U.S. patent application number 12/087121 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-11 for architectural structure, structural unit and method for constructing the same.
Invention is credited to Tsutomu Kamoshita, Ichiro Takeshima.
Application Number | 20090145073 12/087121 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40107362 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090145073 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takeshima; Ichiro ; et
al. |
June 11, 2009 |
Architectural Structure, Structural Unit and Method for
Constructing the Same
Abstract
The present invention provides an architectural structure having
a main frame of honeycomb configuration that is erected vertically
and expands in a plane, a structural unit therefore, and a method
for constructing the same. An architectural structure having a main
frame formed by connecting a plurality of structural units, wherein
a virtual honeycomb configuration that is erected vertically and
expands in a plane is provided with one structural unit (1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6) disposed at a position that includes one apex (h1, h2, h3,
h4, h5, h6) of a hexagonal cell (H1, H2) that is the unit cell
thereof in front view, means are provided for rigidly joining two
structural units by disposing joint surfaces, that are formed in
part of the respective outer circumferential surfaces of the two
structural units that adjoin each other, so as to oppose each
other, while the surfaces (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5, s6) that are rigidly
joined each crosses one of the sides of the hexagonal cell, and an
opening (W) surrounded by all the structural units that are
disposed on the hexagonal cell is formed in the mid portion of each
hexagonal cell.
Inventors: |
Takeshima; Ichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kamoshita; Tsutomu; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NIXON & VANDERHYE, PC
901 NORTH GLEBE ROAD, 11TH FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22203
US
|
Family ID: |
40107362 |
Appl. No.: |
12/087121 |
Filed: |
December 7, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 7, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2006/324475 |
371 Date: |
November 14, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/653.1 ;
52/656.2; 52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/34 20130101; E04B
1/22 20130101; E04B 1/18 20130101; E04B 2001/3583 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/653.1 ;
52/656.2; 52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/00 20060101
E04H012/00; E04C 2/40 20060101 E04C002/40; E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 6, 2006 |
JP |
2006-059409 |
Claims
1. An architectural structure having a main frame formed by
connecting a plurality of structural units, wherein a virtual
honeycomb configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a
plane is provided with one of the structural units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
6) disposed at a position that includes one apex (h1, h2, h3, h4,
h5, h6) of a hexagonal cell (H1, H2) that is the unit cell thereof
in front view, means are provided for joining the two structural
units by disposing joint surfaces, that are formed in part of the
respective outer circumferential surfaces of the two structural
units that adjoin each other, so as to oppose each other, while the
surfaces (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5, s6) that are joined each lies on one
of the sides of the hexagonal cell and crosses the side, and an
opening (W) surrounded by all the structural units that are
disposed on the hexagonal cell is formed in the mid portion of each
hexagonal cell.
2. The architectural structure according to claim 1, wherein the
structural unit is made of precast concrete, where the outer
circumference thereof has a pair of panel surfaces consisting of a
front surface and a back surface that oppose each other and a side
face extending between edges of the pair of panel surfaces, and a
plurality of the joint surfaces are provided as a part of the side
faces.
3. The architectural structure according to claim 2, wherein the
structural unit is made of precast concrete, where the pair of
panel surfaces have a hexagonal shape in front view, and the side
face between a side and one located next to the adjacent side of
the hexagonal cell is used as the joint surface.
4. The architectural structure according to claim 3, wherein the
hexagonal shape of the pair of panel surfaces is formed from a
short side and a long side that are disposed alternately, and that
a side face between the short sides is used as the joint
surface.
5. The architectural structure according to claim 2, wherein the
structural unit is made of precast concrete, where the panel
surface has three legs that extend in three directions from the
center in front view, and the side face located at the distal end
of each of the three legs is used as the joint surface.
6. An architectural structure having a main frame formed by
connecting a plurality of structural units, wherein a virtual
honeycomb configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a
plane is provided with one of the structural units (7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15) disposed at a position that includes two
adjacent apexes of a hexagonal cell (H1, H2) that is the unit cell
thereof in front view, means are provided for connecting the two
adjacent structural units by disposing joint surfaces, that are
formed in part of the respective outer circumferential surfaces of
the two structural units that adjoin each other, to oppose each
other, while the surfaces that are joined each cross one of the
sides of the hexagonal cell, and an opening (W) surrounded by all
the structural units that are disposed on the hexagonal cell is
formed in the mid portion of each hexagonal cell.
7. The architectural structure according to claim 6, wherein the
structural unit is made of precast concrete, where the outer
circumference thereof has a pair of panel surfaces consisting of a
front surface and a back surface that oppose each other and a side
face extending between edges of the pair of panel surfaces, and a
plurality of the joint surfaces are provided as a part of the side
faces.
8. The architectural structure according to claim 7, wherein the
structural unit is made of precast concrete, where each of the pair
of panel surfaces has an octagonal shape in front view, and the
side face between a side and one located next to the adjacent side
of the octagonal cell is used as the joint surface.
9. The architectural structure according to claim 8, wherein the
octagonal shape of the pair of panel surfaces is formed from short
sides and long sides that are disposed alternately, and that a side
face between the short sides is used as the joint surface.
10. The architectural structure according to claim 7, wherein the
structural unit is made of precast concrete, where the panel
surface has four legs that extend in four directions from the
center thereof in front view, and the side face located at the
distal end of each of the four legs is used as the joint
surface.
11. The architectural structure according to claim 2, wherein the
means of connecting the two adjacent structural units made of
precast concrete comprises a tendon that crosses the opposing joint
surfaces and passes through both structural units, and an anchoring
member that applies a post tension to the tendon and secures both
ends thereof on the side face of each structural unit.
12. The architectural structure according to claim 1, wherein the
structural unit is made of steel, reinforced concrete,
steel-encased reinforced concrete or wood.
13. An architectural structure having a main frame formed by
connecting a plurality of structural units, wherein a virtual
honeycomb configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a
plane is provided with one of first structural units (1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6) disposed at a position that includes one apex of a hexagonal
cell (H1, H2) that is the unit cell thereof in front view, and
second structural units (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) disposed
at a position that includes two adjacent apexes of the hexagonal
cell, means are provided for connection by disposing joint
surfaces, that are formed in part of the respective outer
circumferential surfaces of the two first and/or second structural
units that adjoin each other, to oppose each other, while the
surfaces that are joined each lies on one of sides of the hexagonal
cell and crosses the side, and an opening (W) surrounded by all of
the first and/or second structural units that are disposed on the
hexagonal cell is formed in the mid portion of each hexagonal
cell.
14. The architectural structure according to claim 1, wherein,
among the structural units that are connected consecutively in the
vertical direction, the structural units disposed at higher
positions and the structural units disposed at lower positions have
different shapes, so that the opening formed by the structural
units disposed at higher positions is larger than the opening
formed by the structural units disposed at lower positions.
15. A structural unit that is used to construct the architectural
structure according to claim 1.
16. A structural unit made of precast concrete that is used to form
a main frame of the architectural structure according to claim 1,
wherein the outer circumference thereof has a pair of panel
surfaces consisting of a front surface and a back surface that
oppose each other and a side face extending between edges of the
pair of panel surfaces, a plurality of joint surfaces for
connecting adjacent structural units are provided as partial
surfaces of the side faces, and a plurality of tendon insertion
holes that pass between each of the plurality of joint surfaces and
the other portion of the side face are provided in such a
configuration that they do not overlap each other.
17. The structural unit according to claim 16 that is made of
precast concrete, wherein the panel surfaces have a hexagonal shape
in front view, and the side face between a side and one located
next to the adjacent side of the hexagonal cell is used as the
joint surface.
18. The structural unit according to claim 17, wherein the
hexagonal shape of the panel surfaces is formed from short sides
and long sides that are disposed alternately, and that a side face
between the short sides is used as the joint surface.
19. The structural unit according to claim 16 that is made of
precast concrete, wherein the panel surfaces have three legs that
extend in three directions from the center in front view, and the
side face located at the distal end of each of the three legs is
used as the joint surface.
20. A structural unit made of precast concrete that is used in the
main frame of the architectural structure according to claim 6,
wherein the outer circumference thereof has a pair of panel
surfaces consisting of a front surface and a back surface that
oppose each other, and a side face extending between edges of the
pair of panel surfaces, a plurality of the joint surfaces are
provided as a part of the side faces for connecting the adjacent
structural units, and a plurality of tendon insertion holes that
pass between each of the plurality of joint surfaces and the other
portion of the side face are provided in such a configuration that
they do not overlap each other.
21. The structural unit according to claim 20 that is made of
precast concrete, wherein the panel surfaces have an octagonal
shape in front view, and the side face between a side and one
located next to the adjacent side of the octagonal cell is used as
the joint surface.
22. The structural unit according to claim 21, wherein the
octagonal shape of the panel surfaces is formed from short sides
and long sides that are disposed alternately, and that a side face
between the short sides is used as the joint surface.
23. The structural unit according to claim 20 that is made of
precast concrete, wherein the panel surface has four legs that
extend in four directions from the center thereof in front view,
and the side face located at the distal end of each of the four
legs is used as the joint surface.
24. The structural unit according to claim 20 that is made of
precast concrete, wherein half units, that are equal parts of the
structural unit divided along a division plane crossing a pair of
opposing non-joint surfaces, are joined with the division surfaces
opposing each other so as to form the structural unit.
25. A half unit that has the shape of one of two members that are
equal parts of the structural unit according to claim 20 divided
along a division plane crossing a pair of opposing non-joint
surfaces.
26. The structural unit according to claim 16, wherein a plurality
of slab connecting holes are provided to pass through the
structural unit in a direction perpendicular to the pair of panel
surfaces.
27. The structural unit according to claim 16, wherein the joint
surface is formed from either two sloped surfaces in a ridge shape
or two sloped surfaces in a valley shape.
28. The structural unit according to claim 16, wherein it is
disposed in a portion where the virtual honeycomb configuration has
a curved surface, and has a bending portion.
29. A method of constructing the architectural structure according
to claim 16, which comprises disposing two adjacent structural
units so that the respective joint surfaces oppose each other in
such a configuration as the tendon insertion holes thereof
communicate with each other; passing a tendon through the
communicating tendon insertion holes; and applying a post tension
to the tendon to fasten it thereby to joint the two adjacent
structural units.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an architectural structure
built by connecting a plurality of structural units with each
other, and particularly to an architectural structure comprising a
main frame of honeycomb configuration that expands in a plane
formed from hexagonal cells as unit cells. The invention also
relates to the structural unit and a method of constructing the
architectural structure by using the same.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Several methods have been known for constructing a skeleton
by using structural units made of precast concrete member.
[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-328816
discloses a precast concrete member used in an architectural
structure constructed by connecting triangular unit cells in a dome
configuration, and a method of connecting the same. In the
architectural structure of Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
(Kokai) No. 9-328816, six legs extend radially from each apex of
the triangular cell. The precast concrete member used in the
construction of this structure includes a joint member having
hexagonal shape in plan view that is located at the center and six
column members that are connected to the six sides of the joint
member. Each column member has thicker portions at both ends
thereof, so that a PC steel is inserted into the shoulder of the
thicker portion of one column member to pass through the joint
member to the shoulder of the thicker portion of an opposing column
member, and is fastened with post tension applied thereto. This is
the method employed to connect the members in case the cell is
constituted from an even number of column members that extend
radially.
[0006] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-328816
shows a method for joining three column members (an odd number) to
the side faces of a substantially triangular joint member in FIG. 8
and FIG. 9. The joint member has an anchor section formed therein
and a PC steel that is embedded therein and protrudes at the distal
end thereof from the joint member so as to be passed through the
thicker portion of the column member and subjected to post tension
for fastening.
[0007] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
2000-144909 discloses a trifurcated column used to form a
structural column of an architectural structure or a bridge pier in
a hexagonal structure. The trifurcated column is constituted from a
hexagonal strut disposed vertically and three beams that are
connected to the strut at the bottom thereof and extend obliquely
downward. A structure having a configuration of hexagonal cell as
shown in plan view of FIG. 4 of Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 2000-144909 is formed by connecting the top
end of the hexagonal strut and the bottom ends of the three beams
successively.
[0008] It has been common in the prior art to construct a high-rise
or super high-rise architectural structure in pure rigid frames
formed by combining vertical columns and horizontal beams in a
three dimensional grid. This construction method has such a
drawback that the presence of a beam in every span poses a
significant restriction on the design of interior space. A tube
frame formed from columns disposed consecutively along the outer
circumference of the building and beams that connect the columns,
in contrast, has an advantage of greater degree of freedom in
design, since an inner space that is free of columns and beams can
be formed. It is also considered to have higher resistance to
earthquakes and wind pressure since the entire building deforms
like a tube.
[0009] Meanwhile a honeycomb structure constituted by connecting
hexagonal cells as unit cells in a repetitive pattern has been
known to be a rugged structure, and has been used in various
sections of architectural structures and as building members
(Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-328816,
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-4130, Japanese
Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 10-18431, etc.). As an
application of the honeycomb structure to a tube frame, a structure
is known in which hexagonal cells are connected in a horizontal
plane to form a honeycomb structure and a plurality of the
honeycomb structures are combined via straight vertical columns to
form a multi-story structure, as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-60301.
[0010] Another application of honeycomb structure to a tube frame
is described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
6-287913, where formwork elements made of precast concrete in the
form of columns having a hexagonal cross section are put into
contact with each other on the side faces thereof so as to form a
wall having a cross section of honeycomb configuration in the
horizontal plane, and the structure is extended upward by repeating
the placement of concrete into the column-shaped space delimited by
the wall, thereby to construct a bridge pier.
[0011] Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
61-83738 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
53-43217 are cited in an international search report of
International Patent Application PCT/JP2006/316868 upon which the
priority claim of this application is based. Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-83738 discloses a structure
formed by connecting a plurality of triangular panel units with
each other in a plane via hinges provided at the apexes of the
panel units in such a manner as the panels can swing, lifting or
pressing down the assembly into a dome configuration, and fixing
the panels. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
53-43217 discloses a wall structure formed by connecting panel
units of rectangular parallelepiped shape with each other by means
of tendons. Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
61-36435 discloses a dome structure formed by connecting panel
units of a hexagonal or pentagonal shape with each other.
[0012] Although the structure disclosed in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-60301 has a honeycomb
configuration that extends as a flat horizontal plane, the
structure is essentially different from a honeycomb configuration
that is erected substantially vertically and expands in a plane
such as the tube frame that constitutes the outer circumference of
a building. The same argument applies also to Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 6-287913.
