spaceframe tower – 3D printing of freeform space structures nodes

initial design of the tower and the joints connections

3D Printing joints advantages in spaceframe structures:

• Decrease material cost and waste
• More accuracy
• Fewer elements thus simpler detail
• Aesthetic concerns

Challenges:

• Not well-developed material-wise. The quality of current material for 3D printing is sometimes not suitable for special conditions like direct sunlight

view to the up

joints’ first phase design

Structural Considerations:

• Tension in the elements, moment inertia in at the connections to the joins
• If we can develop larger joints, beams size would decrease, total structure weight would decrease
• In rigid connections, the main load on beam is on its 10-20 cm ends.
• Structures with rigid joints are usually lighter

refined joint ready to 3D print

refined joints printed

Next steps:

• 3 to 4m high prototype 
• analyzing the forces, bending force, torsion, and tension, in both sleeve and internal joints, secondary fastener or pin detailing
• Studying the impact of the printing direction and material on structural performance
• Based on the rods and joints design and size, there is an opportunity of either single or double layer surfaces covering parts of the dome or a tower