Classifications

• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1933—Struts specially adapted therefor of polygonal, e.g. square, cross section
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1936—Winged profiles, e.g. with a L-, T-, U- or X-shaped cross section
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures
  • E04B2001/1924—Struts specially adapted therefor
  • E04B2001/1951—Struts specially adapted therefor uninterrupted struts situated in the outer planes of the framework
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures
  • E04B2001/1975—Frameworks where the struts are directly connected to each other, i.e. without interposed connecting nodes or plates
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E04—BUILDING
  • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
  • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
  • E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
  • E04B1/19—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures
  • E04B2001/1981—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework
  • E04B2001/1984—Three-dimensional [3D] framework structures characterised by the grid type of the outer planes of the framework rectangular, e.g. square, grid

Definitions

• the invention relates to a space frame structure without node elements, which frame structure comprises first and second con ⁇ tinuous upper chords running crosswise in relation to each other and first and second continuous lower chords running crosswise in relation to each other, as well as diagonal pro ⁇ files which connect at least some of the junction points of the upper chord profiles to at least some of the junction points of the lower chord profiles, whereby there are formed space frame structure nodes at which the continuous side surfaces of the diagonal profiles are fastened to at least one of the chord profiles.
• a space frame structure By a space frame structure is thus meant in the present patent application a frame structure which has upper chords and lower chords forming an upper chord grid or upper chord grids and, at a distance from this, a lower chord grid or lower chord grids.
• a space frame can thus, in the orientation of these grids, be extended indefinitely by lengthening the mem ⁇ bers which constitute the upper and lower chords and by in ⁇ creasing their number in the transverse directions.
• Such a space frame structure thus has a length of the required mag ⁇ nitude and a width of the required magnitude and, perpendicular to these, a thickness substantially smaller than both the length and the width of the space frame structure.
• Plate-like space frame structures normally comprise a plurality of first and second upper chord profiles which run crosswise relative to each other, and a plurality of first and second lower chord profiles which run crosswise rela ⁇ tive to each other.
• junction points of the upper chord profiles are in one such space frame structure connected to the junction points of the lower chord profiles by using diagonal braces, in which case nodes are formed at the junction points of the diagonal braces and these chord profiles.
• the diagonal braces interconnecting these nodes thus maintain the upper chord profiles and the lower chord profiles at a distance from each other which is the characteristic thickness of the space frame structure, and also mediate forces between the chord profiles.
• these nodes are formed at the junction points of the chord profiles, but such nodes may be formed with diagonal braces also at other points of the chord profiles.
• a plurality of diagonal braces are connected to one node, for example typically four diagonal braces which are oriented from the node symmetrically and pyramidally in dif ⁇ ferent directions towards opposite chords.
• numerous different space frame structure geometries are ob ⁇ tained, which are known per se.
• a space frame can be formed from separate node elements and from separate bars which intercon ⁇ nect the node elements, the bars in the upper chord grid and the bars in the lower chord grid forming lines, and thereby the chord members, and the bars interconnecting the chords forming the diagonal braces.
• This system has the advantage that each bar can be designed and manufactured on the basis of the loads the frame element concerned will be subjected to. Thus the bars in different orientations are in these systems typically dif ⁇ ferent.
• Such space frame structures equipped with node elements have been described in publications FI-80 935, FI-92 508 and DE-2 413 529.
• Publication CH-429 086 also describes a frame structure in which node elements are used, although in this structure the node elements are either plate ⁇ like pieces or parts of a T-profile and thus simple in shape.
• This structure contains a very large number of parts and its manufacture and assembling are expensive. What is obtained by using this proposed construction is not a genuine space frame structure but a combination of parallel and/or intersecting flat grids.
• the diagonal profiles are structurally such that the system is not suitable for robust structures; it is limited to relatively light frames.
• the node structure described is not advan ⁇ tageous in terms of strength of materials as it concentrates the forces between the diagonal profiles and the chord profiles at the nodes in a very small area and in small webs between bolts and/or in one relatively small bolt. For this reason, also, the described structure is suitable for only lightweight frame structures.
• Publication DE-2 445 515 describes a space frame structure based on continuous chord profiles and having no node elements, in which structure the ends of the diagonal profiles have not been specifically shaped.
• one of the chord profiles has been designed to comprise two flat flange pairs, in which case two opposite surfaces of a diagonal profile rec ⁇ tangular in cross-section bear against two flange surfaces of the pair of flat flanges.