[0013] A tube frame formed from hexagonal cells connected together
in a honeycomb configuration, if realized, is expected to be an
extremely rugged structure. Construction of such a tube frame
requires a method for forming a flat or curved surface erected by
connecting hexagonal cells. Since the honeycomb structure is a
collection of unit structures of essentially the same shape, it is
more convenient in terms of the construction works to repeat the
connection of structural units of the same shape, rather than
connecting individual columns and beams. Accordingly, there are
demands for structural units of a standardized shape that allow to
efficiently construct a structure of honeycomb configuration.
[0014] The precast concrete member described in Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-328816 makes is possible to
construct an architectural structure constituted from unit
structures each having the shape of legs extending radially from
the center. However, the center at which all the legs join is where
the stress is concentrated, and therefore it is not desirable in
terms of structural stability to connect all the column members to
one joint member at the center.
[0015] The trifurcated pillar of Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 2000-144909 is a unit structure where four
legs extend from the center radially in the three dimensional
space, and the hexagonal structure formed by connecting these
members inevitably makes a three dimensional hexagonal structure.
As a result, it is not possible to use this structure to form the
flat or curved surface of a tube frame formed from hexagonal cells
connected together in a honeycomb configuration.
[0016] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-83738
describes a method of constructing a structure by connecting all
panels in a plane in advance, deforming the assembly into a dome
shape and fastening it, not a method of constructing the entire
structure by successively connecting the individual panel units.
The structure described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
(Kokai) No. 53-43217 is constructed by connecting panel units by
means of tendons disposed in a vertical or horizontal direction,
and has no relation to a honeycomb structure. The structure
described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
61-36435 is primarily intended to ensure the structural strength by
forming a dome shape. Thus the inventions of Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 61-83738 and Japanese Unexamined
Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 53-43217 are not capable of
providing a tube frame having a main frame of honeycomb
configuration formed by connecting structural units together.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Thus, an object of the present invention is to provide an
architectural structure having a main frame of honeycomb
configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a plane. It
is also an object of the present invention to provide a structural
unit for constructing such an architectural structure and a method
for constructing the same.
[0018] In order to achieve the objects described above, the present
invention provides the following constitutions.
[0019] An architectural structure according to claim 1 is an
architectural structure having a main frame formed by connecting a
plurality of structural units, where a virtual honeycomb
configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a plane is
provided with one of the structural units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
disposed at a position that includes an apex (h1, h2, h3, h4, h5,
h6) of a hexagonal cell (H1, H2) that is the unit cell thereof in
front view, means are provided for connecting two adjacent
structural units by disposing joint surfaces, that are formed in
part of the outer circumference of the two structural units, to
oppose each other, while the surfaces (s1, s2, s3, s4, s5, s6) that
are joined cross one of the sides of the hexagonal cell, and an
opening (W) surrounded by all structural units that are disposed on
the hexagonal cell is formed in the mid portion of the hexagonal
cell.
[0020] An architectural structure according to claim 2 has the
constitution of the structural unit of claim 1 that is made of
precast concrete, where the outer circumference thereof has a pair
of panel surfaces consisting of a front surface and a back surface
that oppose each other and a side face extending between edges of
the pair of panel surfaces, and a plurality of the joint surfaces
are provided as a part of the side faces.
[0021] An architectural structure according to claim 3 has the
constitution of the structural unit of claim 2 that is made of
precast concrete, where the pair of panel surfaces have a hexagonal
shape in front view, and the side face between a side and one
located next to the adjacent side of the hexagonal cell is used as
the joint surface.
[0022] An architectural structure according to claim 4 is
characterized in that the hexagonal shape of the pair of panel
surfaces of claim 3 is formed from a short side and a long side
that are disposed alternately, and that a side face between the
short sides is used as the joint surface.
[0023] An architectural structure according to claim 5 has the
constitution of the structural unit of claim 2 that is made of
precast concrete, where the panel surface has three legs that
extend in three directions from the center in front view, and the
side face located at the distal end of each of the three legs is
used as the joint surface.
[0024] An architectural structure according to claim 6 is an
architectural structure having a main frame formed by connecting a
plurality of structural units, where a virtual honeycomb
configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a plane is
provided with one of the structural units (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15) disposed at the position including two adjacent apexes of
the hexagonal cell (H1, H2) that is the unit cell thereof, means
are provided for connecting two adjacent structural units by
disposing joint surfaces, that are formed in part of the outer
circumference of the two adjacent structural units, to oppose each
other, while the surfaces that are joined cross one of the sides of
the hexagonal cell, and an opening (W) surrounded by all structural
units that are disposed on the hexagonal cell is formed in the mid
portion of the hexagonal cell.
[0025] An architectural structure according to claim 7 has the
constitution of the structural unit of claim 6 that is made of
precast concrete, where the outer circumference thereof has a pair
of panel surfaces consisting of a front surface and a back surface
that oppose each other and a side face extending between edges of
the pair of panel surfaces, and a plurality of the joint surfaces
are provided as a part of the side faces.
[0026] An architectural structure according to claim 8 has the
constitution of the structural unit of claim 7 that is made of
precast concrete, where each of the pair of panel surfaces has an
octagonal shape in front view, and the side face between a side and
one located next to the adjacent side of the octagonal cell is used
as the joint surface.
[0027] An architectural structure according to claim 9 is
characterized in that the octagonal shape of the pair of panel
surfaces of claim 8 is formed from short sides and long sides that
are disposed alternately, and that a side face between the short
sides is used as the joint surface.
[0028] An architectural structure according to claim 10 has the
constitution of the structural unit of claim 7 that is made of
precast concrete, where the panel surface has four legs that extend
in four directions from the center thereof in front view, and the
side face located at the distal end of each of the four legs is
used as the joint surface.
[0029] An architectural structure according to claim 11 has the
constitution of claim 2 or 7 wherein the means of connecting the
two adjacent structural members made of precast concrete comprises
a tendon that crosses the opposing joint surfaces and passes
through both structural units, and an anchoring member that applies
a post tension to the tendon and secures both ends thereof on the
side face of each structural unit.
[0030] An architectural structure according to claim 12 has the
constitution of claim 1 or 6 wherein the structural unit is made of
steel, reinforced concrete, steel-encased reinforced concrete or
wood.
[0031] An architectural structure according to claim 13 is an
architectural structure having a main frame formed by connecting a
plurality of structural units, where a virtual honeycomb
configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a plane is
provided with first structural units (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) each
disposed at a position that includes an apex of the hexagonal cell
(H1, H2) that is the unit cell thereof and second structural units
(8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) each disposed at a position that
include two adjacent apexes of the hexagonal cell, means are
provided for connecting two of the first and/or the second
structural units that adjoin each other by disposing the joint
surfaces, that are formed in part of the outer circumference of the
two structural units, to oppose each other, while the joined
surfaces cross one of the sides of the hexagonal cell, and an
opening (W) surrounded by all of the first and/or second structural
units that are disposed on the hexagonal cell is formed in the mid
portion of the hexagonal cell.
[0032] An architectural structure according to claim 14 has the
constitution of claim 1, 2, 6, 7 or 13 wherein, among the
structural units that are connected consecutively in the vertical
direction, the structural units disposed at higher positions and
the structural units disposed at lower positions have different
shapes, so that the opening formed by the structural units disposed
at higher positions is larger than the opening formed by the
structural units disposed at lower positions.
[0033] A structural unit according to claim 15 is used to construct
the architectural structure of any one of claims 1 to 14.
[0034] A structural unit according to claim 16 is a structural unit
made of precast concrete that is used to form the main frame of the
architectural structure of claim 1, wherein the outer circumference
thereof has a pair of panel surfaces consisting of a front surface
and a back surface that oppose each other and a side face extending
between edges of the pair of panel surfaces, a plurality of joint
surfaces for connecting adjacent structural units are provided as
partial surfaces of the side faces, and a plurality of tendon
insertion holes that pass between each of the plurality of joint
surfaces and the other portion of the side face are provided in
such a configuration that they do not overlap each other.
[0035] A structural unit according to claim 17 has the constitution
of the structural unit of claim 16 that is made of precast
concrete, wherein the panel surfaces have a hexagonal shape in
front view, and the side face between a side and one located next
to the adjacent side of the hexagonal cell is used as the joint
surface.
[0036] A structural unit according to claim 18 is characterized in
that the hexagonal shape of the panel surfaces of claim 17 is
formed from short sides and long sides that are disposed
alternately, and that a side face between the short sides is used
as the joint surface.
[0037] A structural unit according to claim 19 has the constitution
of the structural unit of claim 16 that is made of precast
concrete, wherein the panel surfaces have three legs that extend in
three directions from the center in front view, and the side face
located at the distal end of each of the three legs is used as the
joint surface.
[0038] A structural unit according to claim 20 is a structural unit
made of precast concrete that is used in the main frame of the
architectural structure according to claim 6, wherein the outer
circumference thereof has a pair of panel surfaces consisting of a
front surface and a back surface that oppose each other, and a side
face extending between edges of the pair of panel surfaces, a
plurality of the joint surfaces are provided as a part of the side
faces for connecting the adjacent structural units, and a plurality
of tendon insertion holes that pass between each of the plurality
of joint surfaces and the other portion of the side face are
provided in such a configuration that they do not overlap each
other.
[0039] A structural unit according to claim 21 has the constitution
of the structural unit made of precast concrete of claim 20,
wherein the panel surfaces have an octagonal shape in front view,
and the side face between a side and one located next to the
adjacent side of the octagonal cell is used as the joint
surface.
[0040] A structural unit according to claim 22 is characterized in
that the octagonal shape of the panel surfaces of claim 21 is
formed from short sides and long sides that are disposed
alternately, and that a side face between the short sides is used
as the joint surface.
[0041] A structural unit according to claim 23 has the constitution
of the structural unit made of precast concrete of claim 20,
wherein the panel surface has four legs that extend in four
directions from the center thereof in front view, and the side face
located at the distal end of each of the four legs is used as the
joint surface.
[0042] A structural unit according to claim 24 has the constitution
of the structural unit made of precast concrete of claim 20,
wherein half units, that are equal parts of the structural unit
divided along a division plane crossing a pair of opposing
non-joint surfaces, are joined with the division surfaces opposing
each other so as to form the structural unit.
[0043] A half unit according to claim 25 has the shape of one of
two members that are equal parts of the structural unit according
to claim 20 divided along a division plane crossing a pair of
opposing non-joint surfaces.
[0044] A structural unit according to claim 26 has the constitution
of claim 16 or 20 wherein a plurality of slab connecting holes are
provided to pass through the structural unit in a direction
perpendicular to the pair of panel surfaces.
[0045] A structural unit according to claim 27 has the constitution
of claim 16 or 20 wherein the joint surface is formed from either
two sloped surfaces in a ridge shape or two sloped surfaces in a
valley shape.
[0046] A structural unit according to claim 28 has the constitution
of claim 16 or 20 wherein it is disposed in a portion where the
virtual honeycomb configuration has a curved surface, and has a
bending portion.
[0047] A method of constructing the architectural structure
according to claim 29 is a method of constructing the architectural
structure having a main frame formed by connecting a plurality of
the structural units according to claim 16 or 20, the method
comprises disposing two adjacent structural units so that the
respective joint surfaces oppose each other in such a configuration
that the tendon insertion holes thereof communicate with each
other; passing a tendon through the communicating tendon insertion
holes; and applying a post tension to the tendon to fasten it
thereby to joint the two adjacent structural units.
[0048] (A) The invention according to claim 1, 6, 13 or 15 has
mainly the effects described below. The architectural structure of
the present invention has a main frame formed by connecting a
plurality of structural units and, in one embodiment, each
structural unit is disposed at a position including each apex of a
hexagonal cell that is a unit cell of honeycomb configuration in
front view, that is erected vertically and expands in a plane. In
another embodiment, one structural unit is disposed at a position
that includes two adjacent apexes of a hexagonal cell that is a
unit cell. In further another embodiment, first structural units
each disposed at the position that includes one apex and second
structural units each disposed at a position that includes two
apexes are used in a mixed arrangement. The virtual honeycomb
configuration (may hereafter be referred to simply as honeycomb
configuration) is not a member having physical existence, but a
configuration envisioned to exist in the physical space for the
purpose of defining the positions where the structural units are to
be disposed and the relative positions of the adjacent structural
units.
[0049] In any of the forms described above, the means are provided
for joining two adjacent structural units by disposing joint
surfaces, that are formed in a part of the outer circumference of
the two adjacent structural units, to oppose each other, and the
joined surfaces cross one of the sides of the hexagonal cell.
Moreover, an opening surrounded by all the structural units that
are disposed on the hexagonal cell is formed in the mid portion of
the hexagonal cell, when the plurality of structural units are
connected with each other.
[0050] The structural units that are connected with each other as
described above can be disposed so as to cover the apexes and sides
of all hexagonal cells that constitute the virtual honeycomb
configuration. That is, when reference is made to one hexagonal
cell, a plurality (six, five, four or three) structural units are
connected in a ring shape along the six sides of the hexagonal cell
with an opening formed in the mid portion, thus realizing an
architectural structure having a main frame of honeycomb
configuration that is erected vertically and expands in a plane.
Particularly the circumferential surface of the tube frame can be
formed in a honeycomb structure. In addition, a slab can be
installed at any desired position of the structural unit that
constitutes the main frame of honeycomb configuration, so that the
height of each story can be freely set.
[0051] In the main frame of honeycomb configuration according to
the present invention, the structural units are disposed so as to
include the positions of the apexes of the hexagonal cell that are
subjected to the highest concentration of stress. That is, since
connection between the structural units is not made at the position
of an apex, the structure is highly resistant to stresses. In
comparison to a structure where linear members are connected at the
apexes of triangular or hexagonal cells at which stress is
concentrated as those described in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 9-328816 or Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 9-60301, for example, the present invention
provides higher structural stability. Moreover, in the main frame
of honeycomb configuration of the present invention, the surface
whereon two structural units are joined crosses one of the sides of
the hexagonal cell. That is, joining of two structural units is
made on a side of the hexagonal cell where stress is at the lowest
level, thus resulting in a favorable situation. As a result, a
frame of a large span can be constructed by using the main frame
formed from the structural units of the present invention.
[0052] The structural unit of the present invention also allows a
relatively high degree of freedom in designing the shape of a
portion that is not restrained by the conditions of arrangement and
connection described above. For example, the size of the opening
formed in the mid portion of the hexagonal cell can be altered by
changing the shape of the outer circumference other than the joint
surface of the structural unit (namely a non-joint surface). It is
also made possible to accommodate wide modifications of design.
