Experimental study on reciprocal prism (RP) grid for space structures

Abstract

Laboratory tests on two 8 m × 8 m square-on-diagonal alternate reciprocal prism (SoD-ARP) grids have been conducted to verify the accuracy of the analytical model and to study the ultimate strength behaviour of cable-strut structures. Experience learned from the design and construction and issues pertaining to the implementation of such structures are reported. Other issues explored include the suitability of the "butterfly" joint for modular erection and the use of high-tensile rods as "cable" element. The main innovation of the reciprocal prism (RP) grid system is that it extends cable net structures into freestanding grids. It shows promise in having lower weight-to-strength ratio than the conventional space truss systems. These new structural forms have been proven to be structurally more efficient than space truss system for large-span spatial applications. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.