• This chord profile which comprises the said oblique flat flange pairs, is made up of two separate profile parts which have been hinged to each other, in which case they can be tilted to the position in which they are in the final space frame structure. The final position is locked by using self-tapping screws passing through the crosswise chord profile.
• the node is not very advantageous in terms of strength of materials, since the diagonal profiles are connected to only one of the chord profiles and the other chord profile is se ⁇ cured to the first-mentioned chord profile only by using self- tapping screws. In this case the transfer of forces between the chord profiles, and from this second chord to the diagonal pro ⁇ files, takes place overall through a very weak joint.
• This structure also, is not suitable for forming robust frames.
• a space frame structure without node elements, in which structure all of the chord profiles are of a simple continuous and fixed profile without any bendable portions.
• Another object of the invention is such a space frame structure, in which it is not necessary to make any notchings or any other shapings in either chord profile at the junction points of the chord profiles crosswise to each other.
• a third object of the invention is such a space frame structure, at the nodes of which, where the diag ⁇ onal profiles are connected to either one of the chord profiles or to both chord profiles, it is necessary at most to make holes in the diagonal profile and in the chord profile to ac ⁇ commodate any securing members.
• a fourth object of the invention is such a space frame structure, in which it is not necessary to shape the ends of the diagonal profiles in any way for their securing to the chord profiles; the diagonal profiles can mere ⁇ ly be cut straight, or partly or entirely obliquely into suit ⁇ able lengths and, when necessary, be provided with holes for possible securing members between them and the chord profiles.
• a fifth object of the invention is such a space frame struc ⁇ ture, in which each diagonal profile can be secured at the nodes, where the chord profiles intersect, directly without any intermediary elements to both of these intersecting chord pro ⁇ files.
• An additional object due to this, is such a frame structure, in which it is not necessary to secure the inter ⁇ secting upper chord profiles directly to each other and the intersecting lower chord profiles directly to each other.
• a sixth object of the invention is such a space frame structure, in which it is possible to form additional nodes, in addition to the junction points of the chord profiles, by placing in the frame additional diagonal profiles and/or additional chord profiles.
• a seventh object of the invention is such a space frame structure, in which all of the diagonal profiles are preferably of mutually the same profile.
• An eight object of the invention is a possibility of using in these profiles, accord ⁇ ing to the given location in the space frame, a material of the desired strength, while keeping, when necessary, the cross-sec ⁇ tional dimensions unchanged.
• a ninth object of the invention is a space frame structure in which the shapes of the profiles are open profiles and can be formed, for example, by rolling, and so as to be easily zinc coated, or alternatively hollow-core profiles.
• a tenth object of the invention is such a space frame structure, in which the thickness of the frame can be given the desired magnitude by using diagonal profile pieces of the de ⁇ sired length and by additionally arranging, in the chord grids, the sides of the grid panel of the chord profiles so as to correspond to this.
• chord profiles and the diagonal profiles are made of simple straight profile, from which a frame of a certain size can be assembled simply by cutting the profile into parts of the desired length and by securing the parts thus obtained, not changing their shape, to each other by using bolts, screws, welding or gluing or some other suitable method.
• the structure according to the invention thus has no articulations, and it is not necessary to change the shape of any profile pieces; at most, the drilling of holes for the securing members will suffice.
• Another advantage of the invention is that at the nodes formed by the junction points of the chord profiles it is not necessary to make any notchings, and at these points the diagonal profiles connect directly to both chord profiles, surface against surface. Thus a very strong frame is obtained, since the forces are transferred directly between the two chord profiles and the diagonal pro ⁇ files.
• all of the diagonal profile pieces can, when necessary, be mutually simi ⁇ lar, in which case no assorting for purposes of transportation and assembling of the frame structure is necessary.
• This also enables the frame structure to be assembled rapidly and simply.
• all the chord profiles may also be of the same profile.
• Figure 1 depicts generally a space frame structure ac ⁇ cording to the invention, in an axonometric representation.
• Figure 2 depicts one node formed by a junction of upper chords and diagonal profiles in a space frame structure accord ⁇ ing to the invention, in the same representation as in Figure
• Figure 3 depicts one node formed by a junction of lower chords and diagonal profiles in a space frame structure accord ⁇ ing to the invention, in the same representation as in Figure
• Figure 4 depicts a top view of one embodiment of the space frame structure according to the invention, having square grid panels, in a direction perpendicular to the length and the width of the frame, as seen from direction I in Figure 1.