[0053] Also the architectural structure formed from the structural
units of the present invention is constructed by connecting the
structural units having the same or similar shapes according to a
basically repetitive pattern, and therefore the number of different
versions of the structural units can be reduced to one kind, or two
or three kinds at the most. This feature provides an advantage in
terms of mass production. As a result, it is made possible to
reduce the manufacturing cost, improve the construction process and
reduce the period of construction work. However, the structural
units of the present invention can be manufactured in a large
variety of resembling shapes that can be connected to each other,
and therefore there is no limitation to the number of kinds.
[0054] (B) The invention according to claims 2 to 5, 7 to 11 and 16
to 28 has mainly the effects described below. It is preferable to
fabricate the structural unit of the present invention from precast
concrete (hereinafter referred to as PC and a structural unit made
of PC may be referred to as a PC panel). A PC panel has a pair of
panel surfaces that are a front surface and a back surface opposing
each other and a side face extending between the edges of the pair
of panel surfaces, with the plurality of joint surfaces being
provided as a part of the side face. The PC panel is disposed so
that the panel surface runs along the surface of the virtual
honeycomb configuration. The panel surface may have such shapes as,
for example, trifurcated, hexagonal, octagonal or X shape. The
shape can be freely designed through the shape of the formwork.
[0055] The PC panel has higher strength than ordinary reinforced
concrete, and is capable of constructing an architectural structure
that is highly resistant to vibration. As a result, a building that
is less susceptible to temblors and highly habitable can be
realized.
[0056] The PC panels are manufactured at factories, and therefore
can be easily subjected to quality control. As a result, it becomes
easier to ensure reliability of safety of the structural units
produced and the architectural structure built using the same, and
it is also easy to keep record of the historical information of the
structure.
[0057] The PC panel is highly rigid when the panel surface has a
shape of a larger surface area (for example, hexagonal or
octagonal). In addition, a shape of a larger surface area leads to
a greater quantity of concrete and larger weight. A larger surface
area has an adverse effect of decreasing the size of the opening
that is formed by the structural units. When the PC panel has such
a shape that has a smaller surface area, namely a shape similar to
a linear member such as a trifurcated or X shape, the PC panel is
less rigid and requires a smaller quantity of concrete resulting in
lighter weight. A smaller surface area has an adverse effect of
increasing the size of the opening that is formed by the structural
units. An architectural structure with controlled rigidity can be
constructed by combining two or more kinds of PC panels having
different shapes (namely having different levels of rigidity).
[0058] For example, it is preferable to construct lower stories
with PC panels that have a large surface area so as to form a small
opening and construct upper stories with PC panels that have a
small surface area so as to form a large opening (claim 14). The
size of the openings may also be increased stepwise. The
architectural structure constructed in this way has high resistance
to earthquakes. It is because a high-rise or super high-rise
architectural structure has higher resistance to earthquakes when
it is lighter in weight in high stories and heavier and stronger in
lower stories. Also in such an architectural structure, concrete
can be used in a rational way without being wasted as the quantity
of concrete can be reduced in upper stories.
[0059] In addition, in case the structural unit is formed from a PC
panel, the structural unit can be manufactured in a size that is
convenient for the vehicle used to transport the structural units
for improved efficiency of transportation. Use of PC also enables
it to put formworks into efficient use.
[0060] In case high-strength concrete is used, the service life of
the architectural structure can be elongated thus contributing to
the preservation of resources and providing a structure that can be
preferably used as the skeleton in SI (skeleton infill) separation
construction method.
[0061] (C) The invention according to claim 11, 16 or 20 has mainly
the effects described below. In case the structural units are
formed from PC panels, it is preferable that the means of joining
two adjacent structural units comprises a tendon that crosses the
opposing joint surfaces and passes through both structural units,
and anchoring members that apply a post tension to the tendon and
fasten both ends thereof on the side face of each structural unit.
Connection with high strength can be achieved by fastening the
tendon while applying post tension thereto.
[0062] Connection with high strength is achieved also by joining
one PC panel to an adjacent panel unit by means of three or four
tendons that extend in three or four directions.
[0063] Applying pre-stress by means of post tension reduces the
occurrence of deflection and cracks (should cracks occur, they
would be closed by the pre-stress) in spite of long standing
stress, and the entire cross section of the concrete member
effectively counters against both compressive and tensile stresses.
In addition, application of pre-stress is advantageous in
protecting the inserted tendon from corrosion, since cracks are
prevented from occurring.
[0064] A main frame of honeycomb configuration constructed by using
the structural units comprising the pre-stressed PC panels
according to the present invention is stronger than a frame of the
conventional rigid frame structure made of pre-stressed concrete.
For example, a 15-storied building of the conventional rigid frame
structure is fairly pliant with a natural period of vibration of
about 1.5 seconds, while a 15-storied building of the present
invention is very stiff with a natural period of vibration of about
0.3 seconds. This means that the present invention is suitable for
an upper skeleton of a vibration-isolated building, because a
pliant upper skeleton of a vibration-isolated building may
compromise the vibration isolating effect of the isolator.
[0065] (D) The invention according to claim 26 has mainly the
effects described below. In case the structural unit is formed from
a PC panel, it is preferable to provide a plurality of slab
connecting holes that pass through the structural unit in a
direction perpendicular to the pair of panel surfaces. Providing
the slab connecting holes at proper positions where a slab can be
connected makes it possible to insert the tendons through the
concrete slab and secure it by applying a post tension. Thus strong
connection with the slab can be achieved.
[0066] (E) The invention according to claim 27 has mainly the
effects described below. In case the structural unit is formed from
a PC panel, it is preferable that the joint surface is formed from
either two sloped surfaces in a ridge shape or two sloped surfaces
in a valley shape. A structural unit having joint surfaces formed
in a ridge shape and a structural unit having joint surfaces formed
in a valley shape can be fitted with each other. This makes it
possible to surely prevent rotational movement about an axis
perpendicular to the joint surface, so as to maintain the rigid
joint.
[0067] (F) The invention according to claim 28 has mainly the
effects described below. In case the structural units are formed
from PC panels, the structural unit used in a portion where the
virtual honeycomb configuration is curved has a bending section.
When the structural units are arranged in such a way as the bending
section runs along the direction of erecting the virtual honeycomb
configuration, two surfaces adjoining on the bending section can be
disposed at an angle from each other. The bending angle of the
bending section may be relatively small, and a significant angle in
the surface of the structure can be realized by repeating the small
bending sections. Thus it is made possible to construct a tube
frame that has a curved cross section (circle, oval or a part
thereof) in the horizontal plane.
[0068] (G) The invention according to claim 12 has mainly the
effects described below. In accordance with the present invention,
an architectural structure having a main frame of honeycomb
configuration can be constructed from steel, reinforced concrete,
steel-encased reinforced concrete or wood, as long as the
structural units of a similar configuration can be manufactured
from a material other than PC panels.
[0069] (H) The invention according to claim 24 or 25 has mainly the
effects described below. In case the structural unit to be disposed
at two adjacent apexes of a hexagonal cell is formed from a PC
panel, it may be significantly larger in size and weight than an
ordinary PC panel. In such a case, it is preferable to use
half-units, that are equal divisions of a PC panel. Use of the
half-units enables it to construct the main frame of the present
invention without troubles in manufacture, transportation and
assembly.
[0070] (I) The invention according to claim 29 has mainly the
effects described below. The architectural structure having the
main frame formed by connecting a plurality of the structural units
formed from the PC panels is constructed by a method in which two
adjacent structural units are disposed to have the joint surfaces
opposing each other so that tendon insertion holes thereof are
aligned, a tendon is inserted through the tendon insertion hole to
pass through the two structural units, and the tendon is fastened
by applying post tension to the tendon, thereby joining the two
structural units. This method improves the workability of
construction since the connection of a plurality of PC panels is
completed by joining every two members. The construction work is
simply to insert a tendon, apply post tension thereto and fasten
both ends of the tendon, with less work load. In the case of a
conventional rigid frame structure, in contrast, all long beams and
pillars must be connected together and it is difficult to complete
connection work by connecting every two members.
[0071] In addition, the construction method of the present
invention is a dry method that eliminates the need of curing of
concrete required in a wet process such as reinforced concrete
structure with on-site concrete placement, thus resulting in a
shorter period of construction work.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0072] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a partial constitution in one
example of a main frame of the architectural structure constructed
by using the structural units of the present invention, (A1)
showing a part of the main frame that uses unit 1, (A2) showing
modifications of unit 1, (B1) showing a part of the main frame that
uses unit 4, and (B2) showing modifications of unit 4.
[0073] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a partial constitution in
another example of the main frame of the architectural structure
constructed by using a plurality of structural units of the present
invention, (A) showing a part of the main frame that uses the unit
2 shown in FIG. 1, and (B) showing a part of the main frame that
uses the unit 5 shown in FIG. 1.
[0074] FIG. 3 is a front view showing a partial constitution in
another example of the main frame of the architectural structure
constructed by using the structural units of the present invention,
(A1) showing a part of the main frame that uses unit 7, (A2)
showing modifications of unit 7, (B1) showing a part of the main
frame that uses unit 10, and (B2) showing modifications of unit
10.
[0075] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a partial constitution in
another example of the main frame of the architectural structure
constructed by using a plurality of structural units of the present
invention, (A) showing a part of the main frame that uses unit 8
shown in FIG. 3, and (B) showing a part of the main frame that uses
unit 11 shown in FIG. 3.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of an arrangement
pattern of the structural units according to the honeycomb
configuration formed from the hexagonal cells H1.
[0077] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of an arrangement
pattern of the structural units according to the honeycomb
configuration formed from the hexagonal cells H2.
[0078] FIG. 7(A) is a perspective overview of the tube frame 100
that serves as the main frame constructed by using the trifurcated
structural units, (B) is an enlarged front view of a part of the
tube frame 100 shown in FIG. 7(A), and (C) is a top view.
[0079] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the main frame 100
shown in FIG. 7.
[0080] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the state of
two structural units shown in FIG. 8 being joined in more
detail.
[0081] FIG. 10 shows an example of the structural unit, (A) being a
top view and (B) being a sectional view taken along line X-X.
[0082] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of the main
frame constructed by using a modification of the unit shown in FIG.
10.
[0083] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a method of joining
the unit shown in FIG. 10 and a slab.
[0084] FIG. 13(A) shows a part of an example of a main frame
constructed by using still another modification of the unit shown
in FIG. 10, (B) is a top view of the unit used to construct the
main frame shown in (A), and (C) is a front view thereof.
[0085] FIG. 14 shows a modification of the unit shown in FIG. 10,
(A) is a perspective overview, and (B) is a front view showing a
part of the main frame.
[0086] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a part of the main frame of
the architectural structure constructed by using the structural
units of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the main
frame shown in FIG. 15.
[0088] FIG. 17 is a perspective overview of the unit shown in FIG.
16.
[0089] FIG. 18 shows the unit shown in FIG. 17, (A) being a front
view, (B) being a top view, (C) being a sectional view taken along
line Y-Y and (D) being a sectional view taken along line Z-Z.
[0090] FIG. 19 is a perspective overview showing the unit that is a
special case of the unit shown in FIG. 17.
[0091] FIG. 20(A) is a perspective overview of a modification of
the unit shown in FIG. 17, (B) is a rear view showing the state of
the unit shown in (A) being joined and (c) is a top view showing
the state of the units being joined.
[0092] FIG. 21(A) is a front view of a modification of the unit
shown in FIG. 17, and (B) is a top view.
[0093] FIG. 22 is a front view showing a part of the main frame of
the architectural structure constructed by using the structural
units of the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the main
frame 103 shown in FIG. 22.
[0095] FIG. 24(A) is a front view, (B) is a top view and (C) is a
perspective overview of the unit shown in FIG. 23.
[0096] FIG. 25 shows a modification of the unit shown in FIG. 24,
(A) being a front view showing the state of the unit being joined,
and (B) being a top view thereof.
[0097] FIG. 26 is a front view showing a part of the main frame of
the architectural structure constructed by using the structural
units of the present invention.
[0098] FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of the main frame
constituted from the same units as those of the main frame shown in
FIG. 26.
[0099] FIG. 28(A) to (D) are perspective overviews of the units
shown in FIG. 27.
[0100] FIG. 29 is a perspective overview of the main frame that is
another example but has the same shape as that of the main frame
shown in FIG. 27.
[0101] FIG. 30(A) to (D) are perspective overviews of the
half-units shown in FIG. 29.
[0102] FIGS. 31(A1) and (A2) are front and top views, respectively,
of the state of joining a modification of the unit shown in FIG.
27, and (B1) and (B2) are front and top views, respectively, of the
state of joining a modification of another unit shown in FIG.
27.
[0103] FIGS. 32(A1) and (A2) are a front view and a top view,
respectively, of the state of a modification of the unit shown in
FIG. 27 being joined, and (B1) and (B2) are front and top views,
respectively, of the state of a modification of another unit shown
in FIG. 27 being joined.
[0104] FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view of the main frame of
the architectural structure, that is one example of the present
invention using members other than PC panels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0105] Basic embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. While FIGS. 1 to 6
illustrate examples where the structural units formed from the PC
panels that are preferable for the present invention are used, the
structural units of the present invention are not limited to PC
panels. Hereinafter the structural unit may be referred to simply
as "unit".
[0106] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a partial constitution in one
example of a main frame of an architectural structure constructed
by using a plurality of structural units of the present invention.
The portion depicted is, for example, a part of a tube frame that
constitutes the exterior of the building. Two-way arrow X and Y
indicates the horizontal directions and two-way arrow Z indicates
the vertical directions (the same applies to subsequent figures).
FIG. 1 (A1) shows a part of the main frame that uses unit 1. FIG. 1
(A2) shows unit 2 and unit 3 that are modifications of unit 1. FIG.
1 (B1) shows a part of the main frame that uses unit 4. FIG. 1 (B2)
shows unit 5 and unit 6 that are modifications of unit 4.
[0107] FIG. 1 shows the front view of the main frame and the
structural unit, where the structural units 1 to 6 that are formed
from PC panels have predetermined thicknesses (dimension
perpendicular to the paper of drawing, the same applies to similar
drawings).
[0108] FIG. 1 shows a part of a virtual honeycomb configuration
that is erected vertically and expands in a plane, indicated by
alternate dot and dash line. A hexagonal cell H1 that is a unit
cell is disposed so that the top side (line between apex h1 and
apex h2) and the bottom side (line between apex h4 and apex h5) lie
in horizontal directions.
