DEPLOYABLE RECIPROCAL FRAME STRUCTURES:
DEPLOYABLE MODULE
Deployable Module
SAYALI SHAH
1
Department of Masters in Digital Architecture, MKSSS [Link]
Nanavati College of Architecture,Pune, Pune University
1
sayaliishah@[Link]
Abstract. This study contains new results concerning several aspects
of reciprocal frame research. The paper intends to induce portability
and deployability in reciprocal structures using straight bars. A
complex grillage, when created as an assembly of units, which is a
self-standing 3d structure is Reciprocal Frames(RF) Structure. While
these structures are attractive reflecting their simplicity, beauty, and
ease of assembly, disassembly, deployment, and reuse of elements;
creating such structures, however, is difficult. Straight bars encourage
its use in building the RF structures which further led to the study of the
Deployable Reciprocal Frame Structure. An attempt is made to design
a structure that has the potential of being converted into a Deployable
Emergency Module that offers protection after natural disasters.
Keywords. Reciprocal, deployable, straight bars, habitable space,
emergency module.
1. Introduction
A span greater than its own length covered with a combination of balanced
structural elements is Reciprocal Frames Structures(RF). Mutually supported
elements which are placed in a cyclic manner establish balance and equilibrium.
At least three elements are must to obtain the stability in the RF unit. (See Figure
1). The characteristic of these RF structures is that they do not intersect at the
elements’ longitudinal extensions but meet along the supporting length at the
centre of the assembly. These systems had also proved to be very useful in the
ancient period when material availability was scarce. (Godthelp, 2019)
PROJECTIONS, Proceedings of the 26th International Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided
Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA) 2021, Volume 1, 553-562. © 2021 and published by the
Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), Hong Kong.
554 S. SHAH
Figure 1. Reciprocal Frame Structure Component. (Source: Author).
1.1. HISTORY AND TIMELINE OF THE USE OF RECIPROCAL FRAME
SYSTEM:
The reciprocal frame concept can be traced to prehistoric building types through
the archaeological record and surviving traditions’ observations. Similar systems
appear in archetypes. (See Figure 2.1a) (See Figure2.1b) show the timeline of
Reciprocal Frame Structure Systems used. The reciprocal frame structure is
categorized to the different topologies as 1D (Leonardo da Vinci’s bridge), 2D
(Leonardo da Vinci’s grid), and 3D(Pugnale, 2014). Simple rules for pattern
generation are used for both 2D and 3D reciprocal frame structures, where a
very different result is generated using the same pattern for 3D reciprocal frame
structure. Hence, this inspires the study of a 3D reciprocal frame structure that can
achieve complex forms using simple rulesets. (Parigi, 2014). Modern RF systems
have introduced the new use of these systems. (See Figure 2.2)
Figure 2. 1(a): History of Reciprocal Frames 1(b): Timeline of the Use of Reciprocal Frame
Structure System ( Source: Author) 2(a) Kreod Pavilion (Source: Ed Kingsford) 2(b)Rokko-
Shidare Observatory (Source: O-Popovich-Larsen -2014) 2(c)Experimental Pavilion. (Source:
Rice Gallery).
2. Need for the study:
Using straight bars, different possible morphologies of deployable structures
with an approximation of habitable space using an independent unit repeated
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can assemble by using component aggregation. To expand the horizon of RF
structures, a new study is exploring its application for deployability and portability
and further looking towards the component aggregation where this system can be
modularly used. The efficiency of structure development, deployability, and easily
tuneable properties raise the need for new attention to this concept. The paper
attempts to approach the portability and deployability of the system.
3. Brief:
The paper aims to achieve a component aggregation using a Reciprocal Frame
Structure Component that is stable and deployable, which in the future can be
used as a deployable emergency module.
4. Methodology:
For a component generation, the RF component’s anatomy and the types of
method to generate them were studied. Different components were generated
computationally as well as using bamboo struts. The height of the component
and its stability were the filtration criteria to shortlist the components. The
components were further aggregated with different rule sets that were analyzed
for deployability. A module was then built to the scale that was deployable and
used as an emergency module.
4.1. COMPONENT GENERATION:
After studying the RF component’s anatomy, various struts components
were generated computationally and physically to understand further possible
aggregation. Later studying the RF component (See Figure 3a), a computational
script was developed to design the RF components (See Figure 3b). The
components were generated to understand further possible aggregations and forms.
(See Figure 3b) After generating the components, they were also studied to
understand the height to the radius ratio. (See Figure 3b)
Figure 3. (a)Anatomy of Reciprocal Structure Component. (Source: Author) (b)Study of
Reciprocal Frame Component(Source: Author).
