Truss-To-GO
A Novel Low-Tech Flax-FRP Technology for the In-Situ Construction of Lattice Structures
P.K. Sathyamurthy (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Marcel Bilow (Architectural Technology)
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Abstract
Truss-to-GO is the name given to a Research-by-Design idea for a novel construction technology for Lattice Structures such as trusses and space frames. The ambition is to develop an in-situ fabrication method for these structures, using a continuous Flax- FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composite-technology-based ‘Rope’ that can be compactly transported to site in a spool, and manually ‘woven’ into truss-like shapes and finally cured and rigidified. This thesis explores the first steps of such a technology, starting some of the mechanical properties that can be achieved by braided flax polymer composites as a single strut or chord in the lattice, with consideration for the pre-cure consolidation strategy for the composite. Further, the mechanical performance of a joint, or node, in the lattice is tested, and a proposal for the on-site infrastructures and fabrication workflow is developed. Finally, a simple comparison is made between the Truss-to-GO technology and some conventional lattice construction technologies, with insights about the potentials, limitations and future research topics for this ‘fantasy’ technology.