[0109] The "virtual honeycomb configuration" in the present
invention is an imaginary entity having the honeycomb pattern
consisting of hexagonal cell H1 (or hexagonal cell H2 of FIG. 2)
disposed in two dimensional repetition without a gap. The word
"virtual" means that the virtual honeycomb configuration is not a
member of physical existence. However, virtual honeycomb
configuration is an important concept for defining the positions
where the structural units are to be disposed and the relative
positions of the adjacent structural units. Accordingly, the
present invention will be described in this specification on the
assumption that the virtual honeycomb configuration exists in the
physical space.
[0110] The virtual honeycomb configuration is basically erected
vertically and expands in a plane. Designs where the virtual
honeycomb configuration is erected at a predetermined angle from
the vertical direction for an aesthetical reason are within the
scope of the present invention. The term "plane" in this
specification includes flat plane and curved plane (the same
applies to the description that follows).
[0111] The hexagonal cell H1 that is a unit cell may not
necessarily be an equilateral hexagon, but is at least symmetrical
with respect to its vertical centerline (the same applies to the
hexagonal cell H2 of FIG. 2). Each of the six sides of the unit
cell is shared by adjoining two unit cells, and each of six apexes
h1 to h6 is shared by three adjoining unit cells.
[0112] Making reference to FIG. 1 (A1), six units 1 are disposed at
positions that include the apexes h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 and h6 of the
hexagonal cell H1. Two units disposed at adjacent apexes (for
example, h1 and h2, or h2 and h3) are joined together with the
joint surfaces provided in a part of the circumferences thereof
opposing each other. Each of six surfaces s1, s2, s3, s4, s5 and s6
that are joined crosses one of the sides of the hexagonal cell H1.
For example, surface s1 crosses the side between the apexes h1 and
h2. In other words, connection of units is made on sides of the
hexagonal cell H1, not on apexes. As a result, all units disposed
on the hexagonal cell H1 are connected with each other to form a
ring, and an opening W surrounded by these units is formed in the
mid portion of the hexagonal cell H1. It may also be that the
opening W is surrounded by non-joint surfaces of the units.
[0113] As described above, the plurality of structural units are
disposed so as to occupy all apexes and sides of the plurality of
hexagonal cells that constitute the honeycomb configuration, and
adjoining structural units are connected together with the joint
surfaces thereof opposing each other. For the means of connection,
it is convenient in the case of structural units made of PC panels,
for example, to insert a tendon so as to cross the opposing joint
surfaces of two units and apply a post tension to the tendon to
fasten, but such means are not limited to this method. Although it
is preferable to connect the units rigidly, the connection may also
be of an intermediate type between rigid connection and flexible
connection, or even flexible connection. While a honeycomb
structure has an effect of transforming a part of bending force
into axial force and transmitting it, connecting the units by rigid
joint is effective in absorbing a part of bending force that has
not been transformed into axial force.
[0114] The unit 1 shown in FIG. 1 (A1) has such a constitution that
has a trifurcated panel surface in front view where the side face
located at the distal end of each of the three legs, that extend
from the center in three directions, is used as the joint surface
with the adjacent unit. Side faces in the valley between the joint
surfaces is a non-joint surface.
[0115] FIG. 1 (A2) shows a modification. Unit 2 is hexagonal in
front view, constituted from short sides and long sides that are
disposed alternately. Side faces a, b and c that include short
sides serve as the joint surfaces with the adjacent units, and side
faces d, e and f that include long sides are non-joint surfaces.
Unit 3 has such a modified shape of unit 2 where the long side is
changed to have a ridge at the center. As shown in FIG. 1 (A1)
where units 2 and 3 are indicated by dashed lines, the shapes of
units 1 to 3 are the same in the position and shape of the joint
surfaces (position relative to the hexagonal cell and shape, the
same applies to the description that follows), with only the
non-joint surfaces being different in shape. Units that have the
same joint surfaces can be joined together even when their
non-joint surfaces have different shapes (the same applies to
examples of other units that follow). The shape of the non-joint
surface can vary continuously, for example, between the valley
shape of unit 1 to the ridge shape of unit 3. The shape of the
non-joint surfaces may be a collection of a plurality of flat or
curved surfaces, concave surfaces or convex surfaces. The shapes of
several units will be described in detail in examples to be given
later.
[0116] As will be clearly seen from FIG. 1 (A1), the opening W
formed by unit 1 is the largest and the opening W formed by unit 3
is the smallest. Thus the larger the panel surface of the unit is,
the smaller the opening W that is formed. When the shape of the
non-joint surface is different, the shape of the opening W
surrounded by the non-joint surfaces is also different.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 1 (B1), six units 4 are disposed at
positions that include the apexes h1, h2, h3, h4, h5 and h6 of the
hexagonal cell H1. As shown by the dashed lines that depict units 5
and 6, units 4 to 6 have the same position and shape of the joint
surface, and are different only in the shape of the non-joint
surface. Units 4 to 6 are disposed on the hexagonal cell H1 that is
the same as that of FIG. 1 (A1), but have joint surfaces of larger
areas than those of units 1 to 3. As a result, surfaces s1 to s6
where adjacent units are joined together have larger areas than
those of FIG. 1 (A1), and the openings W formed thereby are
smaller. Unit 4 has concave non-joint surfaces. Unit 5 has a panel
surface of an equilateral hexagonal shape, a similar form to that
of unit 2. Unit 6 has convex non-joint surfaces.
[0118] The main frame constitutes a main portion of the skeleton,
that plays a major role in the structural strength. In the main
frame formed by connecting a plurality of the structural units on
the apexes and sides of the hexagonal cell of the virtual honeycomb
configuration as shown in FIG. 1, the members of the structural
unit located on the sides of the hexagonal cell correspond to
diagonal pillars or beams used as structural elements. For example,
a tube frame formed from hexagonal cells H1 connected together in
the honeycomb configuration shown in FIG. 1 is substantially
constituted from pillars disposed continuously in a zigzag manner
and beams consisting of horizontal beams and inclined beams
disposed alternately. In this regard, the architectural structure
of the present invention is essentially different from a tube frame
of a conventional rigid frame structure formed from continuous
horizontal beams and vertical columns.
[0119] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a partial constitution in
another example of a main frame of an architectural structure
constructed by using a plurality of structural units of the present
invention. FIG. 2 (A) shows a part of the main frame that uses the
unit 2 shown in FIG. 1. Units 1 and 3 indicated by dashed lines are
used in a similar manner. FIG. 2 (B) shows a part of the main frame
that uses unit 5 shown in FIG. 1. Units 4 and 6 indicated by dashed
lines are used in a similar manner.
[0120] The hexagonal cells H2 that are unit cells of a virtual
honeycomb configuration depicted by alternate dot and dash line in
FIG. 2 are disposed so that the left side (line between apex h5 and
apex h6) and the right side (line between apex h2 and apex h3) lie
in vertical directions. The hexagonal cell H2 and the hexagonal
cell H1 are, in case they are equilateral hexagons, 60 degrees
apart from each other. A tube frame formed from the hexagonal cells
H2 connected together in a honeycomb configuration is substantially
constituted from vertical pillars and diagonal pillars disposed
alternately and beams disposed continuously in a zigzag manner.
[0121] In units 1 to 6 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, one unit is
disposed on each apex of the hexagonal cell H1 or H2. This means
that one unit is shared by three adjacent hexagonal cells H1 or
H2.
[0122] FIG. 3 is a front view partially showing the constitution in
another example of a main frame of an architectural structure
constructed by using a plurality of structural units of the present
invention. The portion depicted is, for example, a part of a tube
frame that constitutes the exterior of the building. FIG. 3 (A1)
shows a part of the main frame that uses unit 7. FIG. 3 (A2) shows
unit 8 and unit 9 that are modifications of unit 7. FIG. 3 (B1)
shows a part of the main frame that uses unit 10. FIG. 3 (B2) shows
unit 11 and unit 12 that are modifications of unit 10.
[0123] FIG. 3 shows a part of a virtual honeycomb configuration
that is erected vertically and expands in a plane by alternate dot
and dash line. A hexagonal cell H1 that is a unit cell thereof is
disposed so that the top side (line between apex h1 and apex h2)
and the bottom side (line between apex h4 and apex h5) lie in
horizontal directions.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 3 (A1), three units 7 are disposed at
positions that include first pair of apexes h1 and h2, second pair
of apexes h3 and h4 and third pair of apexes h5 and h6, each of
which is a pair of adjacent apexes of the hexagonal cell H1. Two
units disposed at adjacent apexes (for example, the first pair of
apexes h1 and h2 and the second pair of apexes h3 and h4) are
joined together with the joint surfaces provided in a part of the
circumferences thereof opposing each other. Each of the three
surfaces s2, s4 and s6 that are joined crosses one of the sides of
the hexagonal cell H1. For example, surface s2 crosses the side
between the apexes. h2 and h3. In other words, connection of units
is made on sides of the hexagonal cell H1, not on apexes. As a
result, all units disposed on the hexagonal cell H1 are connected
with each other to form a ring, and an opening W surrounded by
these units is formed in the mid portion of the hexagonal cell H1.
It may also be that the opening W is surrounded by the non-joint
surfaces of the units.
[0125] The phrase "adjacent apexes" refers to the apexes located at
both ends of one side of the hexagonal cell that constitutes the
honeycomb configuration. Each of the plurality of units disposed in
a ring on one hexagonal cell may not necessarily be disposed on two
apexes within the hexagonal cell, but one apex of the hexagonal
cell and one apex of an adjacent hexagonal cell may be treated as a
pair (refer to FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 to be described later).
[0126] The unit 7 shown in FIG. 3 (A1) has four legs that branch
off in two directions from both ends of one rod in front view, and
the side face located at the distal end of each of the four legs
that extend in four directions is used as the joint surface with
adjoining units. The concave side face interposed between two joint
surfaces is a non-joint surface. The unit 7 can have a shape formed
by integrating the joint surfaces of one leg of each of two units 1
shown in FIG. 1. In other words, disposing two units shown in FIG.
1 and disposing one unit shown in FIG. 3 can result in the same
shape in some cases.
[0127] FIG. 3 (A2) shows modifications. Unit 8 has an octagonal
shape in front view, with the eight sides thereof constituted from
short sides and long sides disposed alternately. Side faces a, b, c
and d that include short sides serve as the joint surfaces with the
adjacent units, and side faces e, f, g and h that include long
sides are non-joint surfaces. Unit 9 has such a modified shape of
unit 8 that the long side is changed to have a ridge at the center.
As shown in FIG. 3 (A1) where units 8 and 9 are indicated by dashed
lines, the shapes of units 7 to 9 are the same in the position and
shape of the joint surfaces, with only the non-joint surfaces being
different in shape. The shape of the non-joint surface can vary
continuously, for example, between the valley shape of unit 7 and
the ridge shape of unit 9. The shapes of several units will be
described in detail in examples to be given later.
[0128] As will be clearly seen from FIG. 3 (A1), the opening W
formed by the units 7 is the largest and the opening W formed by
the units 9 is the smallest. Thus the larger the panel surface of
the unit is, the smaller the opening W that is formed. When the
shape of the non-joint surface is different, the shape of the
opening W formed thereby is also different.
[0129] Referring to FIG. 3 (B1), three units 10 are disposed at
positions that include first pair of apexes h1 and h2, second pair
of apexes h3 and h4 and third pair of apexes h5 and h6, each of
which is a pair of adjacent apexes of the hexagonal cell H1. As
shown by the dashed lines that depict units 11 and 12, units 10 to
12 have the same position and shape of the joint surface, and are
different only in the shape of the non-joint surface. Units 10 to
12 are disposed on the hexagonal cell H1 that is the same as that
of FIG. 3 (A1), but have joint surfaces of larger areas than those
of units 7 to 9. As a result, surfaces s2, s4 and s6 where adjacent
units are joined together have larger areas than those of FIG. 3
(A1), and the opening W formed thereby is smaller. Unit 10 has
concave non-joint surfaces. Unit 11 has octagonal panel surfaces
with a similar configuration to that of unit 8, although this is a
modification with a different ratio of lengths between short sides
and long sides. Unit 12 has convex non-joint surfaces.
[0130] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a partial constitution in
another example of a main frame of an architectural structure
constructed by using a plurality of structural units of the present
invention. FIG. 4 (A) shows a part of the main frame that uses unit
8 shown in FIG. 3. Units 7 and 9 indicated by dashed lines are used
in a similar manner. FIG. 4 (B) shows a part of the main frame that
uses unit 11 shown in FIG. 3. Units 10 and 12 indicated by dashed
lines are used in a similar manner.
[0131] The hexagonal cell H12 that is a unit cell of a virtual
honeycomb configuration depicted by alternate dot and dash line in
FIG. 4 is disposed so that the left side (line between apex h5 and
apex h6) and the right side (line between apex h2 and apex h3) lie
in vertical directions. The tube frame formed from the hexagonal
cells H2 that are connected together in a honeycomb configuration
is substantially constituted from vertical pillars and diagonal
pillars disposed alternately and beams disposed continuously in a
zigzag manner.
[0132] The arrangements of the units shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are
mere examples, and the arrangement of units that includes a pair of
adjacent apexes of the hexagonal cell H1 or H2 is not limited to
this. Although not shown, for example, three units may be disposed
in such an arrangement that h2 and h3 form the first pair, h4 and
h5 form the second pair and h6 and h1 form the third pair in FIG. 3
and FIG. 4.
[0133] In the arrangement of units shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, all
of the three units are disposed on the three pairs of apexes
included in one hexagonal cell, although one of the units may be
disposed on a pair of one apex of the hexagonal cell and one apex
of a different hexagonal cell (provided that the pair of apexes are
located on both ends of one side). Other modifications of
arrangement will be described later with reference to FIG. 5 and
FIG. 6.
[0134] In the case of units 7 to 12 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, one
unit is disposed so as to include two apexes of the hexagonal cell
H1 or H2. This means that one unit is shared by four hexagonal
cells H1 or H2.
[0135] FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of an arrangement
pattern of the structural units according to the honeycomb
configuration formed from the hexagonal cells H1. Units 8 shown in
FIG. 3 are disposed in an arrangement pattern A for the upper
portion and in an arrangement pattern B for the lower portion in
this example. Similar arrangements can be made by using any of the
units 7 to 9 shown in FIG. 3 or mixing these units.