• Figures 5A-5E depict cross-sections of other alternative chord profiles.
• Figures 6A-6D depict cross-sections of other alternative diagonal profiles.
• Figure 7 depicts a top view of another embodiment of the space frame structure according to the invention, having rect ⁇ angular grid panels, in a direction perpendicular to the length and the width of the frame, in the same representation as in Figure 4.
• Figure 8 depicts a top view of a third embodiment of the space frame structure according to the invention, having parallelogram-shaped grid panels, in a direction perpendicular to the length and width of the frame, in the same representa ⁇ tion as in Figure 4.
• the space frame structure according to the invention without node elements, shown in the figures, comprises first upper chord profiles 1 and second upper chord profiles 2, which run crosswise relative to each other and are typically made up of continuous, i.e. unbroken profiles.
• the structure also com ⁇ prises continuous first lower chord profiles 3 and second con ⁇ tinuous lower chord profiles 4, which run crosswise relative to each other and are preferably made up of continuous, i.e. un ⁇ broken profiles.
• All of the first upper chord profiles 1 are mutually parallel and, furthermore, all of the first lower chord profiles 3 are mutually parallel, and typically these first upper chord profiles and the first lower chord profiles are also mutually parallel.
• the second upper chord profiles 2 are mutually parallel and the second lower chord profiles 4 are mutually parallel, and, furthermore, these second upper chord profiles and the second lower chord profiles are typically mutually parallel.
• This positioning of the chord profiles can be seen most clearly in Figure 4.
• the second upper chord profiles are above the first upper chord profiles and against them, and likewise the second lower chord profiles are above the first lower chord profiles and against them, as seen from direction I.
• the distance HI between the plane formed by the first upper chord profiles 1 and the plane formed by the first lower chord profiles 3 is equal to the distance H2 between the plane formed by the second upper chord profiles 2 and the plane formed by the second lower chord profiles 4.
• nodes 6 and 7 of the space frame struc ⁇ ture are formed from the junctions of the first and second upper chord profiles 1, 2, as well as from the junctions of the first and second lower chord profiles 3, 4, by connecting at these points diagonal profiles 5 to the chord profiles.
• These diagonal profiles 5 always run from a node 7 of the lower chord profiles to a node 6 of the upper chord profiles, as can be seen clearly in Figure 4.
• four diagonal profiles depart pyramidally and symmetrically from each node 6, 7 formed by the junctions, the corner points of each pyramid being nodes in the upper or lower chord grid, and the tip of the pyramid being a node in the opposite, either lower or upper, chord grid.
• chord profile frequency can be altered in a manner generally known in frame structures, but in this case the apex angle 2 ⁇ of the chord profile cross-section, discussed below, and the L-angle 2 ⁇ of the diagonal profile cross-section must, of course, be adjusted to correspond to this space frame arrangement.
• both the first and the second upper chord profiles 1, 2, as well as the first and the second lower chord profiles 3, 4 comprise each two continuous flat flanges which in cross-section form mutually a V-angle, or an apex angle 2 ⁇ .
• all the chord profiles comprise each two flat flanges unbroken in the longitudinal orientation of the profile, the apex angle between the flanges in their cross section being in all chord profiles the same 2 ⁇ , as can clearly be seen in Figures 2 and 3.
• the inner surfaces 8 and outer surfaces 9 of each flat flange 11 are mutually parallel and thus form an apex angle 2 ⁇ .
• the diagonal profiles can, in accordance with the invention, be connected equally well to the outer surfaces 9 or the inner surfaces 8 of these flat flanges, as shown in the figures. It is also possible to use flat flanges 11 in which only the outer surface 9 forms the said apex angle 2 ⁇ , but in such a case the diagonal profiles are connected at the nodes 6 and 7 only against the outer surfaces of both the first and second chord profiles.
• Such a design is usable if the chord profiles are formed as hollow-core profiles and not as open profiles as in the preferred embodiment shown in the figures. In other respects the chord profiles may be of any type, the only limitation deriving from the fact that there must be room for the ends of the diagonal profiles 5 to settle against these flat flanges 11.
• chord profiles may in themselves be cross-sectionally different, as long as they have the said flat flanges, but in terms of installation and machine shop tech ⁇ niques the preferable system is that all of the chord profiles are of the same profile type in their cross-sectional shape, and most preferably of precisely the same profile.
• strength of materials on the other hand, it is most preferable to use in the lower chord profiles a material as strong as possible, since a high tensile stress prevails in them.
• a lower-strength material which is less expensive.
