U.S. patent application number 11/884732 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-24 for three-dimensional tubular architectural structure.
Invention is credited to Tsutomu Kamoshita, Ichiro Takeshima.
Application Number | 20100154345 11/884732 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38624698 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100154345 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Takeshima; Ichiro ; et
al. |
June 24, 2010 |
Three-Dimensional Tubular Architectural Structure
Abstract
The present invention ensures high structural stability and high
earthquake resistance and, at the same time, achieve a high degree
of freedom in design than is available with the architectural
structure based on the tubular frame of the prior art. Disclosed is
a three-dimensional tubular architectural structure constituted by
forming a three-dimensional tubular frame from a main frame by
erecting a plurality of single-layer structural modules having
honeycomb structure of first rigid joint in multiple layer
configuration, disposing two sides each on the left- and right-hand
sides of the hexagonal structural unit with an angle from the plane
which includes the top and bottom sides, disposing adjacent two
layers of the hexagonal structural unit to oppose each other and
connecting the hexagonal structural units by means of inter-layer
tie beams, forming a second hexagonal structural unit from beams
corresponding to the top and bottom sides of one of two layers of
adjacent single-layer structural modules, the inclined columns
disposed on the left and right sides and the inter-layer tie beam,
and forming a honeycomb structure of second rigid joint from the
second hexagonal structural units.
Inventors: |
Takeshima; Ichiro; (Tokyo,
JP) ; Kamoshita; Tsutomu; (Tokyo, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERENATO & WHITE, LLC
6550 ROCK SPRING DRIVE, SUITE 240
BETHESDA
MD
20817
US
|
Family ID: |
38624698 |
Appl. No.: |
11/884732 |
Filed: |
December 13, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 13, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2006/324813 |
371 Date: |
August 21, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/653.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/34 20130101; E04B
2001/1978 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/653.1 |
International
Class: |
E04H 12/00 20060101
E04H012/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 21, 2006 |
JP |
2006-118399 |
Claims
1. A three-dimensional tubular architectural structure based on a
three-dimensional tube frame formed from a main frame which is
constituted by erecting a plurality of single-layer structural
modules with a spacing from each other, the single-layer structural
module being formed by rigidly connecting hexagonal structural
units, with each side thereof being shared with the adjacent
hexagonal structural units, in honeycomb configuration, wherein the
structural members constituting the sides of said hexagonal
structural unit are two inclined columns disposed on the left and
two inclined columns disposed on the right which are inclined from
the vertical direction in opposite directions from each other and
are connected with each other, and beams corresponding to the top
and bottom sides disposed in the horizontal direction, with each of
the two sides on the left and the two sides on the right being
disposed with an angle from the plane which includes said top side
and said bottom side, adjacent two layers of the single-layer
structural module of said main frame are connected with each other
by a plurality of inter-layer tie beams, each of said hexagonal
structural units in one of the single-layer structural modules and
corresponding one of the hexagonal structural units in the other
single-layer structural module being disposed to oppose each other,
and in plan view of the main frame, a second hexagonal structural
unit is formed from beams corresponding to the top side or the
bottom side of two adjacent single-layer structural modules, the
two inclined columns disposed on the left and the two inclined
columns disposed on the right and the inter-layer tie beams
connecting the two layers, and the second hexagonal structural unit
is rigidly connected to the adjacent second hexagonal structural
units so as to form honeycomb configuration.
2. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein in plan view of the main frame, said
inter-layer tie beams are located on the diagonal of a rectangle
which comprises the top sides of the two hexagonal structural units
which oppose each other as opposing sides of the rectangle, and on
the diagonal of a rectangle which comprises the bottom sides as
opposing sides of the rectangle.
3. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein said plurality of single-layer structural
modules comprise two layers of single-layer structural module.
4. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein in case a slab is provided inside of the
single-layer structural module disposed at the innermost position
among said plurality of single-layer structural modules, edges of
said slab are used as structural members instead of the beam
corresponding to said top side or said bottom of said hexagonal
structural unit in the single-layer structural module erected at
the innermost position.
5. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein at corners of said three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure which has substantially rectangular shape
in plan view, at least the single-layer structural module disposed
at the outermost position among said plurality of single-layer
structural modules and the single-layer structural module located
inside of and adjacent to the former are connected by inter-layer
tie beams which form the equal sides of an isosceles triangle in
plan view.
6. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein said main frame includes sections having
different numbers of layers of said single-layer structural
modules.
7. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein said three-dimensional tubular architectural
structure partially includes a section formed from one layer of
said three-dimensional tubular architectural structure.
8. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1, wherein a plurality of slabs are provided, as main
frame, at intervals equal to the height of said hexagonal
structural unit.
9. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
according to claim 1, wherein a plurality slabs are provided, as
main frame, at intervals equal to one half of the height of said
hexagonal structural unit.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an architectural structure,
and particularly to a three-dimensional tubular architectural
structure comprising a tubular frame having 3-dimensional
structure.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the prior art it has been common to design a high-rise or
super high-rise architectural structure based on pure rigid frame
consisting of columns and beams combined in a 3-dimensional grid,
which has such a drawback that the existence of a beam in every
span poses restrictions on the design of the internal space. In
contrast, a tubular frame formed from columns disposed in
succession along the perimeter of the building and beams which
connect the columns enables it to secure an interior space free of
columns and beams and therefore provides an advantage of high
degree of freedom in design. An additional advantage is pointed out
in that the entire building undergoes tube-like deformation which
results in improved resistance against seismic vibration and wind
force.
[0005] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
2002-317565 discloses a so-called double-tube structure, which
includes a common use zone formed at the center and a residential
zone formed along the periphery, the double-tube structure
comprising an outer tubular frame having ordinary rigid frame
structure of rectangular grid formed from outer circumferential
columns and intervening outer circumferential beams disposed along
the perimeter of the residential zone, and an inner tubular frame
having ordinary rigid frame structure formed from inner
circumferential columns and intervening inner circumferential beams
disposed along the perimeter of the common use zone.
[0006] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
2004-251056 also discloses a double-tube structure comprising an
outer frame and inner frame of ordinary rigid frame structure.
[0007] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-197535
discloses a structure having a an outer tubular frame having
crossing braces disposed in a grid of ordinary rigid frame
structure formed from vertical columns and horizontal beams,
wherein the outer tubular frame has a slab-like diaphragm disposed
inside thereof, to ensure strength and rigidity comparable to those
of the conventional pure rigid frame structure.
[0008] Meanwhile a honeycomb structure constituted by connecting
hexagonal cells has been known as a rugged structure, and has been
used in various sections of architectural structures and as
building members (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai)
No. 9-4130 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
10-18431). As an application of the honeycomb structure to tubular
frame, such a structure is known as 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.
[0009] "Resurrection from Ground Zero: New York WTC Competition"
Susanne Stephens, translated by Yuko Shimoyama shows a structure
constituted from curved external surface layer consisting of
honeycomb members made of steel, supported by columns disposed
inside. The steel honeycomb members constituting the external
surface layer, however, are not formed by connecting hexagonal
cells of the same shape in a uniform configuration, and the line
segments that constitute the cell are not ordinary linear members
(column, beam, etc.).
[0010] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-3890
describes a single-layer dome frame formed by connecting units of
plane of structure having hexagonal shape in beehive-like
configuration. The hexagonal cell is provided with a clustered
column disposed vertically at the center thereof, with the top and
bottom ends of the clustered column being tied to the vertices of
the cell by means of tensioner members, so that the tension can be
controlled by adjusting the length of the tensioner member.