[0136] In the arrangement pattern A, arrangement of three units
shown in FIG. 3 is repeated. In the arrangement pattern A, three
kinds of openings Wa, Wb and Wc are formed. The openings Wa and Wb
have triangular shapes disposed in reverse orientations, and the
opening Wc is a hexagon. The opening Wa is surrounded by three
units, and these three units occupy two apexes included in this
hexagonal cell (the same applies to the opening Wb). The opening Wc
is surrounded by six units, and each of these six units does not
occupy two apexes included in this hexagonal cell, but occupies one
apex of the hexagonal cell and one apex of adjacent hexagonal
cells.
[0137] In the arrangement pattern B, one unit occupies two apexes
located on both ends of the top side and the bottom side (in
horizontal direction) in all hexagonal cells H1. As a result, four
units are disposed on one hexagonal cell. Among the four units, two
units occupy four apexes of the top side and the bottom side, and
the other two units occupy one apex of the hexagonal cell and one
apex of the adjacent hexagonal cells. In the arrangement pattern B,
a rectangular opening Wd is formed.
[0138] Further, the arrangement patterns A and B can be connected
continuously, and a pentagonal opening We is formed in the border
between these arrangement patterns.
[0139] FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of structural
units according to the honeycomb configuration formed from the
hexagonal cells H1. Units 8 shown in FIG. 3 are disposed in
arrangement pattern A on the left side and in arrangement pattern B
on the right side in this example. Similar arrangements can be made
by using any of the units 7 to 9 shown in FIG. 3 or mixing these
units.
[0140] In the arrangement pattern A, arrangement of three units
shown in FIG. 4 is repeated. In the arrangement pattern A, three
kinds of openings Wa, Wb and Wc are formed. The openings Wa and Wb
have triangular shapes disposed in reverse orientations, and the
opening Wc is a hexagon. The opening Wa is surrounded by three
units, and these three units occupy two apexes included in this
hexagonal cell (the same applies to the opening Wb). The opening Wc
is surrounded by six units, and each of these six units does not
occupy two apexes included in this hexagonal cell, but occupies one
apex of the hexagonal cell and one apex of adjacent hexagonal
cells.
[0141] In the arrangement pattern B, one unit occupies two apexes
located on both ends of the left side and the right side (in
vertical direction) in all hexagonal cells H2. As a result, four
units are disposed on one hexagonal cell. Among the four units, two
units occupy four apexes on the left side and the right side, and
the other units occupy one apex of the hexagonal cell and one apex
of adjacent hexagonal cells. In the arrangement pattern B, a
rectangular opening Wd is formed.
[0142] Further, the arrangement patterns A and B can be connected
continuously, and a pentagonal window We is formed in the border
between these arrangement patterns.
[0143] FIG. 6 shows an example where another mixed pattern is
included in an upper portion. On the left hand side of the mixed
pattern, units 7 are connected on the uppermost units of the units
8 in the arrangement pattern A. Units 8 and 7 have the same joint
surfaces and can therefore be connected with each other. On the
right hand side of the mixed pattern, units 1 shown in FIG. 1 are
connected on the uppermost units of the units 8 in the arrangement
pattern B, and units 7 are connected on the units 1. Units 1 to 3
shown in FIG. 1 and units 7 to 9 shown in FIG. 3 have the same
joint surfaces and can therefore be connected with each other in a
mixed arrangement.
[0144] Units 4 to 6 shown in FIG. 1 and units 10 to 12 shown in
FIG. 3 also have the same joint surfaces and can therefore be
connected with each other in a mixed arrangement, although not
shown in the figures.
[0145] The diversity in the shapes of the structural units shown in
FIGS. 1 to 4 and the diversity in the arrangement patterns shown in
FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 makes a large number of modifications possible
for the main frame of the architectural structure that can be
constructed according to the present invention.
[0146] Examples described below are intended merely to exemplify
these modifications, and do not restrict the present invention.
EXAMPLE 1
[0147] By making reference to FIGS. 7 to 14, examples of
architectural structures having a main frame formed by connecting
structural units that are disposed in a virtual honeycomb
configuration will be described.
[0148] FIG. 7(A) to (C) show an example of the main frame of the
architectural structure constructed by using the structural units 1
having a trifurcated shape shown in FIG. 1, (A) is a perspective
overview of a tube frame 100 that serves as the main frame. (B) is
an enlarged front view of a part of the tube frame 100 of FIG.
7(A). (C) is a top view.
[0149] The tube frame 100 shown in FIG. 7(A) is constructed in
accordance with the virtual honeycomb configuration formed from the
hexagonal cells H1 as the unit cells shown in FIG. 1, and the
virtual honeycomb configuration as a whole has a tubular shape. The
axis of the tube extends in the vertical direction. In case the
trifurcated unit 1 is used as the structural unit to be disposed on
the virtual honeycomb configuration, the main frame, upon
completion of its construction, shows a shape substantially
identical with the virtual honeycomb configuration in overview.
This is because joining the legs of two adjacent units 1 together
forms one diagonal pillar or beam, and the diagonal pillar or beam
occupies one side of the hexagonal cell of the virtual honeycomb
configuration.
[0150] The hexagonal cell H1 formed in an equilateral hexagonal
shape is a mere example, and the shape may not necessarily be an
equilateral hexagon as long as it is symmetrical with respect to
its vertical centerline.
[0151] As shown in FIG. 7(B), six units 1 disposed on one hexagonal
cell H1 form a structure of a hexagonal configuration (which will
be referred to as hexagonal structure section). One hexagonal
structure section includes only two legs of the three legs of each
unit 1. The hexagonal structure section is constituted from six
linear structural members; a top side member r1, a top right side
member r2, a bottom right side member r3, a bottom side member r4,
a bottom left side member r5 and a top left side member r6. In the
tune frame constructed in this way, the beams do not continue in
the horizontal direction and the pillars are diagonal pillars that
are disposed continuously in a zigzag manner, a constitutional
feature that makes the tube frame of the present invention
essentially different from a tube frame of a conventional rigid
structure.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 7(B), the hexagonal structure section
formed from six units 1 is symmetrical with respect to its vertical
centerline. For the right sides, for example, the top right side
member r2 and the bottom right side member r3 that are two diagonal
pillars inclined in opposite directions with respect to the
vertical direction are joined together. The top right side member
r2 is inclined by an angle .alpha. with respect to the vertical
direction, and the bottom right side member r3 is inclined by an
angle-.alpha. with respect to the vertical direction. The bottom
left side member r5 and top left side member r6 that form the sides
on the left side are also diagonal pillars that are inclined
similarly. The top side member r1 and the bottom side member r4 are
horizontal beams. The pillars are joined rigidly to each other, and
the pillars and the beams are joined rigidly to each other.
[0153] The architectural structure having such a constitution has a
tubular structure that is capable of exerting a great bearing force
against horizontal load applied from any direction. Also in the
tube frame formed from the hexagonal structure section, all joints
of the pillars and beams show a well-balanced stability. As a
result, bending stress generated by load in the joint of pillar and
beam is less than the stress generated in a tube frame of a
conventional rigid frame structure. This is because a part of the
bending force is transformed into axial force against members
(pillars and beams) and is transmitted. In addition, the PC member
has higher strength against compressive force, and provides
advantage in bearing an axial force.
[0154] Further as shown in FIG. 7(B), the tube frame 100 has no
joint surface between units 1 on the joint between a pillar and a
beam. The joint surfaces between units 1 are located at an
intermediate point between beams, and such point between pillars.
In this regard, too, the tube frame of the present invention is
advantageous in terms of structural resistance.
[0155] As shown in the top view of FIG. 7(C), the tube frame 100 of
the example shown has a substantially rectangular cross section.
The surface of the hexagonal structure section formed at each of
the four corners of the cross section is directed toward the apex
of the rectangle, with the four corners of the rectangle being cut
off. While the side face of tube frame 100 shown in FIG. 7
substantially consists of flat surface, the cross section may be a
circle (the tube frame forms a curved surface) or any polygon, or
may even include a concave portion. In case the virtual honeycomb
configuration includes a curved surface or bend, it may be formed
by using a structural unit having a special configuration which
will be described later.
[0156] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of the main frame 100
shown in FIG. 7 (FIG. 8 shows the hexagonal cell H1 as an
equilateral hexagon). As shown, six units 1(1) to 1(6) are used for
one hexagonal cell H1 (the numbers given in parentheses are the
numbers used to identify the units disposed in one hexagonal cell
H1, the same applies hereafter). The unit 1 is a PC member that has
three legs extending from the center in three directions. The panel
surface is trifurcated in front view. The branching point of each
unit 1 is located at the apexes h1 to h6 of the hexagonal cell H1.
Joints s1 to s6 between adjacent units 1 are located at mid points
of the sides of the hexagonal cell H1, not at the apexes of the
hexagonal cell H1. The legs of each unit 1 occupy one half of the
length of each side of the hexagonal cell H1. Two of the three legs
belong to one hexagonal cell and the remaining one belongs to
another hexagonal cell. For every unit 1, two of the three legs are
used as diagonal pillars and the remaining one is used as a
beam.
[0157] The opening W surrounded by six units 1(1) to 1(6) that are
disposed on the hexagonal cell H1 is formed in the mid portion of
the hexagonal cell H1. In this example, the opening W has a
hexagonal shape disposed in the same orientation as the hexagonal
cell H1.
[0158] As shown in FIG. 8, two adjacent units 1 are joined together
with the joint surfaces thereof opposing each other at the mid
point of each side of the hexagonal cell H1. Connection of two
adjacent units 1 is made by means of tendons 21a, 21b and 21c
indicated by dashed line. For example, units 1(1) and 1(2) are
penetrated by the tendon 21a passing through the joint surfaces
thereof that oppose each other. The tendon 21a is subjected to a
post tension and both ends thereof are then fastened by means of a
pair of anchoring members 22a, 22a. Similarly, units 1(2) and 1(3)
are penetrated by the tendon 21b that is fastened by means of
anchoring members 22b, 22b. Similarly, units 1(3) and 1(4) are
penetrated by the tendon 21c that is fastened by means of anchoring
members 22c, 22c. By joining every pair of adjacent units in this
way, each joint surface is prevented from rotating, thus providing
a rigid joint. Moreover, strength of the rigid joint is increased
by the post tension of the tendon.
[0159] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the joint
between two structural units in more detail. In FIG. 9, a lower leg
of the unit 1(3) and an upper leg of the unit 1(4) are joined
together to form the diagonal pillar of the lower right side of the
hexagonal structure section, with the joint surface thereof located
at the mid point of the diagonal pillar. When the joint surfaces
located at the distal ends of the legs of both units are disposed
to oppose each other, the members are aligned so that the tendon
insertion holes (to be described in detail with reference to FIG.
10) formed in the units communicate with each other. Then the
tendon 21c is inserted into the tendon insertion holes that have
been put into communication with each other. The tendon 21c
normally comprises PC steel. The tendon 21c is inserted through the
valley between two legs of the unit 1(3) to the valley between two
legs of the unit 1(4). Then the tendon 21c is subjected to a post
tension and both ends thereof are then fastened by means of
anchoring members 22c, 22c.
[0160] Every connection between two adjacent units is made as
described above. As a result, three tendons that extend in
different directions seemingly cross each other in a mid portion in
the unit 1. While the mid portion of the unit 1 is located at an
apex of the hexagonal cell and is therefore subjected to
concentrated stress. However, since there is no joint in this
portion and three tendons are disposed therein, an extremely strong
structure is realized. Also, connection between two adjacent units
is made at the mid point of each side where relatively small stress
is generated, which is advantageous for the structure.
[0161] Applying pre-stress by means of post tension reduces the
occurrence of deflection and cracks in spite of long standing
stress, and the entire cross section of the concrete member
effectively counters against both compressive and tensile stresses.
As a result, a frame of a large span can be constructed. In
addition, the application of pre-stress is advantageous in
protecting the inserted tendon from corrosion, since cracks are
prevented from occurring (these advantages are provided similarly
by examples that follow).
[0162] When joining the joint surfaces of two units, it is
preferable to form a narrow gap between the two joint surfaces that
oppose each other, and fill the gap with mortar, resin mortar,
grout or the like that has higher strength than PC. Such a filler
enables it to accommodate errors in the construction work, thereby
improving the efficiency of construction work (the same applies to
examples that follow).
[0163] FIG. 10 shows the constitution of the unit 1 in detail. FIG.
10(A) is a side view from the side of joint surface 1a at the
distal end of one leg, and FIG. 10(B) is a sectional view taken
along line X-X in (A).
[0164] The unit 1 is a PC panel manufactured using a predetermined
formwork. As will be clearly seen from FIG. 10(B), the unit 1 has a
trifurcated panel surface in front view and has a predetermined
thickness between a front panel surface 1i and a back panel surface
1j as shown in FIG. 10(A). The unit 1 has three legs that extend
from the center C in three directions, and side faces 1a, 1b, 1c at
the distal ends of the legs are joint surfaces. The joint surfaces
1a, 1b, 1c are perpendicular to the directions in which the
respective legs extend. Each leg has a constant width in front
view, and has a rectangular cross section. The thickness and width
of each leg are determined in accordance with the architectural
structure to be constructed.
[0165] The side faces other than that located at the distal ends of
the legs are non-joint surfaces. A valley is formed by non-joint
surfaces 1d2 and 1d3 between the joint surfaces 1a and 1b. A valley
is formed by non-joint surfaces 1e2 and 1e3 between the joint
surfaces 1b and 1c. A valley is formed by non-joint surfaces 1f2
and 1f3 between the joint surfaces 1c and 1a.
[0166] As shown in FIG. 10(B), the unit 1 has three tendon
insertion holes 1a3, 1b3, 1c3 bored therein. These tendon insertion
holes are formed during manufacture of the PC panel and sheaths
(not shown) for passing the tendons are embedded therein. While the
three tendon insertion holes 1a3, 1b3, 1c3 appear to cross each
other in front view, actually they are disposed at different
positions in the direction of thickness so as not to overlap each
other as shown in FIG. 10 (A). The tendon insertion hole 1a3 passes
through from the joint surface 1a along the longitudinal direction
of the first leg to the bottom of valley 1e1 between the second leg
and the third leg. The tendon insertion hole 1b3 passes through
from the joint surface 1b along the longitudinal direction of the
second leg to the bottom of valley 1f1 between the third leg and
the first leg. The tendon insertion hole 1c3 passes through from
the joint surface 1c to the bottom of valley 1d1 between the first
leg and the second leg.
[0167] The unit 1 shown in FIG. 10 has three legs that have the
same length and are disposed at equal angles (120 degrees) from
each other. The unit 1 having such a configuration is used in the
case where the hexagonal cell H1 has an equilateral hexagonal shape
as shown in FIG. 8. In this case, every leg may be used as either a
diagonal pillar or beam. This means that the unit 1 can be used in
any orientation and provides an advantage of convenience for the
construction work.
