A new system of deployable structures with reciprocal linkages for emergency buildings

Abstract

Deployable structures are a good solution for emergency buildings, due to their lightness and compact nature which means they can be transported to where they are needed. Nevertheless, the deployable structures studied to date have the drawback of being too deformable, so that larger and therefore heavier sections had to be used. This paper proposes a new type of deployable structure that uses reciprocal linkages which give rise to greater strength and rigidity. The geometrical and mechanical conditions of the linkages are analysed, as several different types which perform better can be designed, and a calculation method is developed to analyse structures of this type. The features and behaviour of a flat mesh with articulated reciprocal linkages are also compared analytically and experimentally. The theoretical calculations and experimental tests make it possible to prove the viability and efficacy of this new structural type.

Bias deployable grids with horizontal compound scissor-like elements: A geometric study of the folding/deployment process

“…In addition, the tests carried out confirm that folding is more important in the upper section than it is in the lower section 32 (See 32, Section 6. Discussion, p.11).…”

“…In order to increase resistance and rigidity against downward vertical loads, and taking advantage of the use of eccentric bar axis nodes in the construction of the model, self-locking nodes were added in accordance with the recommendations of Pérez-Valcárcel et al 32…”

The influence of joint eccentricity on the foldability of four deployable structure systems

“…We use the notation e rather than R in order to avoid confusion. 28,31,32 Consequently, as shown in Figure 8, we can define the eccentricity of the system (E), as the sum of partial eccentricity (e), and the radius of the bars (r), as per equation (1).…”