[0011] Basic structure of the conventional tubular frame is an
ordinary rigid frame structure formed by connecting rectangular
cells constituted from vertical columns and horizontal beams. An
outer tube frame alone is often insufficient for ensuring
structural stability and earthquake resistance, especially in a
high-rise or super high-rise building. Thus in most cases it has
been inevitable to provide structural constraint such as increasing
the number of columns disposed per unit distance of the outer tube
frame and/or the inner tube frame, providing the inner tube frame,
connecting the outer tube frame and the inner tube frame with flat
slabs or specific beams, adding a sub-frame within the outer tube
frame, connecting a plurality of outer tube frames. For example,
the technologies disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 2002-317565 and Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication (Kokai) No. 2004-251056 make it inevitable to employ at
least a double-tube frame structure. The technology disclosed in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 7-197535 makes
it inevitable to provide horizontal slab-like diaphragms disposed
inside.
[0012] However, even when a tubular frame is formed in a double- or
multiple-frame structure, axial directions of columns and beams are
limited to specific directions as long the basic structure remains
the ordinary rigid frame structure constituted from vertical
columns and horizontal beams. As a result, the structural members
may be subjected to bending stress of significant intensity
depending on the direction in which external load is applied.
Accordingly, the higher the building becomes, the larger the cross
section of the columns and/or beams must be in order to maintain
sufficient strength of the structure, which poses a restriction on
the design.
[0013] In most of the applications of honeycomb structure to
tubular frame, slabs of honeycomb structure disposed horizontally
are placed one over another via vertical columns as shown in
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 9-60301, and at
least the vertical load is borne by the vertical columns similarly
to the case of the ordinary rigid frame structure. The beehive-like
structure described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication
(Kokai) No. 9-60301 is aimed at forming a single-layer dome frame,
and is not intended to form a tubular frame applicable to high-rise
or super high-rise architectural structure.
[0014] The structure described in "Resurrection from Ground Zero:
New York WTC Competition" Susanne Stephens, translated by Yuko
Shimoyama, published on Dec. 1, 2004 by Exknowlidge Co., Led; p137
has steel members of honeycomb structure provided in the external
surface layer, but the external surface layer does not bear the
entire load and requires a load-bearing column disposed inside.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In view of the problems described above, an object of the
present invention is to provide an architectural structure based on
a tubular frame having a novel basic structure entirely different
from that of the conventional tubular frame. The present invention
aims at ensuring higher structural stability and higher earthquake
resistance with the tubular frame only, than are available with the
prior art technologies, especially in high-rise and super high-rise
buildings, and achieving a higher degree of freedom in the design
of architectural structures than possible with the conventional
tubular frame.
[0016] The present invention which achieves the above-mentioned
object has the following constitutions:
(1) A three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1 is an architectural structure formed from a
three-dimensional tubular frame based on a main frame constituted
by erecting a plurality of single-layer structural modules with a
spacing from each other, the single-layer structural module being
formed by rigidly connecting hexagonal structural units with each
side thereof being shared by adjacent hexagonal structural units
into honeycomb configuration,
[0017] wherein structural members corresponding to the sides of the
hexagonal structural unit comprise two inclined columns disposed on
the left and two inclined columns disposed on the right of the
hexagon which are inclined from the vertical direction in opposite
directions from each other and are connected with each other, and
beams corresponding to the top and bottom sides disposed in the
horizontal direction, the two sides on the left and the two sides
on the right are disposed with an angle from the plane defined by
the top and bottom sides,
[0018] adjacent two layers of the single-layer structural module of
the main frame are connected together by a plurality of inter-layer
tie beams, while each of the hexagonal structural units in one of
the single-layer structural modules and corresponding one of the
hexagonal structural units in the other single-layer structural
module are disposed so as to oppose each other, and
[0019] in plan view of the main frame, a second hexagonal
structural unit is formed from beams corresponding to the top side
or the bottom side of two adjacent single-layer structural modules,
the two inclined columns disposed on the left and the two inclined
columns disposed on the right and the inter-layer tie beams
connecting the two layers, and the second hexagonal structural unit