[0168] Although the hexagonal cell H1 is symmetrical with respect
to a vertical centerline as described with reference to FIG. 7, it
may not be an equilateral hexagon. That is, the side corresponding
to a diagonal pillar and a side corresponding to a beam may be
different in length. In the latter case, the unit 1 has one leg
used as a beam of a length different from the length of two legs
used as diagonal pillars. In this case, too, two legs used as
diagonal pillars should be equal in length. While the angles which
the leg used as a beam extends with the two legs used as diagonal
pillars must be equal, this angle may be different from the angle
between the two legs used as diagonal pillars.
[0169] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a main frame
constructed by using a modification of the unit 1. The modification
is a combination of two kinds of units 1A and 1B, which are
disposed alternately on the hexagonal cell. The modification is
different from the unit 1 described previously in the shape of the
joint surface of each leg.
[0170] The joint surfaces of the three legs of the unit 1A form
ridges, each consisting of two sloped surfaces (1a4 and 1a5, 1b4
and 1b5, 1c4 and 1c5). In contrast, the joint surfaces of the three
legs of the unit 1B form valleys, each consisting of two sloped
surfaces (1a6 and 1a7, 1b6 and 1b7, 1c6 and 1c7).
[0171] The ridge of the joint surface of unit 1A and the valley of
the joint surface of unit 1B have shapes that fit with each other.
Accordingly, units 1A and 1B are disposed alternately and are
joined together so that the joint surfaces fit with each other.
Fastening of the units by applying post tension with the tendons is
carried out similarly to the embodiment described previously. When
the units are joined together by causing the joint surfaces to fit
with each other, the leg can be reliably prevented from rotating,
by the interlocking between the ridge and valley shapes, thus
producing a stronger structure.
[0172] The shapes of the joint surfaces of the two kinds of unit
that fit with each other are not limited to the ridge and valley
shapes shown in FIG. 11. A combination of other shapes may be
employed as long as the effect of preventing the rotation about the
axis can be achieved. For example, a square protrusion may be
formed at the center of one joint surface and a square recess may
be formed at the center of another joint surface, so as to fit the
square protrusion and the square recess with each other. The
example of the fitting shapes in a ridge shape and valley shape
shown in FIG. 11 are simple and therefore can be easily processed.
In addition, since the joint surface is inclined resulting in a
larger contact area, an effect of increasing the joint strength is
achieved.
[0173] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a method of joining
the unit 1 and a slab. A plurality of slab connection holes 1g that
penetrate the panel surfaces on the front and back are provided for
one leg among the three legs of the unit 1. Then the unit 1 is
disposed so that the leg having the slab connection holes 1g formed
therein serves as a beam. On the other hand, the PC slab 30 has a
plurality of tendons 31 embedded therein in advance. The slab
connection holes 1g are formed at positions that correspond to the
plurality of tendons 31, with the holes having a diameter that
allows to insert the tendons.
[0174] To join the unit 1 and the PC slab 30, each tendon 31 is
inserted into the slab connection hole 1g and is fastened by an
anchoring member in the state of being subjected to post
tension.
[0175] FIG. 13(A) shows a part of an example of main frame 101
constructed by using another modification of the unit 1. The main
frame 101 employs the virtual honeycomb configuration, that is not
flat but is curved, as the basis of the structure. The main frame
101 has the overall shape of a cylindrical tube frame. FIG. 13(B)
is a top view of a unit 1C used to construct the main frame 101
shown in (A), and FIG. 13(C) is a front view thereof.
[0176] As shown in FIG. 13(B) and FIG. 13(C), panel surface 1Ci1 of
a leg (that has a joint surface 1Ca at the distal end thereof in
this example), that forms a beam, of the unit 1C forms an angle
.beta. with a panel surface 1Ci2 of other two legs (that have joint
surfaces 1Cb, 1Cc at the distal ends thereof in this example), that
form diagonal pillars. In other words, the former leg is bent at a
bend portion 1Ck from the latter two legs. A main frame having
curved surface can be constructed by joining units 1C having such
bend portion 1Ck. In another example, the bent unit 1C may be used
at a bending position where two flat surfaces of the main frame
intersect (for example, corner of the tube frame shown in FIG. 7).
The angle .beta. is set to such an extent that would not have
adverse influence on joining of two units 1C by means of the tendon
subjected to post tension or on joining of the unit 1C with other
units that can be joined.
[0177] Further, use of the bent unit 1C makes it possible to
continuously form not only a curved surface that bends in one
direction but also a curved surface that bends in the opposite
direction. For example, a curved surface that undulates when viewed
from above.
[0178] In case the main frame is parallel to the vertical direction
also in the curved surface portion such as in the tube frame shown
in FIG. 13(A), the units 1C are disposed so that the bend portion
1Ck lies in parallel to the vertical direction. In another example,
the main frame may not be parallel to the vertical direction in the
curved surface portion (such as a curved surface like a part of a
dome). In this case, the direction of the bend portion 1Ck is set
so as to correspond to the direction in which the surface of the
main frame bends.
[0179] Combining the flat unit 1 shown in FIG. 10 and the bent unit
1C shown in FIG. 13 makes it possible to construct a main frame
having a flat surface portion and a curved surface portion.
[0180] FIG. 14 shows a unit 1D that is a modification of the unit 1
shown in FIG. 10, (A) is a perspective overview, and (B) is a front
view showing a part of the main frame formed by connecting six
units 1D that are disposed on a hexagonal cell.
[0181] The shapes and positions of joint surfaces 1Da, 1Db and 1Dc
of the unit 1D are the same as those of the unit 1, and therefore
the unit 1D can be joined with the unit 1 or the unit 1C. The unit
1D is different from the unit 1 in the shape of the non-joint
surface. The unit 1D has a shape in which the valley of the
non-joint surface is modified to decrease the depth. The legs of
the unit 1D do not have a constant width, and the width increases
from the joint surfaces 1Da, 1Db and 1Dc toward the center. For
example, angle .delta. extended by the side face 1Df3 and the
adjacent joint surface 1Da (also the angle extended by the side
face 1Df2 and the adjacent joint surface 1Dc) is an obtuse angle
(.delta. is 90 degrees in the unit 1). Any modification of the unit
1 where the angle in the panel surface falls in a range of
90.degree..ltoreq..delta.<120.degree. will be classified as
trifurcated.
[0182] When 5=120.degree., the valley diminishes and the unit is
hexagonal similarly to the unit 2 shown in FIG. 1.
[0183] As shown in FIG. 14(A), the tendon insertion hole 1Db3 opens
in bottom 1Df1 of the valley formed by side faces 1Df2 and
1Df3.
[0184] In case six units 1D are connected in a ring shape as shown
in FIG. 14(B), opening W formed in the mid portion thereof is
smaller than the opening surrounded by the units 1 shown in FIG.
8.
[0185] While the unit 1D shown in FIG. 14 has all the legs
different in width in comparison to the unit 1 shown in FIG. 10,
another modification may be conceived where the width of only one
or two legs is different. Alternatively, a main frame may be
constructed by combining the unit 1 having joint surfaces that can
be fitted with each other, the unit 1D and another modification.
Such modifications enable it to meet diverse design requirements
with respect to the size of opening, etc.
EXAMPLE 2
[0186] By making reference to FIGS. 15 to 21, another example of an
architectural structure having a main frame formed by connecting
structural units that are disposed in a virtual honeycomb
configuration will be described.
[0187] FIG. 15 is a front view showing a part of a main frame 102
of the architectural structure formed by using the structural
units, for example, a part of a tube frame similar to that shown in
FIG. 7(A). FIG. 16 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the
main frame 102 shown in FIG. 15.
[0188] The main frame 102 shown in FIG. 15 is constructed by
connecting the structural units 2 shown in FIG. 1 that are disposed
for the virtual honeycomb configuration formed from the hexagonal
cells H1 (indicated by thick alternate dot and dash line) as the
unit cells shown in FIG. 1.
[0189] The unit 2 has a hexagonal panel with six sides as shown in
FIG. 15 in front view, and has a predetermined thickness (in the
direction perpendicular to the paper of drawing). In other words,
the unit has six side faces extending between the sides of the pair
of panel surfaces on the front and back as shown in FIG. 16. In the
example shown, the six sides that constitute the periphery of the
hexagonal panel surface consist of two kinds of sides of different
lengths, long sides and short sides, disposed alternately.
Accordingly, the side face extending between short sides on both
panel surfaces is a short side face and the side face extending
between long sides on both panel surfaces is a long side face. In
each unit, the three short side faces and the three long side faces
are disposed alternately. It is preferable to use the three short
side faces of each unit as joint surfaces and the three long side
faces of each unit as non-joint surfaces. By using the three short
side faces as joint surfaces, a larger opening W can be obtained
than in the case of using the long side faces as joint surfaces.
However, the long side faces may be used as joint surfaces
depending on the application. In a special example where the short
sides and the long sides have the same length, the panel surface
has an equilateral hexagonal shape (structural unit 5 shown in FIG.
1).
[0190] As shown in FIG. 15, six units 2(1), 2(2), 2(3), 2(4), 2(5)
and 2(6) are disposed at positions that include the apexes h1, h2,
h3, h4, h5 and h6 of the hexagonal cell H1 that is the unit cell of
the virtual honeycomb configuration. Joint surfaces that are the
short side faces of adjoining units are disposed to oppose each
other and joined together. Each of the six surfaces s1, s2, s3, s4,
s5 and s6 that are joined crosses one of the sides of the hexagonal
cell H1. Two joint surfaces are used to join one unit with the
adjoining units on both sides thereof on the hexagonal cell H1. As
a result, the six units are connected with each other to form a
ring, and an opening W (indicated by thick alternate two dots and
dash line) surrounded by these units is formed at the center of the
hexagonal cell H1. In this state, the remaining one joint surface
of each unit extends radially from the center and can join with the
short side face of one unit included in the adjacent hexagonal
cell.
[0191] As will be clearly seen from FIG. 15, one unit 2 is disposed
on one apex that is shared by three adjoining hexagonal cells H1,
and is shared by three hexagonal cells H1.
[0192] The hexagonal shape of the panel surface of the unit 2 may
be varied with different ratios of the short side and the long
side. When hexagons of the same width (distance between the
opposing short side and long side) are compared, the larger the
difference between the short side and the long side is, the larger
the opening W formed in the mid portion of the hexagonal cell H1.
Also, the opening W is an equilateral hexagon and the smallest when
all sides have the same length. On the other hand, the area of the
joint between the short side faces is smaller when the difference
between the short side and the long side is larger, and the area of
the joint is the largest when all sides have the same length. A
larger area of the joint is advantageous in terms of strength. The
lengths and proportion of the short side and the long side are
determined in accordance with the required strength of the
architectural structure, size of the opening and other factors.
However, since the present invention is a structure based on a
honeycomb configuration, sufficient strength can be ensured even
when the difference between the short side and the long side is
increased, which is advantageous for providing a larger
opening.
[0193] With reference made to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, tendon insertion
holes are provided in advance at the positions in each unit
indicated by dashed line. The tendon insertion holes have a sheath
(not shown) embedded therein. One tendon insertion hole penetrates
the unit at a right angle to one of the joint surfaces of the unit.
As a result, one unit has three tendon insertion holes that extend
in three different directions (60 degrees apart from each
other).
[0194] When the short side faces of two units 2(1) and 2(2) are
disposed to oppose each other as shown in FIG. 16, for example, the
tendon insertion holes provided on both units communicate with each
other so as to form one tendon insertion hole that continues from
the long side face located on the right hand side of the unit 2(1)
to the long side face located on the left hand side of the unit
2(2). In other words, the short side faces of both units are put
into contact with each other so as to align the tendon insertion
holes of the two units.
[0195] Then the tendon 21a is inserted through the tendon insertion
hole and is subjected to a post tension so as both ends thereof are
fastened by means of a pair of anchoring members 22a, 22a thereby
firmly joining the units 2(1) and 2(2) together. The unit 2(2) is
further joined with unit 2(3) by means of second tendon 21b and a
pair of anchoring members 22b, 22b. Furthermore, the unit 2(2) is
joined with unit 2(5') included in the adjacent hexagonal cell by
means of third tendon 21c' and anchoring members 22c', 22c'.
[0196] When units are connected with each other as described above,
one unit is joined with adjacent three panel units by tendons 21a,
21b, 21c' that extend in three different directions, and therefore
each joint surface is prevented from rotating, thus providing a
rigid joint. Thus it is made possible to construct the
architectural structure comprising a main frame that is rigidly
joined in a honeycomb configuration.
[0197] With reference to FIG. 15 again, in the main frame formed by
connecting the structural units that are disposed in a virtual
honeycomb configuration consisting of hexagonal cell H1 as the unit
cells, two sides at the top and bottom of the hexagonal cell H1 are
disposed in parallel to each other in the horizontal direction.
Take the units in two rows m and n that run in the vertical
direction, and the units in each row are disposed in a zigzag
configuration and are connected together by rigid joints. This
constitution has, when diagonal pillars disposed in a zigzag
configuration by connecting apexes h3'', h2, h3, h4, h3' and h4' of
a plurality of hexagonal cells H1 arranged in the vertical
direction (for example, example shown in FIG. 8) are assumed, a
function similar to that of the diagonal pillars and provides a
structure that is capable of favorably transforming vertical and
horizontal loads into axial forces. In addition, use of the planar
members instead of linear members such as diagonal pillars gives
the structure more strength.
[0198] In the honeycomb structure that uses the units 2, the panel
units located at the apexes of the hexagonal cell H1 where the
stress is most concentrated are planar members that have
two-dimensional expansion and there is no joint within this
portion, so that the structure is highly resistant to stresses. The
joints are located at mid points of the sides of the hexagonal cell
H1 where less stress is generated, thus providing another
advantage.
[0199] With reference to FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the structure of the
unit 2 shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 will be described in detail.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the overview of the unit 2.
FIG. 18(A) is a front view, FIG. 18(B) is a top view, FIG. 18(C) is
a sectional view taken along line Y-Y and FIG. 18(D) is a sectional
view taken along line Z-Z. The unit 2 is a PC panel manufactured by
using a predetermined formwork.