• the different chord profiles may be manufactured from materials of different strengths and/or different thicknesses, while their shape can be maintained the same. Maintaining the shape either completely the same or changing it only with respect to the material thickness is advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology, since, for example, in roll forming machines these said alter ⁇ natives can be made by using the same tools; at the most, ad ⁇ justment of their settings may be needed before continuing the production.
• the diagonal profiles 5 comprise each at least two continuous side surfaces 12, which in the cross-section form together an L-angle, or a spread angle, 2 ⁇ .
• the diagonal profiles 5 are in the main L-shaped, the outer surfaces 12a, 12b of their L-branches forming in the cross- section the said L-angle 2 ⁇ .
• the chord profiles can be secured to this diagonal profile 5, and in particular to its side surfaces 12, at the outer sur ⁇ faces 9 and inner surfaces 8 of the flat flanges 11.
• a diagonal profile which comprises two oppo ⁇ site L-shaped sections in which two adjacent side surfaces always form between their branches the above-mentioned spread angle 2 ⁇ .
• the cross-sectional shape of such a diagonal profile is mainly a parallelogram, tetrahedron or the like, having four flat continuous side surfaces, the two spread angles 2 ⁇ , formed each by two of the surfaces, being equal, in which case two adjacent flat surfaces at one node 6, 7 function in contact with the flat flange 11 of the chord profiles.
• Such a cross- sectional shape of a diagonal profile is shown in Figure 6D.
• the diagonal profiles may otherwise have any cross-sectional shape, as long as they have the number, according to the embo ⁇ diment, of continuous side surfaces 12, i.e. at least two con ⁇ tinuous side surfaces, the spread angle between them being proportioned to the apex angle between the flat flanges 11 of the chord profiles in such a manner that the flat contact, described in greater detail below, is formed between these side surfaces and the outer surfaces and/or inner surfaces of the flat flanges.
• the apex angle, or V-angle, 2 ⁇ between the flat flanges of the chord profiles and the spread angle, or L-angle, 2 ⁇ between the side surfaces 12 of the diagonal profiles have been proportioned to each other so that at nodes 6 the continuous side surfaces 12 of the diagonal profiles 5 settle against the continuous flat flanges 11 of both the first and the second upper chord profiles 1, 2, and likewise the continuous side surfaces 12 of a diagonal profile settle against the continuous flat flanges 11 of the first and the second lower chord profiles 3, 4.
• the profiles have been drawn as being transparent as regards the foremost diagonal profiles 5, and the contact surfaces between the diagonal profiles and the chord profiles have been hatched obliquely.
• the first side surfaces 12a of the diagon ⁇ al profiles settle against the outer surfaces 9 of the first upper chord profile 1, and the second side surfaces 12b settle against the inner surfaces 8 of the flat flange 11 of the sec ⁇ ond upper chord profile 2.
• the first side surfaces 12a of the diagonal profiles 5 settle against the inner surfaces 8 of the first lower chord profile 3, and the second side surfaces 12b against the outer surfaces 9 of the second lower chord profile 4.
• Table 1 also shows some theoretical lengths P (measured from the web of one chord profile to the web of an ⁇ other chord profile) for the diagonal braces 5 and lengths Kl- K4 (measured from the center point of one node to the center point of another node) for the sides of the grid panels formed by chord profiles 1 and 2; 3 and 4.
• This embodiment and the square grid panel can be seen in Figure 4:
• Table 1 (grid panel is a square)
• the apex angle 2 ⁇ formed by the flat flanges 11 of the chord profiles is typically within the range 120°-40°, and preferably in the order of 90°-60°. If in this case the cross-sectional shape is a symmetrical trun ⁇ cated V-shape, the inside fold angles of the profile shape are equal, i.e. 90+ ⁇ , as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
• the spread angle 2 ⁇ between the side surfaces 12 of the diago ⁇ nal profiles 5 is typically within a range of approx. 40°-90°, preferably in the order of 60°-76°.
• the implementation of the frame structure according to the invention in a frame of a different shape is depicted with the help of Table 2.
• the distance K2 between the second upper chord profiles is greater than the distance Kl between the first upper chord profiles
• the distance K4 between the second lower chord profiles is greater than the distance K3 between the first lower chord profiles, but nevertheless the chord profiles are at right angles to each other.