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In (See Figure 3b), where “R” represents the outer radius of the component, and
“r” represents the inner radius of the component, the following points are observed
and concluded:
• The scaling factor and point height determine the beam height.
• The smaller the inner radius of the polygon higher is the height of the
component and vice versa.
• The height of the RF component is inversely proportional to the inner radius
of the RF component.
The existing 2d patterns generated using the RF component are studied, and
the rule sets are analyzed which were applied on shells for demonstration.
Computational and analogue models were made. (See Figure 4a). A delta in height
of the shells was observed despite of using same length struts while fabricating the
physical model. Additionally, the four strut aggregation was rigid as compared to
the other aggregations making it less likely for further experiment
While these physical models were made, the process helped to understand that
each bar is placed at a certain angle depending on the number of struts used in that
component. To extend the study, components and their internal angle were studied
systematically, and hence the rotation angle was achieved. Rotation Angle of the
Joinery Depends on the internal angle of the RF component. The following table
helps to understand the same. (See Figure 4b).
Figure 4. (a): Aggregation Rule-Set Pattern and its Distribution on Shells (Source: Author)
(b): Component Joinery Design and Its Study (Source: Author).
4.2. DEPLOYABLE MECHANISM STUDY:
Different deployable mechanism study was initiated, and it was found that there
are majorly two types in which the deployable mechanism is classified.
4.2.1. Strut Structures.
Structures made using struts where the members act as the compression, tension,
or bending members connected by hinge or joints are strut structures. Types of the
deployable mechanism used for these structures are:
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• Scissor - Hinge Mechanism
• Sliding or Umbrella Mechanism.
• Hinged -Collapsible Strut Mechanism.
4.2.2. Surface Structures.
Structures where the surfaces carry or act as stress members are surface structures.
These surfaces act as the compression or tension members of the structures. Types
of the deployable mechanism used for these structures are:
• Telescopic Mechanism.
• Inflatable Mechanism.
• Foldable Mechanism.
4.3. PARAMETERS TO CONSIDER FOR DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURES:
The following diagram explains clearly the parameters to consider while designing
deployable structures. (See Figure 5)
Figure 5. Parameters for Deployable Structures. (Source: Author).
4.4. AGGREGATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF RF STRUCTURES:
Small Bamboo sticks were used for the study of RF aggregation and their possible
deployable techniques. The exercise is carried out of 3 strut components, 5 strut
components, and 6 strut components. The growth pattern and their deployable
output were studied, but the further focus was on the enclosure growth pattern, as
a result, demanded habitable space (emergency module). (See Figure 6b). The
aggregation studies in two patterns:
• Linear Growth Pattern: The aggregation rule set for different components
varies depending on the number of members used to generate a component.
Once the aggregation was developed, deployable points were identified, and
the aggregation was deployed to check its limit. (See Figure 6a)
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• Enclosure Growth Pattern: The aggregation rule set for different components
varies depending on the number of members used to generate a component.
Once the aggregation was developed, deployable points were identified, and
the aggregation was deployed to check its limit. (See Figure 6b)
Figure 6. Aggregation Growth Patterns (Source: Author).
4.5. DEPLOYABLE JOINERY DESIGN AND BASE CONNECTION DETAIL:
Once the deployable points were identified, common deployable joinery suitable
for all RF components is designed. The joinery is designed to allow the structure
to deploy easily, keeping in mind the notch-free joint design criteria. This helps to
save bamboo from damage, and also, the life span of the bamboo increases. Joinery
is designed to rotate easily at a 360-degree angle in the plan, and 180-degree
in front elevation, making the deployable movement flexible. (See Figure 7a)
Also.3D printed prototype for the same was created. (See Figure 7a).
Every component creates an angle different from the ground when placed.
Hence the need for customizing joints for the individual component is needed.
(See Figure 7b). For module aggregation of each component’s base angle will be
the same. (Figure 7b). Also, in the 5 strut component, the component rests on two
struts, and hence the two separate base angles will be designed. Also.3d printed
prototype for the same was created. (See Figure 7b).
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Figure 7. (a): Deployable Joinery Design for Aggregation and 3D printed prototype of the
Joinery. (Source: Author) (b): Base Connection Detail and 3D printed prototype of the Base.
(Source: Author).