is rigidly connected to the adjacent second hexagonal structural
units;
(2) A three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according
to claim 1 is characterized in that, in plan view of the main
frame, the inter-layer tie beams are located on the diagonal of a
rectangle which comprises top sides of the two hexagonal structural
units that oppose each other as opposing sides of the rectangle,
and on the diagonal of a rectangle which comprises the bottom sides
as opposing sides of the rectangle; (3) A three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure according to claim 3 is the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of claim 1 or 2
wherein the plurality of single-layer structural modules are two
single-layer structural modules; (4) A three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure according to claim 4 is the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of any one of
claims 1 to 3 wherein, in case a slab is provided inside of the
single-layer structural module disposed at the innermost position
among the plurality of single-layer structural modules, edges of
the slab are used as structural members instead of the top or
bottom beam of the hexagonal structural units of the single-layer
structural module disposed at the innermost position. (5) A
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according to
claim 5 is the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein, at corners of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure which has
substantially rectangular shape in plan view, at least the
single-layer structural module disposed at the outermost position
among the plurality of single-layer structural modules and the
single-layer structural module located inside of and adjacent to
the former are connected by inter-layer tie beams which form the
equal sides of an isosceles triangle in plan view; (6) A
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according to
claim 6 is the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the main frame includes sections
which have different numbers of the single-layer structural
modules; (7) A three-dimensional tubular architectural structure
according to claim 7 is the three-dimensional tubular architectural
structure of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the three-dimensional
tubular architectural structure partially includes a section formed
from one layer of the single-layer structural module; (8) A
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure according to
claim 8 is the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
one of claims 1 to 7 wherein a plurality of slabs are provided, as
the main frame, at the same intervals as the height of the
hexagonal structural unit; and (9) A three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure according to claim 9 is the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of any one of
claims 1 to 7 wherein a plurality of slabs are provided, as the
main frame, at intervals one half as large as the height of the
hexagonal structural unit. (A) The three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure of the present invention is constituted
from a main frame formed by erecting a plurality of single-layer
structural modules with a predetermined spacing from each other,
the single-layer structural module being formed by rigidly
connecting hexagonal structural units with each other in honeycomb
configuration, the main frame being used to a tubular frame.
Although the tubular frame of the present invention having such a
constitution is thick and three dimensional, the plurality of
single-layer structural modules as a whole should be regarded as a
shell of tube. With this regard, it is essentially different from
the conventional double-tube frame, for example the one disclosed
in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 2004-251056,
wherein a space for residential zone or the like is secured between
the external frame and the internal frame. The present invention is
also different, in that the circumference of the tubular frame is
formed in honeycomb structure, from the hexagonal structural units
constituted from honeycomb structures, each disposed within the
horizontal plane, are placed one over another via vertical columns,
as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No.
9-60301.
[0020] The constitution of the present invention described above
makes it possible to build a very strong tubular frame, since the
single-layer structural module being formed by rigidly connecting
hexagonal structural units with each other in honeycomb
configuration is a strong structure itself, and the single-layer
structural modules disposed in multi-layer configuration are
connected with each other by the inter-layer tie beams. The effects
of the present invention will now be described in detail.
[0021] The tubular frame of the present invention, constituted from
the single-layer structural modules each being formed by rigidly
connecting hexagonal structural units with each other in honeycomb
configuration, has a constitution entirely different from that of
the tubular frame having ordinary rigid frame structure of the
prior art, in that the beams and the inter-layer tie beams do not
continue straight within the horizontal plane, and that the columns
are constituted from the inclined columns which are connected in
zigzag configuration.