• the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the chord pro ⁇ files and the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the diagonal profiles are with ⁇ in the same range as those described above, although in this case the apex angles 2 ⁇ 2 of the second upper and lower chord profiles 2, 4 are not equal to the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the first upper and lower chord profiles. However, in this case, also, the spread angles 2 ⁇ of all of the diagonal profiles 5 are equal, and all of the diagonal profiles are equal in length.
• This frame form and its grid panels can be seen in Figure 7.
• chord profiles are not perpendicular to one another; in the chord grids they form mutually grid angles and , and thus the grid panel is either a diamond or more commonly a parallelogram, in which the opposite angles are thus equal.
• the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the chord pro ⁇ files and the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the diagonal profiles are with ⁇ in the same range as was described above, although in this case the apex angles 2 ⁇ 2 of the second upper and lower chord pro ⁇ files 2, 4 are not equal to the apex angles 2 ⁇ - j _ of the first upper and lower chord profiles 1, 3.
• the spread angles 2 ⁇ * ⁇ of the first diagonal profiles 5, which con ⁇ nect nodes 6, 7 within the area of the larger angle ⁇ -•_ of the grid panel are smaller than the spread angles 2 ⁇ 2 of the second diagonal profiles 5, which connect the nodes 6, 7 within the area of the smaller angle ⁇ 2 of the grid panel.
• the theore ⁇ tical length P- ⁇ of the first diagonal profiles is in this case smaller than the theoretical length P 2 of the second diagonal profiles.
• the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the first and second upper chord profiles 1, 2 open mutually in the same direction and preferably towards the interior of the space frame.
• the apex angles 2 ⁇ of the first and second lower chord pro ⁇ files 3, 4 open mutually in the same direction, towards the in ⁇ terior of the space frame.
• edges 13 of the flat flanges 11 of the second upper chord profiles 2 will ad ⁇ vantageously settle against the ridge of the shape of the first upper chord profiles 1 or, in the embodiment of Figures 1-3, against the web 14 of the truncated V-shape, and, in a respec ⁇ tive manner, the edges 13 of the flat flanges 11 of the first lower chord profiles 3 will settle against the ridge of the shape of the second lower chord profiles 4 or, respectively, against the web 14 of the truncated V-shape, as shown in Fig ⁇ ures 1-3. Since the first and the second profiles may be mutually in a different order, the contact order referred to above may be reverse to what has been described.
• chord profiles may also open outwards from the space frame, but in such a case the diagonal profiles will have to intersect between the chords, which may cause problems.
• chord profiles may have a cross- sectional shape either completely V-shaped, as shown in Figure 5A, or they may be open profiles having the shape of a trun ⁇ cated V, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
• This in the main V-shaped design has also the advantage that at the nodes 6, 7 formed at the junction points of the chord profiles the first and second chord profiles, and in particular their flat flanges 11, can be brought close to each other, in which case the strengths and rigidities of the chord grids will be the same in the orienta ⁇ tions of both the first and the second chord profiles, and the joint between the first and the second chord profiles will be rigid.
• chord profiles are entirely or in part made as hollow-core profiles, they may also be A-shaped, trapezoidal, triangular, which are also in principle V-shaped profiles, or hexagonal or the like in their cross-section, as shown in Fig ⁇ ures 5B-5E.
• a hexagonal shape which has two opposite apex angles 2 ⁇ between the flat flanges is suitable for use in frames which have more than two chord grids, but it may, of course, also be used in space frames with two chord grids, which are discussed in greater detail in the present applica ⁇ tion.
• the diagonal profiles 5 may, as may the chord profiles, also be hollow-core profiles either entirely or in part.
• the cross-sectional shape of the diagonal profiles is A-shaped, trapezoidal, triangular or a parallelipipedon or the like, as shown in Figures 6A-6D.
• a sharp-tipped cross- sectional shape of the diagonal profile such as shown in Fig ⁇ ures 2, 3, 6A and 6C-6D, is advantageous, since in such a case the contact surface area of the diagonal profile and the chord profiles at their nodes, in particular at nodes 6, 7 formed at the junction points of the chord profiles, is maximal.
• the apex angle 2 ⁇ between the flat flanges 11 of the chord profiles 1, 2; 3,4 may be precise ⁇ ly the same as the angle 2 ⁇ between the side surfaces 12 of the diagonal profiles 5.
• all the chord profiles and diagonal profiles may, if so desired, be of a profile exactly the same, at least in shape.
• chord profiles and diagonal profiles according to the in ⁇ vention are preferably open profiles, such as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5A, since such profile shapes can be formed, for ex ⁇ ample, by the roll-forming method, in which case profiles hav ⁇ ing the desired cross-sectional dimensions and the required lengths can be manufactured flexibly.
