straight members connected at
joints. No member is continuous through a joint.
• Most structures are made of several trusses joined

together to form a space framework. Each truss
carries those loads which act in its plane and may
be treated as a two-dimensional structure.
• Bolted or welded connections are assumed to be

pinned together. Forces acting at the member ends
reduce to a single force and no couple. Only two-
force members are considered.
• When forces tend to pull the member apart, it is in

tension. When the forces tend to compress the
member, it is in compression.
Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012
TRUSSES
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TRUSSES
The top and bottom chord resist the bending moment

The web members resist the shear forces
In a triangular truss, the top chord also resists shear
Span-to-depth ratios are commonly between 5 and 12

This is at least twice as deep as a similar beam Depth of
roof trusses is to suit roof pitch
Beam, depth = span/20
Truss shape. This will usually be determined by the
available height and the required line of top and bottom
chord.
Span-to-depth ratios between 5 and 10 are common.
Bracing systems often form very deep trusses.
Shallow trusses (L/D of 15 or 20) are possible, but unlikely
to offer much advantage over beams.
The shallower the truss, the greater the force in each
chord.
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TRUSSES
TRUSSES
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Simple Trusses
• A rigid truss will not collapse under
the application of a load.
• A simple truss is constructed by

successively adding two members
and one connection to the basic
triangular truss.
• In a simple truss, m = 2n - 3
where m is the total number of
members and n is the number of
joints.
Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012
Space Trusses
• An elementary space truss consists of 6 members
connected at 4 joints to form a tetrahedron.
• A simple space truss is formed and can be

extended when 3 new members and 1 joint are
added at the same time.
• In a simple space truss, m = 3n - 6 where m is the

number of members and n is the number of joints.
• Conditions of equilibrium for the joints provide 3n

equations. For a simple truss, 3n = m + 6 and the
equations can be solved for m member forces and
6 support reactions.
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ANALYSIS OF TRUSSES
The first step is the analysis of a truss is always to
determine weather the truss is indeed a stable
configuration of members.
Total collapse occurs immediately after an
unstable configuration when loaded. Therefore,
expressions have been developed which relate
the number of joints present in a truss to the
number of bars necessary for stability.
n = 3+2(J-3)
OR n =2J-3
n= NUMBER OF BARS
J=NUMBER OF JOINTS
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SKETCH SHOWING RIGID TRIANGULATED CONFIGURATION
TRIANGULATION
DESIGN PRINCIPLE
The primary principle underlying the use of the truss as a load
carrying structure is that arranging elements into a triangular
configuration results in a stable shape
shape..
Any deformations that occur in this stable structure are relatively
minor.. the angle formed between any two members remains
minor
relatively unchanged under load in a stable configuration
SKETCH SHOWING STABLE AND UNSTABLE CONFIGURATION
Stable Configuration Unstable Configuration
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STABILITY IN TRUSSES
The left support only allows connected
members to rotate. The right support
additionally allows horizontal movement.
This configuration is stable, because there
is no motion which can freely occur.
This is unstable, because the side

pieces will lean over freely as the top is
pushed horizontally
Plane Trusses
Plane trusses: lie in a single plane.
Space trusses: not contained in a single plane and/or

loaded out of the structure plane.
Straight Members
Forces act along the axis of the member
Compressive forces tend to Tensile forces tend to elongate the

shorten the member . member .
F F
F F
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“Rigid” trusses
“Rigid”- the truss will retain its
shape when removed from its
support
Simple truss- constructed by attaching several triangles

together.
Allows a simple way to check rigidity.
MEMBER FORCES
Each member should be in state of equilibrium under the action of

force system present.
The force considered consists of not only any external loads applied
to the piece, but also those which are internal to structure as whole.
At points where the truss is decomposed, internal forces should be
equal in magnitude but opposite in sense in adjacent elements. Since
the members of truss are pin – connected and their ends are free to
rotate, only forces, and not moments can be transmitted from one
member to another at point of connections
MEMBER FORCES
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DEFINING A SIMPLE TRUSS
A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined together at

their end points.
If a truss, along with the imposed load, lies in a single plane
(as shown at the top right), then it is called a planar truss.
A simple truss is a planar truss which begins

with a triangular element and can be expanded
by adding two members and a joint. For these
trusses, the number of members (M) and the
number of joints (J) are related by the equation
M = 2J – 3.
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Compound Truss
This truss is formed by connecting two or more simple
trusses together.
This type of truss is often used for large spans.
There are three ways in which simple trusses may be
connected to form a compound truss:
Trusses may be connected by a common joint and bar
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ANALYSIS and DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS

When designing both the member and the joints of a truss, first it is
necessary to determine the forces in each truss member. This is
called the force analysis of a truss. When doing this, two assumptions
are made:
1. All loads are applied at the joints. The weight of the truss
members is often neglected as the weight is usually small as
compared to the forces supported by the members.
2. The members are joined together by smooth pins. This
assumption is satisfied in most practical cases where the joints
are formed by bolting or welding.
With these two assumptions, the members act

as two-force members. They are loaded in
either tension or compression. Often
compressive members are made thicker to
prevent buckling.
ZERO-FORCE MEMBERS
If a joint has only two non-co linear
members and there is no external
load or support reaction at that joint,
then those two members are zero-
force members. In this example
members DE, CD, AF, and AB are
zero force members.
You can easily prove these results

by applying the equations of
equilibrium to joints D and A.
Zero-force members can be removed

(as shown in the figure) when
analyzing the truss.
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ZERO – FORCE MEMBERS

If three members form a truss joint for which
two of the members are collinear and there is
no external load or reaction at that joint, then
the third non-collinear member is a zero force
member.
Again, this can easily be proven. One can

also remove the zero-force member, as
shown, on the left, for analyzing the truss
further.
Please note that zero-force members are

used to increase stability and rigidity of the
truss, and to provide support for various
different loading conditions.
EQUILIBRUIM OF JOINTS
when the span of the roof
exceeds 5m and where there are
no side walls to support the
purlins, framed structures ,known
as trusses are provided at
suitable interval along the length
of the room.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF TRUSSES
King – Post Truss

Queen – Post Truss
Combination Of King – Post And Queen
Post Truss
Mansard Truss
Truncated Trussbel – Fast Truss
Steel - Truss
Composite Trusses
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VARIOUS SHAPES ALONG WITH THEIR DIFFERENT SPAN RANGES
DEPTH OF TRUSS
For Light Loads And Closely Spaced

Depth = 1/20 Span
Secondary Collector (Deeper) Trusses

Depth = 1/10span
Primary Collector Trusses(supports Huge Loads)

Depth=1/4 Or 1/5 Span
MATERIALS FOR TRUSSES
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STEEL ROOF TRUSSES
when the span exceeds 10m , timber trusses become heavy and
uneconomical ,steel trusses are more economical for larger spans.
However ,steel trusses are more commonly used these days , for all spans
–small or large .
ADVANTAGES OF STEEL TRUSSES OVER TIMBER TRUSSES
More Economical
Easy To Construct
Easy To Fabricate
Fire Proof
More Rigid
Permanent
TIMBER TRUSS
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STEEL TRUSS
When the span exceeds 10m , timber trusses
become heavy and uneconomical ,steel trusses are
more economical for larger spans.
Possess more strength
More economical
Easy to construct
More easy to fabricate
Fire proof
Permanent
STEEL TRUSS
ALUMINIUM TRUSS
• If weight (lightness) is the

main consideration – then
aluminum is used
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APPLICATIONS
Trusses are commonly used to support a roof.
A more challenging question is that for a

given load, how can we design the trusses’
geometry to minimize cost?
APPLICATIONS (continued)
Trusses are also used in a variety of

structures like cranes and the frames
of aircraft or space stations.
How can we design a light weight

structure that will meet load, safety,
and cost specifications?
TRUSS BRIDGES
It is a bridge composed of connected elements (typically straight)
which may be stressed from tension, compression, or sometimes
both in response to dynamic loads.
It is economical to construct owing to its efficient use of materials
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Tied arch bridge –

bowstring arch through
truss bridge
Vierendeel bridge
EXAMPLES OF TRUSSES
Gund hall, Cambridge
Crosby Kemper Arena
Sydney football stadium
Sainsbury center. Norwich,

England
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ARCHED TRUSSES
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TRUSSES
TRUSSES
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CARGO LIFTER, GERMANY
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1889 firth of forth (1710 ft long)
tension and compression members?
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SPACE FRAME
A space frame is a truss like rigid

structure constructed from interlocking
struts in a geometric pattern.
They utilize a multi directional span and are
used to accomplish long spans.
They derive their strength from inherent

rigidity of triangular frame.
Loads are transmitted as tension and
compression loads along the length of each
strut.
Their geometry is based on platonic solids.
The simplest form is a horizontal slab of interlocking square pyramids built
from steel or aluminum tubular struts.
A stronger purer form is composed of interlocking tetrahedral pyramids in
which all the struts have unit length.
TYPES OF SPACE STRUCTURE
MonolithicGrid
Double Layer Grid (Space Frame)
Coplanar System (Folded Or
Curved Structures)
The top chord provides the compressive component of the

resistance moment, the bottom chord provides the tensile
component and the diagonal members provide the lever arm of
the resistance moment and shear resistance.
Space frame are supported on columns with equal spacing in both

the directions at right angles to each other .Then the bending
moment due to the vertical load acting on the roof is divided
equally in both the directions as a flat plate.
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Space frame can be made deep because the resistance moment has a
long lever arm , we need less material in the top and bottom chords.
Therefore space frames are suitable for longer spans for example
aircraft hangers.
TYPES
They can be classified by the

polyhedron from which they are built up
Triangular prism
Cube
Hexagonal prism
Octahedral
Tetrahedral
• Max height of the frame 8’-