[0022] The present invention is further characterized in that the
two inclined columns disposed on the left and the two inclined
columns disposed on the right of the hexagonal structural unit of
the single-layer structural module are disposed with an angle from
the plane defined by the top and bottom sides, and adjacent two
layers of the single-layer structural module of the main frame are
connected together by a plurality of inter-layer tie beams. In this
constitution, in plan view of the main frame, a second hexagonal
structural unit is formed from a beam corresponding to the top side
or the bottom side of one of two adjacent hexagonal structural
units, either the two inclined columns disposed on the left or the
two inclined columns disposed on the right and the inter-layer tie
beams connecting the two layers. Moreover, the second hexagonal
structural unit is rigidly connected with the adjacent hexagonal
structural unit so as to form honeycomb structure in plan view. The
second honeycomb structure formed from the second hexagonal
structural units in this manner is a three-dimensional structure
having ups and downs in the vertical direction due to the inclined
columns which can be recognized as hexagonal in plan view, unlike
the honeycomb structure which extends in the horizontal plane as
that described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai)
No. 9-60301.
[0023] In the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
the present invention, in addition to the honeycomb structure which
is formed by first rigid joints and extends along the circumference
of the tube in each of the single-layer structural modules, the
three-dimensional second honeycomb structure is formed by the
second rigid joints extending in substantially horizontal direction
via the inter-layer tie beams which connect the adjacent
single-layer structural modules.
[0024] Furthermore, the first honeycomb structures are disposed in
multiple layers in the radial direction of the tube, as the
plurality of single-layer structural modules are disposed. On the
other hand, the second honeycomb structures are disposed in
multiple layers in the direction of height of the tube. As a
result, the three-dimensional honeycomb structure disposed in
three-dimensional configuration throughout the tubular frame of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure is realized.
[0025] The three-dimensional honeycomb structure resembles the
crystal structure of diamond. Diamond is the hardest among natural
minerals, stable and hard to break, despite a low packing index of
the crystal structure. This is because diamond has a
three-dimensional structure constituted from hexagonal cells as the
unit. The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
tubular frame of the present invention is likened to the crystal
structure of diamond of which interatomic bonds are replaced with
columns and beams, and is therefore considered to have high
intrinsic strength.
[0026] As described above, the three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure of the present invention forms the tubular
frame of which entire configuration has the three-dimensional
honeycomb structure, and therefore achieves high bearing capacity
for external loads applied in any direction.
[0027] Since the honeycomb structure is supported in the vertical
direction solely by inclined columns which are connected in zigzag
configuration, the structure not only bears the sustained loads
applied in the vertical direction but also effectively bears
temporary loads applied in horizontal and other directions. The
inclined columns of the present invention play the roles of columns
and braces at the same time. Moreover, stress generated by an
external load in the joint of a column and a beam becomes less than
that generated in tubular frame having the ordinary rigid frame
structure. This is because a part of bending stress is converted
into axial load of the structural members (inclined columns and
beams) and is transferred through the structure. Ordinary
reinforced concrete members have high bearing capacity against
compressive force, and therefore advantageous in bearing axial
force.
[0028] The tubular frame having the three-dimensional honeycomb
structure has such a geometrical configuration as the stress
generated by an external load applied in any given direction can be
readily converted into axial forces of the inclined column and the
beam. Moreover, since the tubular frame having the
three-dimensional honeycomb structure has such a geometrical
configuration as the external load can be readily transmitted
continuously throughout the frame, the stress is converted into
axial force in the course so that the load can be distributed in a
dissipative manner. As a result, stress generated by bending moment
can be mitigated. This is because the three-dimensional honeycomb
structure constituted from a plurality of the single-layer
structural modules disposed in multiple layer configuration of the
present invention has a larger number of inclined columns and beams
disposed in more diversified axial directions and in well-balanced
distribution, than in the case of the two-dimensional honeycomb
structure consisting of only one layer of single-layer structural
module.