[0200] As shown in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, a front panel surface 2i
and a back panel surface 2j (at the bottom in FIG. 17) have the
identical hexagonal shape, with corresponding sides being disposed
parallel to each other. For example, a short side 2a1 of the panel
surface 2i and a short side 2a2 of the panel surface 2j are
parallel to each other, and a long side 2f1 of the panel surface 2i
and a long side 2f2 of the panel surface 2j are parallel to each
other. The distance between the front panel surface 2i and the back
panel surface 2j is the thickness of the panel 2.
[0201] The short sides and the long sides are disposed alternately
in the panel surfaces 2i and 2j. For example, in the panel surface
2i, the sides are disposed in the order of short side 2a1, long
side 2d1, short side 2b1, long side 2e1, short side 2c1 and long
side 2f1. The short sides all have the same length and the long
sides all have the same length.
[0202] In addition, six side faces 2a, 2d, 2b, 2e, 2c, 2f are
provided that are perpendicular to the panel surfaces 2i, 2j and
extend between corresponding sides. The side faces 2a, 2b, 2c that
extend between the short sides are short side faces that make joint
surfaces, and the side faces 2d, 2e, 2f that extend between the
long sides are long side faces that make non-joint surfaces.
[0203] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18(A), tendon insertion holes
2a3 (between the short side face 2a and the long side face 2e), 2b3
(between the short side face 2b and the long side face 2f) and 2c3
(between the short side face 2c and the long side face 2d) are
provided between the opposing side faces among the six side faces.
Each of the tendon insertion holes 2a3, 2b3 and 2c3 is
perpendicular to a pair of opposing side faces. The tendon
insertion holes 2a3, 2b3, 2c3 preferably open at substantially the
center of each side face. In front view, every tendon insertion
hole passes through the center of the unit, forming an angle
.gamma. of 60 degrees between the tendon insertion holes. While the
three tendon insertion holes appear to cross each other in front
view, actually they are disposed at different positions within the
thickness of the unit so as not to overlap each other as shown in
FIG. 18(B) and FIG. 18(C). It is preferable, however, that all
tendon insertion holes are located as near the center within the
thickness of the unit as possible, for the purpose of
balancing.
[0204] The dimensions of each portion of the unit 2 are determined
in accordance with the requirements and conditions of the
architectural structure to be constructed, the conditions of
transportation, etc.
[0205] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing the overview of unit 5
that is a special case of the unit 2. Portions that correspond to
those of the unit 2 shown in FIG. 17 are identified by the same
reference numerals. The unit 5 is different from the unit 2 shown
in FIG. 17 in that a pair of panel surfaces 5i and 5j are shaped in
an equilateral hexagon, namely six sides thereof have the same
length. The units 5 can be joined with each other by, for example,
using the side faces 5a, 5b, 5c that are located at every other
position as the joint surfaces. In other respects, it is the same
as the unit 2 shown in FIG. 17.
[0206] Although not shown, a modification of the unit 2 having a
hexagonal shape where two long sides among the three long sides of
the panel surface are the same in length and the remaining one side
has a different length may be used.
[0207] FIG. 20(A) is a perspective view showing the overview of a
structural unit 2A that is capable of joining with the unit 2 of
FIG. 17, as an example of structural units used when the virtual
honeycomb configuration has a curved surface or a bending portion.
FIG. 20 (A) is a perspective overview thereof.
[0208] In the unit 2A, one short side face 2Ac forms a small angle
.beta..sub.1, from the direction C that is perpendicular to the
panel surfaces 2Ai, 2Aj. A honeycomb structure having a curved
surface can be constructed by using such units 2A.
[0209] FIG. 20 (B) is a rear view (inside of the main frame) of a
structure formed by connecting the unit 2A(1) shown in (A) and
another structural panel unit 2A(2) of the same shape with the
respective short side faces 2Ac(1) and 2Ac(2) disposed to oppose
each other, and FIG. 20 (C) is a top view thereof. As shown in the
top view, the two units 2A(1) and 2A(2) that are joined together
and the respective panel surfaces 2Aj(2) and 2Aj(2) thereof form a
bending portion with an angle of 180-2.beta..sub.1. A curved
surface can be formed by repeating such a joint.
[0210] The angle .beta..sub.1 is such a small angle that a joint
strength comparable to that of the unit 2 shown in FIG. 16 can be
obtained by passing a tendon through the units 2A(1) and 2A(2) and
fastening the tendon with post tension applied thereto.
Accordingly, while the short side face 2Ac that serves as the joint
surface is inclined, it may be regarded as being virtually
perpendicular to the panel surfaces 2Ai, 2Aj. The tendon insertion
hole 2Ac3 that opens in the short side face 2Ac can also be
regarded as being virtually perpendicular to the side face.
[0211] FIG. 21(A) is a front view showing a unit 2B that is capable
of joining with the unit 2 described above, in another example of
the structural units used when the virtual honeycomb configuration
has a curved surface or a bending portion. FIG. 21 (B) is a top
view thereof.
[0212] As shown in FIGS. 21(A) and (B), the front panel surface of
the unit 2B consists of two surfaces 2Bi1 and 2Bi2 that form an
angle .beta..sub.2 at a boundary thereof that is a bend 2Bk that
runs along a straight line where the surfaces intersect to form the
bend. The same applies also to the rear panel. Thus the unit 2B is
bent along the bend 2Bk. A main frame having a curved surface can
be constructed by joining the units 2B that have such a bend 2Bk
with each other. In case the main frame is parallel to the vertical
direction also in the curved portion as in the cylindrical tube
frame shown in FIG. 13(A), the units 2B are disposed so that the
bend 2Bk is parallel to the vertical direction. The bend 2Bk is
directed in accordance with the direction in which the surface of
the main frame bends. While the bend 2Bk is located at the center
in the example shown, it may also be located to the left or to the
right of the center. The bent unit 2B may also be used in a bending
portion where two flat surfaces of the main frame intersect (for
example, the corner of the tube frame shown in FIG. 7). The angle
.beta..sub.2 is set to such an extent that would not have adverse
influence on joining of two units 2B by means of tendon subjected
to post tension or on joining of the unit 2B with other units that
can be joined.
[0213] Use of the bent unit 2B makes it possible to continuously
form not only a curved surface that bends in one direction but also
a curved surface that bends in the opposite direction. For example,
a curved surface that undulates when viewed from above may be
formed.
[0214] Combining the flat unit 2 shown in FIG. 17 and the bent unit
2B shown in FIG. 21 makes it possible to construct a main frame
that has both a flat surface portion and a curved surface portion
at will.
EXAMPLE 3
[0215] By making reference to FIGS. 22 to 25, another example of an
architectural structure having a main frame formed by connecting
structural units that are disposed in a virtual honeycomb
configuration will be described.
[0216] FIG. 22 is a front view showing a part of a main frame 103
of the architectural structure formed by using the structural
units, for example, a part of a tube frame similar to that shown in
FIG. 7(A). FIG. 23 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the
main frame 103 shown in FIG. 22.
[0217] The main frame shown in FIG. 22 is constructed for the lower
portion K1 by connecting the structural units 5 shown in FIG. 2
that are disposed in the virtual honeycomb configuration consisting
of the hexagonal cell H2 (indicated by thick alternate dot and dash
line) shown in FIG. 2, and connecting the structural units 4 shown
in FIG. 2 for the upper portion K2. The unit 5 has an equilateral
hexagonal panel surface as described for a modification of the unit
2 with reference to FIG. 19. The unit 4 is a modification of the
unit 5 where a non-joint surface is formed from a concave
surface.
[0218] In the lower portion K1, six units 4 are disposed so as to
include the positions of apexes h1 to h6 of the hexagonal cell H2,
and two adjoining units are joined by disposing the joint surfaces
thereof to oppose each other at the mid point of each side. The
joint surfaces s1 to s6 cross the respective sides perpendicularly.
As a result, six units 4 are connected together in a ring shape. In
the upper portion K2, six units 5 are disposed on the hexagonal
cell H2 and are similarly connected with each other. The units 4
and the units 5 are different in the shape of the non-joint
surface, but are the same in the position and shape of the joint
surface, and therefore can be joined with each other.
[0219] In the lower portion K1, a hexagonal opening Wf is formed in
the mid portion of the hexagonal cell H2 and, in the upper portion
K2, a substantially circular opening Wg is formed in the mid
portion of the hexagonal cell H2. In the border area, an opening Wh
having an irregular shape is formed. The unit 4 has a smaller panel
area (hence a smaller volume) than that of the unit 5, and
therefore the opening Wg is larger than the opening Wf accordingly.
A smaller volume of the unit means lighter weight and a smaller
quantity of concrete. Being lighter in weight makes the unit
suitable for use in upper stories that are subjected to relatively
less loads. It is preferable to use units of smaller volume in
higher stories since it reduces the load on the lower stories. In
the lower stories, heavier loads from the structure above can be
borne by using units made of a sufficient quantity of concrete.
[0220] With reference made to FIG. 22 and FIG. 23, tendon insertion
holes are provided in advance at the positions in each unit
indicated by dashed line. The tendon insertion holes have a sheath
(not shown) embedded therein. One tendon insertion hole penetrates
the unit at a right angle to one of the joint surfaces of the unit.
As a result, one unit has three tendon insertion holes that extend
in three different directions (60 degrees apart from each
other).
[0221] When joint surfaces of two units 4(1) and 4(2) are disposed
to oppose each other as shown in FIG. 23, for example, the tendon
insertion holes provided on both units communicate with each other.
Then the tendon 21a is inserted through the tendon insertion hole
with a post tension applied thereto, and both ends thereof are
fastened by means of a pair of anchoring members 22a, 22a thereby
firmly joining the units 4(1) and 4(2). Further the unit 4(2) and
unit 4(3) are joined by means of second tendon 21b and anchoring
members 22b, 22b and the unit 4(3) and the unit 4(4) are joined by
means of third tendon 21c and the anchoring members 22c, 22c.
[0222] By joining the units together in this way, every unit can be
connected with three adjacent units by means of the three tendons
21a, 21b, 21c that extend in three different directions, so that
each joint surface is prevented from rotating, thus providing a
rigid joint. This makes it possible to construct the architectural
structure having the main frame formed by rigidly joining the units
in a honeycomb configuration.
[0223] With reference to FIG. 24, the structure of the unit 4 shown
in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 will be described in detail. FIG. 24(A) is a
front view, FIG. 24(B) is a top view and FIG. 24(C) is a
perspective overview.
[0224] As shown in FIG. 24, the front panel surface 4i and the back
panel surface 4j have the same shape. The profiles of the panel
surfaces 4i, 4j are formed from three sides located at every other
positions of the equilateral hexagon and three concave curves
located therebetween. Flat side faces 4a, 4b, 4c that include the
straight sides serve as the joint surfaces with the adjacent units.
The concave surfaces 4d, 4e, 4f located between the joint surfaces
are non-joint surfaces.
[0225] Furthermore, tendon insertion holes 4a3 (between the joint
surface 4a and the concave surface 4e), 4b3 (between the joint
surface 4b and the concave surface 4f) and 4c3 (between the joint
surface 4c and the concave surface 4d) are provided between the
opposing side faces among the six side faces. The tendon insertion
holes 4a3, 4b3, 4c3 are perpendicular to the joint surfaces 4a, 4b,
4c, respectively. The tendon insertion holes 4a3, 4b3, 4c3
preferably open in the joint surfaces and in the concave surfaces
at substantially the center thereof. In the front view of FIG.
24(A), every tendon insertion hole passes through the center of the
unit, forming an angle .gamma. of 60 degrees between the tendon
insertion holes. The tendon insertion holes are disposed at
different positions within the thickness of the unit so as not to
overlap each other as shown in FIG. 24(B) and FIG. 24 (C). It is
preferable, however, that all tendon insertion holes are located as
near the center within the thickness of the unit as possible, for
the purpose of balancing.
[0226] The dimensions of each portion of the unit 4 are determined
in accordance with the requirements and conditions of the
architectural structure to be constructed, the conditions of
transportation and other factors.
[0227] FIG. 25(A) is a front view showing a unit 4A that is one
example of the structural unit used when the virtual honeycomb
configuration has a curved surface or a bending portion, in a state
of being joined with the unit 4. FIG. 25 (B) is a top view
thereof.
[0228] As shown in FIGS. 25(A) and (B), the front panel surface of
the unit 4A consists of two surfaces 4Ai1 and 4Ai2 that form an
angle .beta. at a boundary thereof that is a bend 4Ak that runs
along a straight line at which the surfaces intersect to form the
bend. The same applies also to the rear panel. Thus the unit 4A is
bent along the bend 4Ak. A main frame having a curved surface can
be constructed by joining the units 4A that have such a bend 4Ak
and the unit 4 described previously. The degree of bending
increases as more units 4A are added and connected. In case the
main frame is parallel to the vertical direction also in the curved
portion as in the cylindrical tube frame shown in FIG. 13(A), the
units 4A are disposed so that the bend 4Ak is parallel to the
vertical direction. The bend 4Ak is directed in accordance with the
direction in which the surface of the main frame bends. While the
bend 4Ak is located at the center in the example shown, it may also
be located to the left or to the right of the center.
[0229] The bent unit 4A may also be used in a bending portion where
two flat surfaces of the main frame intersect (for example, the
corner of the tube frame shown in FIG. 7). The angle .beta. is set
to such an extent that would not have adverse influence on joining
of two units 4A by means of tendon subjected to post tension or on
joining of the unit 4A with other units that can be joined.
[0230] Use of the bent unit 4A makes it possible to continuously
form not only a curved surface that bends in one direction but also
a curved surface that bends in the opposite direction. For example,
a curved surface that undulates when viewed from above.
EXAMPLE 4
[0231] By making reference to FIGS. 26 to 31, another example of
the architectural structure having a main frame formed by
connecting structural units that are disposed in a virtual
honeycomb configuration will be described.
[0232] FIG. 26 is a front view showing a part of a main frame 104
of the architectural structure formed by using the structural
units, for example, a part of a tube frame similar to that shown in
FIG. 7(A). FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of the main frame
constituted from the same units as those of the main frame 104
shown in FIG. 26.
[0233] In the lowest portion K1 of the main frame shown in FIG. 26,
the structural units 8 shown in FIG. 4 are disposed in the
arrangement pattern B shown in FIG. 6 for the virtual honeycomb
configuration consisting of the hexagonal cell H2 (indicated by
thick alternate dot and dash line). A second portion K2, a third
portion K3, and top portion K4, each of which comprises structural
units of different shapes, are constructed consecutively on the
lowest portion K1. The structural unit 13, the structural unit 14
and the structural unit 15 used in the second portion K2, the third
portion K3 and the top portion K4, respectively, are modifications
similar to the structural unit 7 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[0234] The units 8, 13, 14 and 15 are each disposed at a position
that includes a pair of adjoining apexes of the hexagonal cell H2.