8’-0” – for max span of 200’x200’
max cantilever – 5-7% of span for a span of 100’
cantilever =5% for span more than this ,
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BALL JOINT
At its best when square on plan , the efficiency of space frame

decreases as the length/width ratio increases
The best spacing for a square plan form is four columns .This is seldom
acceptable in commercial structures , so the next best solution is two or
more columns on opposite sides or fully supported all round .
The space frame roof with its great torsional rigidity is particularly suited
to buildings on poor foundations .
Span /depth ratios is 20/
20/1-30/
30/1
Steel two
two--way structures are very light therefore the form of joint chosen
has a great effect on final cost than with other
other forms
forms.. Though an all
welded joint are apparently best , it requires controlled site techniques ,
for welding is best done at the works , leaving site connections to be
butted..
butted
PLATONIC SOLID
• It is convex solid polyhedron
polyhedron.. These are three dimensional
analogs of convex regular polygons
polygons..
• They are precisely five such are unique in that the sides
,edges and angles are all congruent
congruent..
• The name of each figure is derived from the number of its
faces..
faces
• Due to their aesthetic beauty and symmetry they are being
used for thousands of years
years..
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WHAT ARE SPACE FRAME
Space frames represent the

ultimate in aesthetics and
engineering efficiency in
structural system
system..
Behind its elegance and
simplicity lies its ability to achieve
long spans
spans..
They are assembled from linear
elements so that they transfer
their load in three dimensions
dimensions..
They are assembled using two
factory produced components
components::
cylindrical node connectors or
rectangular HOLLOW SECTIONS.
SECTIONS.
WHY SPACE FRAME?
Architecturally elegant means

of covering large column free
spaces..
spaces
Completely pre engineered and
installed at site
site..
Light structurally efficient and
use minimum of materials to
maximize structural advantage
and hence cost effective.
effective.
Saving in foundation cost due
to large column spacing
spacing..
MODULATION
The majority of system of three

dimensional structure make it possible to
carry out all types of geometries with
square modulation, rectangular ,triangular
or other.
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MATERIALS
Reinforced Concrete
Steel
Aluminum
Wood
Space Frame Of The Jacob K. Javits Convention

Centre In New York City
ICOSAHEDRON-TRUNCATED ICOSAHEDRON.
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ICOSAHEDRAL GEODESIC DOMES
1v icosahedrons (20 equilateral triangles) One frequency (1v)

Octahedron - half an
octahedron is a pyramid
3 frequency (3v) with 9 4 frequency (4v)

with 16 triangles Two frequency (2v) Three frequency (3v)
triangles per icosa face octahedron
per icosa face octahedron
Other shapes and aspects
FRAGMENTED DOMES
PARABOLIC GEODESIC DOMES
32

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11/22/2012

Vector Active Structure

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES

2 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES

3 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES

4 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

Distinction of vector-active structure systems is the triangulated assemblage

Redirection of forces through vector mechanism has not necessarily to

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES

7 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES

VECTOR ACTION THROUGH COMPRESSION

VECTOR ACTION THROUGH TENSION

VECTOR ACTION THROUGH COMPRESSION & TENSION

VECTOR ACTIVE STR. SYSTEMS

13 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

14 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

15 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

16 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

A Truss is an assemble of individual linear elements arranged in a

• In the interaction between connected parts, Newton’s 3rd

• Two categories of engineering structures are considered:

Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 6 - 18

• Most structures are made of several trusses joined

• Bolted or welded connections are assumed to be

• When forces tend to pull the member apart, it is in

Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

The top and bottom chord resist the bending moment

Span-to-depth ratios are commonly between 5 and 12

• A simple truss is constructed by

Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

• A simple space truss is formed and can be

• In a simple space truss, m = 3n - 6 where m is the

• Conditions of equilibrium for the joints provide 3n

Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal

30 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

SKETCH SHOWING RIGID TRIANGULATED CONFIGURATION

31 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

32 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

SKETCH SHOWING STABLE AND UNSTABLE CONFIGURATION

Stable Configuration Unstable Configuration

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This is unstable, because the side

34 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

Plane trusses: lie in a single plane.

Space trusses: not contained in a single plane and/or

35 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

Compressive forces tend to Tensile forces tend to elongate the

Simple truss- constructed by attaching several triangles

37 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

Each member should be in state of equilibrium under the action of

39 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

DEFINING A SIMPLE TRUSS

A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined together at

A simple truss is a planar truss which begins

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42 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

43 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

44 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

45 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012

46 Dr. Karamjit Singh Chahal 11/22/2012