Kinematics Approach and Experimental Verification of a Class of Deployable and Reconfigurable Linkage Structures
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150, Issue 1
Abstract
The sustainable development of the built environment is closely related to climate-neutral construction and minimum resources use. In this framework, deployable and reconfigurable building structures offer a promising solution while aiming at reduced self-weight with flexibility and structural efficiency. Nevertheless, commonly developed structural typologies often lead to increased structural weight, complexity, and energy-inefficient operation. The linkage-based systems considered in this work have minimum actuation components, are based on a modular design and the definition of a one-degree-of-freedom mechanism in each transformation step of a reconfiguration sequence from an initial to a target configuration. The effective crank–slider approach was applied on a class of planar eight-bar linkage aluminum structures of different typologies and geometrical characteristics of the members (i.e., simple and hybrid typologies), as well as of variable length. The considered planar structural mechanisms have an overall length of 12.0 m in their initial almost-flat configuration and a respective span of 6.0 m in their specific archlike target configurations. They are supported on a pivot joint on one end and a linear sliding block on the other end, which is associated to the external actuation. In addition, each intermediate joint is equipped with brakes. The simulation of the systems is based on kinematics and a comparative finite-element analysis. The study provides insight into the impact of various geometrical and typological aspects on the systems’ behavior. The experimental implementation of the kinematics approach on a small-scale prototype in different typologies demonstrates its feasibility and highlights practical implementation issues.
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Data Availability Statement
Some, or all, the data, models or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Mr. George Vessiaris, technical manager of the FabLab of the Department of Architecture of the University of Cyprus, for the valuable technical support regarding the development of the experimental setup, which was used for the experiments.
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Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 150 • Issue 1 • January 2024
Copyright
© 2023 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Mar 27, 2023
Accepted: Aug 25, 2023
Published online: Nov 6, 2023
Published in print: Jan 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Apr 6, 2024
ASCE Technical Topics:
- Buildings
- Business management
- Climates
- Continuum mechanics
- Design (by type)
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering fundamentals
- Engineering mechanics
- Environmental engineering
- Finite element method
- Geometrics
- Highway and road design
- Joints
- Kinematics
- Kinetics
- Methodology (by type)
- Numerical methods
- Practice and Profession
- Research methods (by type)
- Solid mechanics
- Structural engineering
- Structural members
- Structural systems
- Structures (by type)
- Sustainable development
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