4.6. COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT AGGREGATION.
A comparative study of different enclosure aggregations of 3 strut, 5 struts, and 6
struts was studied keeping the number of components in the strut’s aggregation and
length constant. (See Figure 8a) shows that the 5 strut aggregation is most suitable
as the area of enclosure to the height. The aggregation fulfils the basic requirement
of habitable space. Further, the modules are also tested against the pressure where
the wind speed is 15m/sec. (See Figure 8b) shows that wind pressure on the 5
strut aggregation is comparatively less. Hence 5 strut aggregation shortlisted for
further studies.
Figure 8. Comparative Study of Enclosure Aggregation and Wind Pressure Analysis on the
Aggregation. (Source: Author) .
4.7. COMPARISON OF 5 STRUT AGGREGATION WITH DIFFERENT
MEMBER’S LENGTH.
Further, keeping 5 strut aggregation and the number of components used in
aggregation constant, the member’s length was changed, and then the length to
area ratio of the aggregation was studied. (See Figure 9a) shows that when the
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member’s length is 1.5m, the length to area ratio is apt. The habitable space can
be easily deployed.
Figure 9. (a): Comparision of 5 strut Aggregation with different Member’s Length (Source:
Author) (b): Space Matrix (Source: Author).
5. Design Proposal:
The shelter is the basic need of humans, but natural calamities like earthquakes,
floods, and people left out homeless lead to the emergency shelter. The deployable
emergency modules can offer protection after natural calamities.
5.1. SPACE MATRIX AND HABITAT DESIGN (UNIT DESIGN): :
Minimum space requirement laws for emergency shelter are studied from UNHCR
and SPHERE, compared with SRA norms, and is analyzed to give the best possible
habitat area. (See Figure 10b)
The components were designed so that each component is individually stable,
and when aggregated, the module (unit) is also stable. The study concluded that
the number of components added to design a unit is directly proportional to the
enclosure area. (See Figure 10a) Rhinoceros and Grasshopper were used for the
aggregation. The following script shows the development. (See Figure 10b). The
following study represents number of components used to area of enclosure and
number of the person, it could cater. (See Figure 10c)
Figure 10. Habitable Unit Design Process (Source: Author).
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6. Fabric Study:
Mainly 3 types of fabrics are used for the external covering:
• Polyester
• Polycotton
• Cotton.
Advantages and disadvantages of these fabrics were studied on the basis of
comparing their positive and negative points. It was concluded that polycotton,
since it’s a combination of polyester and cotton, befitted both materials, making it
the aptest material for the unit’s external covering. (components and roof).
6.1. UNIT AND ROOF COVERING AND ROOF COVERING CALCULATION
AND ITS MATRIX:
5 strut component was considered, area to cover the component and the roof is
marked and the fabric required is calculated. Through the diagram and physical
model, the covering method is explained below. For demonstration, a tensile
cloth is used. (See Figure 11.1). Area of enclosure + area of the triangle x no
of components added to the [Link] calculation for Fabric required for a
few module aggregations is shown below. (See Figure 11.2)
Figure 11. (1): Fabric Covering Technique Study (Source: Author) (2)The Calculation for
Roof Covering and Roof Covering Matrix (Source: Author).
7. Scaled Prototype and Visual Representation: :
A scaled prototype was made using conceal pipe and 3d printed joints to check
the structure’s stability. The member was 2 feet(0.60m) long, with diameter
20mm. (See Figure 12(a)(b)(c)) shows all steps of prototype construction. Visual
representation showcases its use. (See Figure 12d) can be used as an emergency
module after natural disasters. In the current scenario where the world faces the
COVID pandemic, these structures can be constructed easily and used as isolation
centres on open grounds or any flat land.
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Figure 12. (a): Construction of Component. (b): Construction of Aggregation Unit (c):
Deployed form. Scale Prototype (Source: Author) (d): Visual Representation (Source:
Author).
8. Discussion and Conclusion:
Reciprocal Frame structures are lightweight structures. This reciprocal structure
technique of making small adjustments for fine-tuning the loaded structures or
quick repair of the members without damaging the complete structure is possible.
The design of these structures can prove to be an essential feature for up-coming
generation in mechanical and Civil Engineering. The feature of deployable
reciprocal structure offers operational and portability advantages. Using this
technique, many structures can be built, which can be permanent structures
or temporary structures. A wide range of emergency structures can build in
emergencies as these structures can be easily and quickly built. Component
aggregation for reciprocal structures can prove to be an on-site built system,
where components can be transported to the site and then connected, and space
is [Link] mass design being minimal, the structure’s efficiency increases.
Since these structures deploy in one direction, they are easier to manage than
the structures deploying in different directions. Hence, this also increases the
efficiency and demand of these structures for use now and in the future.
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