[0029] As described above, the tubular frame in the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the present
invention has higher structural stability and higher earthquake
resistance than the tubular frame having the ordinary rigid frame
structure and a tubular frame constituted from only one layer of
single-layer structural module, and therefore enables it to use
members smaller in cross section than those of such conventional
tubular frames and allows higher degree of freedom of planning. As
a result, a horizontal load which causes the same magnitude of
deformation can be borne by using columns and beams of smaller
cross sections than in the case of the tubular frame having the
ordinary rigid frame structure and a tubular frame constituted from
only one layer of single-layer structural module.
[0030] Also, the tubular frame in the three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure of the present invention is constituted by
erecting the single-layer structural modules in multiple layer
configuration connected with each other, and therefore has higher
standalone capability than in the case of erecting only a single
layer of single-layer structural module. As a result, the degree of
freedom in the design of the shape and arrangement of slabs
increases due to lower dependency on the strength of the slabs.
[0031] The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the
present invention, as the main frame of high-rise and super
high-rise buildings, ensures structural stability, earthquake
resistance and wind resistance of the entire building solely by
means of the tubular frame.
[0032] Since the single-layer structural module is basically
constituted from a larger number of hexagonal structural units of
the same configuration at least within each module, all columns and
beams can be reduced to one or few varieties of size and shape, and
therefore the construction work can be made easier, construction
period can be made shorter and the cost can be reduced.
[0033] The hexagonal structural unit can be made in pre-stressed
concrete unit, which again makes it possible to make the
construction work easier, reduce the construction period and reduce
the cost.
[0034] Use of the honeycomb structure constituted from the
hexagonal structural units contributes also to aesthetic quality of
the building exterior.
(B) In one preferred embodiment of the three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure of the present invention, in plan view of
the main frame, the inter-layer tie beams are located on the
diagonal of a rectangle which comprises top sides of the two
hexagonal structural units which oppose each other as opposing
sides of the rectangle, and on the diagonal of a rectangle which
comprises the bottom sides of the two hexagonal structural units as
opposing sides of the rectangle. This constitution achieves a
strong structure since the beams are rigidly connected with each
other in the horizontal plane. Also, because the inter-layer tie
beam is disposed to be inclined from the plane of the two opposing
hexagonal structural units, the inter-layer tie beam is disposed at
an angle which is advantageous to serve as one side constituting
the second honeycomb structure in plan view. (C) In one preferred
embodiment of the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure
of the present invention, the simplest form capable of achieving
the above-mentioned effects can be realized by making the multiple
layers of single-layer structural module in two layers. This
enables it to decrease the total weight of the structure and the
construction cost. (D) In one preferred embodiment of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the present
invention, in case a slab is provided as main frame inside of the
single-layer structural module disposed at the innermost position
among the plurality of single-layer structural modules disposed in
multiple layer configuration, edges of the slab can be used as
structural members instead of the beam used in the top or bottom
side of the hexagonal structural unit constituting the single-layer
structural module disposed at the innermost position. This enables
it to decrease the number of beams. (E) In a preferred embodiment
of the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the
present invention, at corners of the tubular architectural
structure which has substantially rectangular shape in plan view,
at least the single-layer structural module disposed at the
outermost position among the plurality of single-layer structural
modules and the single-layer structural module located inside of
and adjacent to the former are connected by the inter-layer tie
beams which form the equal sides of an isosceles triangle in plan
view. With this constitution, since the inter-layer tie beams are
arranged more densely in the corners and are disposed in triangular
arrangement wherein the external load can be easily converted to
axial force, strength can be increased in the corners of the
structure where the stress tends to be concentrated. (F) In a
preferred embodiment of the three-dimensional tubular architectural
structure of the present invention, the main frame includes
