Challenge
How would a foldable space frame have to be designed so that it can be prefabricated and pre-mounted in the shop, and then simply unfolded on site?
Invention
The RES-Foldables are based on a geometric design comprising three grids with square meshes. One grid comprises nodes and bars that are connected to each other via hinged tongue-and-groove joints. By introducing two levels to the grid and arranging the nodes alternately on upper and lower levels, the grid becomes a kinetic structure that can be converted into a vertical bundle of bars. To construct a wide-span space frame, three grids of this type are needed: two completely unfolded to form the upper and lower chord layers, and a third that is only partly unfolded to keep the layers apart and rigidly connect them.
Advantages
- Provision of a foldable space frame
- Suitable for lightweight composite structures
- Quick assembly
Applications
- Building kit for exhibitions, etc.
- Wide-span steel structure
- Special use for hollow ceilings