• the advantages gained by using this manufacturing method were already described earlier in the present application.
• the wall thicknesses may vary typi ⁇ cally within the range 4-12 mm but, depending on the apparatus and the purpose of use, they may be even smaller than the said 4 mm or greater than the said 12 mm.
• the thickness H of the frame is the frame span length D5 and/or D4 divided by a number of 10-30.
• the frame thickness H is the span length divided by a number of 15-20 but, when necessary, these values can be deviated from.
• a space frame structure it is easy to arrange additional nodes 21, 22, for example in the area of the frame edges, to stiffen the space frame. This is done by securing to the flat flange 11 of an upper chord pro ⁇ file 1 or 2 and to the flat flange 11 of a lower chord profile 3 or 4 additional diagonals 15a between them at points which are between the nodes 6, 7 formed by the junction points of the chord profiles.
• Figure 1 shows one such additional diagonal 15a, but it is clear that in a practical situation a plurality of such diagonals are provided at each edge of the space frame structure, for example, within each distance between the nodes 6,7 formed by the chord profile junctions.
• These additional diagonals 15a may be inclined alternately in different direc ⁇ tions.
• additional diagonals may have the same length as the other diagonal profiles, or they may designed to be of a different length, for example, of the magnitude of the perpen ⁇ dicular distance between the first upper and lower chords.
• edges at which the chord profiles end there are in most cases formed nodes even if they are not dimensionally chord profile junctions.
• the edge of the space frame is arranged at the point at which there will be a node 6 formed by upper chord profiles 1 and 2 or a node 7 formed by lower chord profiles 3 and 4. In such a case the diagonals belonging at this point are in any case brought to this point, and so they serve as nodes.
• the space frame structure without node elements, in accordance with the invention, can with relative ease be also designed as a raised or pre-cambered frame. This is done by making at least some of the first or second lower chord profiles 3 or 4 of at least two profile elements.
• Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the two lower chord profiles 3 and 4 are each made of three profile elements 23a-23c and 24a-24c, in which case the total combined length D1+D2+D3 of the profile elements 23a-23c of the first lower chord profile 3 is smaller than the length D4 of the completed frame structure in the orientation con ⁇ cerned, and likewise the total combined length D1+D2+D3 of the three profile elements 24a-24c of the second lower chord pro ⁇ file 4 is smaller than the length D5 of the completed frame structure in this orientation.
• gaps 17 between the profile elements 23a-c, 24a-c at the assembling stage of the frame structure.
• these gaps 17 are reduced or entirely closed by using tightening means, not shown in the figures, which cross the gaps, whereupon tensile stress is produced on the lower-chord side of the frame structure, whereupon the unloaded space frame structure will rise and become slightly cambered towards the upper chord 1, 2.
• tightening means not shown in the figures, which cross the gaps, whereupon tensile stress is produced on the lower-chord side of the frame structure, whereupon the unloaded space frame structure will rise and become slightly cambered towards the upper chord 1, 2.
• the space frame so as to be pre-cambered, and so it is possible to use continuous, or in very large frames conventionally extended, chord profiles which extend over the entire lengths D4, D5 of the frame. If pre- cambering is used, the lengths of the profile elements 23 24 can be selected expediently and independently of the distances between the nodes.

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Architecture (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Electromagnetism (AREA)
• Civil Engineering (AREA)
• Structural Engineering (AREA)
• Rod-Shaped Construction Members (AREA)
• Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
• Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
• Position Fixing By Use Of Radio Waves (AREA)
• Road Paving Structures (AREA)
• Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
• Treating Waste Gases (AREA)
• Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
• Curing Cements, Concrete, And Artificial Stone (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=8542836

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (8)

Families Citing this family (2)

Family Cites Families (4)

• 1995
  • 1995-02-13 FI FI950615A patent/FI96440C/fi active
• 1996
  • 1996-02-12 PL PL96321778A patent/PL183325B1/pl not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1996-02-12 AT AT96901822T patent/ATE239147T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1996-02-12 DE DE69627854T patent/DE69627854D1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1996-02-12 WO PCT/FI1996/000079 patent/WO1996025565A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 1996-02-12 AU AU46248/96A patent/AU4624896A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1996-02-12 EP EP96901822A patent/EP0832330B1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime
• 1997
  • 1997-08-12 NO NO973713A patent/NO308547B1/no not_active IP Right Cessation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events