sections which include different numbers of single-layer structural
modules. With this constitution, as the number of single-layer
structural modules can be decreased in a section subject to less
stress concentration so as to make the main frame thinner, and the
number of single-layer structural module is increased in a section
where significant stress concentration is expected (for example, in
the vicinity of a corner) so as to make the main frame thicker in
the section, optimum design of the three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure is made possible. Also, the number of
single-layer structural modules can be decreased to the minimum
necessary, so that the total quantity of structural members and the
construction cost can be reduced. (G) In a preferred embodiment of
the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the
present invention, there is a section formed from one layer of
single-layer structural module. This constitution enables optimum
design of the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure as
a whole, by forming a section subject to less stress concentration
from one layer of single-layer structural module to make it
thinner, and forming a section subject to significant stress
concentration (for example, in the vicinity of a corner) from a
number of single-layer structural module in multiple layer
configuration. Total quantity of structural members and the
construction cost can also be reduced by providing only one
single-layer structural module. (H) In one preferred embodiment of
the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the
present invention, a plurality of slabs are provided as the main
frame at intervals equal to the height of the hexagonal structural
unit. In another preferred embodiment, a plurality of slabs are
provided as the main frame at intervals one half as large as the
height of the hexagonal structural unit. With these constitutions,
strength of the entire three-dimensional tubular architectural
structure can be increased by providing the slabs as the main
frame. As a result, load on the tubular frame can be reduced so
that the columns and beams of the tubular frame can be made
thinner. In this way, when the tubular frame is accompanied by
additional main frame element, their proportions of bearing the
load can be controlled by the design, and the size of the members
can be selected accordingly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the tubular
frame in the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
the present invention showing the exterior thereof.
[0036] FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged view of the tubular frame 1
of FIG. 1, FIG. 1(a) showing a portion around the lower end of the
tubular frame, and FIG. 1(b) showing a pair of opposing hexagonal
structural units among the hexagonal structural units which
constitute the single-layer structural modules A, B.
[0037] FIG. 2B shows the constitution of the single-layer
structural module A disposed as the outermost layer of the tubular
frame shown in FIG. 1, where FIG. 2B(a) is a partially enlarged
front view of the single-layer structural module A, and FIG. 2B(b)
is a plan view of the single-layer structural module A
corresponding to the portion shown in (a).
[0038] FIG. 2C(a) is a partially enlarged plan view of the tubular
frame shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2C(b) schematically shows only a part
of the second hexagonal structural unit shown in FIG. 2C(a) and
FIG. 2C(c) shows a portion constituted from beams and inter-layer
tie beam, extracted from the drawing of FIG. 2C(b).
[0039] FIG. 2D is a plan view of the entire tubular frame shown in
FIG. 1, the tubular frame 1 having substantially rectangular cross
section.
[0040] FIG. 3A(a) shows a part of an example of the single-layer
structural module A, and FIG. 3A(b) shows a part of main frame
formed by providing the single-layer structural module A shown in
FIG. 3A(a) and the single-layer structural modules B having the
same constitution in multiple-layer configuration.
[0041] FIG. 3B(a) shows a part of an example of the single-layer
structural module A, and FIG. 3B(b) shows a part of main frame
formed by providing the single-layer structural module A shown in
FIG. 3B(a) and the single-layer structural modules B having the
same constitution in multiple-layer configuration.
[0042] FIG. 3C(a) shows a part of an example of the single-layer
structural module A, and FIG. 3C(b) shows a part of main frame
formed by providing the single-layer structural module A shown in
FIG. 3C(a) and the single-layer structural modules B having the
same constitution in multiple-layer configuration.
[0043] FIG. 3D is a plan view of an example of tubular frame having
substantially circular cross section.
[0044] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the present
invention showing the exterior thereof.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the present
invention showing the exterior thereof.
[0046] FIG. 6(a) is a partial perspective view showing the
structure of corner X of the tubular frame 1 having substantially
rectangular cross section shown in the plan view of FIG. 2D, and
FIG. 6(b) is a partial plan view thereof.