For example, among the units 8 of the lowest portion K1, unit 8(1)
occupies the apex h1 and one apex of the adjacent hexagonal cell,
unit 8(2) occupies the apexes h2 and h3, unit 8(3) occupies the
apex h4 and one apex of the next hexagonal cell, and unit 8(4)
occupies the apexes h5 and h6. In each of the units disposed as
described above, side faces located at the top right, top left,
bottom right and bottom left are used as joint surfaces. Two units
that adjoin each other are joined together with the corresponding
joint surfaces disposed to oppose each other, and four units 8 are
connected together in a ring configuration. These connections are
rigid joints. Each of the four surfaces s1, s3, s4 and s6 that are
joined crosses one of the sides of the hexagonal cell H2. For the
unit 13 in the second portion K2, the unit 14 in the third portion
K3 and the unit 15 in the top portion K4, the units are disposed
and joined similarly, although lengths of the sides of the
hexagonal cell H2 are different. The units 8, 13, 14 and 15 are the
same in the position and shape of the joint surface although the
shape of the non-joint surface of the panel surface is different,
and therefore can be joined with each other.
[0235] There may be a case where the shape of the hexagonal cell
that is the unit cell of the virtual honeycomb configuration
changes from the bottom toward the top as in example shown in FIG.
26. Each hexagonal cell is symmetrical with respect to the vertical
centerline, although the shape is different. In a portion where
units of different shapes adjoin each other, there is a hexagonal
cell that is not symmetrical with respect to the horizontal
centerline.
[0236] In the lowest portion K1, a rectangular opening Wh is formed
in the mid portion of the hexagonal cell H2, in the second portion
K2 a substantially oval opening Wi is formed in the mid portion of
the hexagonal cell H2, in the third portion K3 a substantially
rhombic opening Wj is formed in the mid portion of the hexagonal
cell H2, and in the top portion K4 a rhombic opening Wk is formed
in the mid portion of the hexagonal cell H2. The higher from the
lowest portion K1 upward to the top portion K4, the smaller the
units are in panel area (hence smaller in volume) and therefore the
larger the opening is accordingly. A smaller volume of the unit
means lighter weight and a smaller quantity of concrete. Being
lighter in weight makes the unit suitable for use in upper stories
that are subjected to relatively less loads. It is preferable to
use units of smaller volume in higher stories since it reduces the
load on the lower stories. In the lower stories, heavier loads from
the structure above can be borne by using units made of a
sufficient quantity of concrete.
[0237] With reference made to FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, tendon insertion
holes are provided at the positions in each unit indicated by
dashed line to penetrate therethrough in advance. The tendon
insertion holes have a sheath (not shown) embedded therein. One
tendon insertion hole opens at one end thereof in one of the joint
surfaces, and opens at another end in one of the non-joint
surfaces. As a result, one unit has four tendon insertion holes
that extend in four different directions.
[0238] When the joint surface located at the top left of the unit 8
and the joint surface located at the bottom right of the unit 13
are disposed to oppose each other as shown in FIG. 27, for example,
the tendon insertion holes provided in both units communicate with
each other. Then the tendon 21a is inserted through the tendon
insertion hole with a post tension applied thereto, and one end
thereof is fastened on the lower side face of the unit 8 by means
of the anchoring member 22a and the other end thereof is fastened
on the upper side face of the unit 13 by means of anchoring
member.
[0239] The second tendon 21b is inserted through the tendon
insertion holes of the unit 8 and another unit 8 located at the
lower left and one end thereof is fastened on the upper side face
of the unit 8 by means of the anchoring member 22b and the other
end thereof is fastened on the lower side face of the another unit
8 located at the lower left by means of the anchoring member
22b.
[0240] The third tendon 21c is inserted through the tendon
insertion holes of the unit 8 and another unit 8 located at the
lower right and one end thereof is fastened on the top end of the
unit 8 by means of the anchoring member 22c and the other end
thereof is fastened on the bottom side face of the another unit 8
located at the lower right by means of the anchoring member
22c.
[0241] The fourth tendon 21d is inserted through the tendon
insertion holes of the unit 8 and the unit 13 located at the top
right and one end thereof is fastened on the lower side face of the
unit 8 by means of the anchoring member 22d and the other end
thereof is fastened on the upper side face of the unit 13 located
at the top right by means of the anchoring member 22d.
[0242] All of the units shown in FIG. 27 are joined together in
this way by means of the tendons subjected to post tension. Every
unit is joined with four adjacent units by means of the four
tendons 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d that extend in four different
directions, so that each joint surface is prevented from rotating,
thus providing a rigid joint. This makes it possible to construct
the architectural structure having the main frame formed by rigidly
joining the units in a honeycomb configuration.
[0243] While the tendon insertion holes that communicate in two
units do not necessarily run straight in the main frame shown in
FIG. 26 and FIG. 27, it is a common practice to embed sheaths in a
curved configuration in PC panels.
[0244] FIG. 28 is a perspective overview of the units shown in FIG.
26 and FIG. 27, (A) showing the unit 8, (B) showing the unit 13,
(C) showing the unit 14 and (D) showing the unit 15.
[0245] As shown in FIG. 28(A), the unit 8 has an octagonal panel
surface 8i on the front (the same for the rear surface). The
octagon has a shape produced by cutting off the four corners of a
rectangle, and the periphery of the panel surface is constituted
from short sides and long sides that are disposed alternately. Four
small side faces 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d interposed between the short sides
serve as the joint surfaces. The remaining four large side faces
8e, 8f, 8g, 8h are non-joint surfaces. The tendon insertion hole
8a3 is provided between the joint surface 8a and the non-joint
surface 8g, the tendon insertion hole 8b3 is provided between the
joint surface 8b and the non-joint surface 8g, tendon insertion
hole 8c3 is provided between the joint surface 8c and the non-joint
surface 8e, and tendon insertion hole 8d3 is provided between the
joint surface 8d and the non-joint surface 8e. The tendon insertion
holes 8a3 and 8b3 preferably open substantially at the center of
the non-joint surface 8g. The tendon insertion holes 8c3 and 8d3
preferably open substantially at the center of the non-joint
surface 8e.
[0246] When viewed from the panel surface 8i side, the tendon
insertion holes 8a3 and 8d3 appear to cross each other, while the
tendon insertion holes 8b3 and 8c3 appear to cross each other.
Actually, the tendon insertion holes are disposed at positions
within the thickness of the unit 8 where they do not overlap each
other. It is preferable, however, that all tendon insertion holes
are located as near the center within the thickness of the unit as
possible, for the purpose of balancing.
[0247] As shown in FIG. 28(B), the unit 13 has joint surfaces 13a
to 13d and non-joint surfaces 13e to 13h, while the joint surfaces
are the same as those of the unit 8 of (A) and the non-joint
surfaces are the non-joint surfaces of the unit 8 modified into
concave surfaces. Four tendon insertion holes 13a3, 13b3, 13c3,
13d3 are provided similarly to the case of the unit 8, while one
end of each tendon insertion hole opens in each joint surface and
the other end thereof opens in the bottom of the recess of the
non-joint surface 13e or 13g.
[0248] As shown in FIG. 28(C), the unit 14 has joint surfaces 14a
to 14d and non-joint surfaces 14e to 14h. While the joint surfaces
are the same as those of the unit 8 of (A), the non-joint surfaces
are the non-joint surfaces of the unit 8 modified into concave
surfaces, which are deeper than those of the unit 13. Four tendon
insertion holes 14a3, 14b3, 14c3, 14d3 are provided similarly to
the case of the unit 8. While one end of each tendon insertion hole
opens in each joint surface and the other end thereof opens in the
bottom of the recess of the non-joint surface 14e or 14g.
[0249] As shown in FIG. 28(D), the unit 15 has joint surfaces 15a
to 15d and non-joint surfaces 15e to 15h. While the joint surfaces
are the same as those of the unit 8 of (A), the non-joint surfaces
are the non-joint surfaces of the unit 8 modified into concave
surfaces, which are V-shaped and are deeper than that of the unit
14. In other words, the unit has four legs that extend from the
center in four directions with side faces located at the distal
ends of the four legs serving as the joint surfaces. Four tendon
insertion holes 15a3, 15b3, 15c3, 15d3 are provided similarly to
the case of the unit 8. While one end of each tendon insertion hole
opens in each joint surface and the other end thereof opens in the
bottom of the V-shaped recess of the non-joint surface 15e or
15g.
[0250] FIG. 29 is a perspective overview of a main frame 105 that
is another example although having the same shape as that of the
main frame shown in FIG. 27. The main frame 105 shown in FIG. 29 is
constituted from units that are a little different from the unit
shown in FIG. 27.
[0251] When the units 8, 13, 14 and 15 shown in FIG. 27 are joined
so that each unit forms one story of a building, these units are
fairly large and heavy for ordinary PC panels, giving rise to the
possibility of decreasing the efficiency of manufacturing,
transportation and assembly. Therefore, it is made possible to
ensure the efficiency of manufacturing, transportation and assembly
and make the main frame 105 capable of functioning similarly to the
main frame 104 formed from the units 8, 13, 14 and 15 shown in FIG.
27, by using half-units, that are made by dividing each unit into
halves at the center, as the unit of manufacturing the PC panels.
Since two half-units that constitute one unit have an identical
shape, they can be manufactured with only one kind of formwork.
[0252] A panel made by integrating half-units 8m and 8n corresponds
to the unit 8 shown in FIG. 27, a panel made by integrating
half-units 13m and 13n corresponds to the unit 13 shown in FIG. 27,
a panel made by integrating half-units 14m and 14n corresponds to
the unit 14 shown in FIG. 27, and a panel made by integrating
half-units 15m and 15n corresponds to the unit 15 shown in FIG. 27.
As a panel formed by joining half-units is joined by means of four
tendons 21a to 21d similarly to the units 8, 13, 14 and 15 shown in
FIG. 27, the half-units are joined together at the same time.
[0253] FIG. 30 is an perspective overview of the unit 8 shown in
FIG. 29, (A) showing half-units of the unit 8, (B) showing
half-units of the unit 13, (C) showing half-units of the unit 14
and (D) showing half-units of the unit 15.
[0254] As shown in FIG. 30(A), the half-units 8m and 8n of the unit
8 are the products of equally dividing the unit 8 along dividing
surfaces 8t, 8u that cross a pair of non-joint surfaces that oppose
each other. The dividing surface 8t is where tendon insertion holes
8ma3, 8mb3, 8mc3 and 8md3 open, and the dividing surface 8u is
where tendon insertion holes 8na3, 8nb3, 8nc3 and 8nd3 open. A PC
panel having the same shape as the unit 8 is formed by bringing the
dividing surface 8t of the half unit 8m and the dividing surface 8u
of the half unit 8n into contact with each other, with the tendon
insertion holes communicating with each other in the same
arrangement of the tendon insertion holes as in the unit 8. As
shown in FIG. 29, the half-units 8m and 8n are rigidly joined with
each other by passing tendons through the tendon insertion holes
that communicate with each other and fastening the tendons with
post tension applied thereto. The same applies to the half-units of
the units 13, 14 and 15 shown in FIG. 30(B) to FIG. 30(D).
[0255] FIG. 31 and FIG. 32 show units 8A, 13A, 14A and 15A in one
example of the structural units used in a case where the virtual
honeycomb configuration has a curved surface or a bending portion.
FIGS. 31(A1) and (A2) are front and top views, respectively, of the
unit 8A joined with the unit 8, and (B1) and (B2) are front and top
views, respectively, of the unit 13A joined with the unit 13.
Similarly, FIGS. 32(A1) and (A2) are front and top views,
respectively, of the unit 14A joined with the unit 14, and (B1) and
(B2) are front and top views, respectively, of the unit 15A joined
with the unit 15.
[0256] As shown in FIGS. 31(A1) and (A2), the front panel surface
of the unit 8A consists of two surfaces 8Ai1 and 8Ai2 that form an
angle .beta. at a boundary thereof that is a bend 8Ak that runs
along a straight line where the surfaces intersect to form the
bend. The same applies also to the rear panel. Thus the unit 8A is
bent along the bend 8Ak. A main frame having a curved surface can
be constructed by joining the units 8A that have such a bend 8Ak
and the unit 8 described previously. The degree of bending
increases as more units 4A are added and connected to the unit 8A.
In case the main frame is parallel to the vertical direction also
in the curved portion as in the cylindrical tube frame shown in
FIG. 13(A), the units 8A are disposed so that the bend 8Ak is
parallel to the vertical direction. The bend 8Ak is directed in
accordance with the direction in which the surface of the main
frame bends. While the bend 8Ak is located at the center in the
example shown, it may be located to the left or to the right.
[0257] The bent unit 8A may also be used in a bending portion where
two flat surfaces of the main frame intersect (for example, the
corner of the tube frame shown in FIG. 7). The angle .beta. is set
to such an extent that would not have adverse influence on joining
of two units 8A by means of tendon subjected to post tension or on
joining of the unit 8A with other units that can be joined.
[0258] Use of the bent unit 8A makes it possible to continuously
form not only a curved surface that bends in one direction but also
a curved surface that bends in the opposite direction. For example,
a curved surface that undulates when viewed from above. The same
applies also to units 13A, 14A and 15A.
EXAMPLE 5
[0259] FIG. 33 is a partial perspective view of a main frame of an
architectural structure, that is one example of the present
invention using members other than PC panels. The main frame shown
in FIG. 33 has the same shape as that of the main frame shown in
FIG. 9, although each unit is made of steel. Unit 16 has a profile
substantially similar to the periphery of the unit 1, and has three
legs that extend in three directions made of steel. The unit 16 is
preferably manufactured in a factory similarly to the PC panel in
advance. In the example shown, the unit 16 is made of an H beam,
although the unit 16 may have any cross sectional shape. The unit
16 has flange-like joint surfaces 16a, 16b, 16c joined by welding
or the like at the distal ends of the three legs, that enable it to
connect to adjacent units 16 by joining the corresponding joint
surfaces together by means of bolts. The joint may also be made by
welding, but use of bolts is more efficient.
[0260] Provided that units of a similar shape to that of any of the
examples of PC panels described above are used, a similar main
frame can be constructed with members other than PC panels,
although not shown in the drawing. Thus an architectural structure
having a main frame of honeycomb structure can be constructed from
steel, reinforced concrete, steel-encased reinforced concrete or
wood.
* * * * *