A Modular Truss System for Pedestrian Traffic and a Computer Implementation of an Algorithm for Creating the Truss Structure

摘要

The paper demonstrates a concept of a truss system designed for pedestrian traffic called the "Truss-Z" invented by the author. The system is composed of the main truss and supporting structure, both modular. The main truss uses only two modules and the supporting structure- one (although some elements of the support must be customized).The Truss-Z has some interesting emergent aesthetic features, since it can organically adopt to virtually any environment. It is an extreme example of the Nature's "bottom-up" strategy which is intrinsic to all modular systems [1] but unlike most of them at the same time offers great flexibility. The system is meant for practical application in various environments, especially where the use of heavy equipment for the erection of the structure should be avoided. Particularly for skyways, links, (temporary) exhibitions [2], scaffolding, self-supporting air ducts and so on. Due to the modularity, the system can be inexpensively prefabricated, transported to the site and (hopefully) easily assembled. It is also possible to use locally available materials such as timber, and to assemble the units by using special templates, which makes Truss-Z suitable for forest industry, military and so on. By dividing the structure into statically independent segments, the Truss-Z system can be adopted to special seismic requirements.