[0047] FIG. 7(a) is a partial perspective view showing the
structure of the number of layers transition section between a
section of layer S and section two layers, and FIG. 7(b) is a
partial perspective view showing the structure of the number of
layers transition section between the section of layer S and the
section of three layers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0049] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2D show the basic forms of
tubular frame in the three-dimensional tubular architectural
structure of the present invention.
[0050] The tubular frame in the three-dimensional tubular
architectural structure of the present invention has such a basic
constitution that a plurality of single-layer structural modules
having honeycomb structure are erected and connected with each
other to form a main frame which is used to constitute the tubular
frame structure. This constitution makes it possible to build a
very strong tubular frame, since the single-layer structural module
being formed by rigidly connecting the hexagonal structural units
with each other in honeycomb configuration is a strong structure
itself, and a plurality of the single-layer structural modules are
connected with each other.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of the tubular
frame in the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of
the present invention showing the exterior thereof. The tubular
frame 1 shown in FIG. 1 is Example which has the main frame
comprising two layers of single-layer structural module. Centerline
of the tube extends in the vertical direction. While the tube of
the Example shown in the drawing has a substantially rectangular
cross section, the cross section may have a shape of other polygon,
circle, oval, etc. The two layers of single-layer structural module
are single-layer structural module A erected on the outside and
single-layer structural module B erected inside with a
predetermined space from the former. The main frame formed from
these two layers constitutes the basis of the skeleton, and
provides the predominant source of structural resistance.
[0052] FIG. 2A is a partially enlarged view of the tubular frame 1
of FIG. 1. FIG. 2A(a) shows a portion in the vicinity of the lower
end of the tubular frame 1, and FIG. 2A(b) shows a pair of opposing
hexagonal structural units 10A, 10B among the hexagonal structural
units which constitute the single-layer structural modules A,
B.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2A(a) and FIG. 2A(b), the single-layer
structural module A is formed by rigidly connecting the hexagonal
structural unit 10A and the adjacent hexagonal structural units
with each side thereof shared by the adjacent hexagonal structural
units so as to form the honeycomb structure. Similarly, the
single-layer structural module B is formed by rigidly connecting
the hexagonal structural unit 10B and the adjacent hexagonal
structural units with each side thereof shared by the adjacent
hexagonal structural units so as to form the honeycomb structure.
The hexagonal structural unit 10A that constitutes the single-layer
structural module A and the hexagonal structural unit 10B that
constitutes the single-layer structural module B are disposed so as
to oppose each other.
[0054] Structural members that constitute the six sides of the
hexagonal structural unit 10A, one of those which form the
single-layer structural module A, are beams disposed horizontally
to form the bottom side 11A and the top side 12A, inclined columns
disposed on the left to form the two sides 13A and 14A, and
inclined columns disposed on the right to form the two sides 15A
and 16A.
[0055] Similarly, structural members that constitute the six sides
of the hexagonal structural unit 10B, one of those which form the
single-layer structural module B, are beams disposed horizontally
to form the bottom side 11B and the top side 12B, inclined columns
disposed on the left to form the two sides 13B and 14B, and
inclined columns disposed on the right to form the two sides 15B
and 16B.
[0056] The single-layer structural module A and the single-layer
structural module B are further connected with each other by a
plurality of inter-layer tie beam L. The inter-layer tie beams L
form rigid connection between the top sides 12A and 12B and between
the bottom sides 11A and 11B of the hexagonal structural unit 10A
and the hexagonal structural unit 10B which oppose each other. As
shown in the drawing, the inter-layer tie beams extend obliquely,
not perpendicular to the top sides and the bottom sides. That is,
the inter-layer tie beam L connects the two parallel top sides 12A
and 12B with joints located at ends on opposite sides thereof, and
connects the two parallel bottom sides 11A and 11B with joints
located at ends on opposite sides thereof.
[0057] The basic form of the tubular frame of the present invention
may include such a constitution as more than two single-layer
structural modules are disposed in multi-layer configuration, in
which case a slab may be provided as the main frame inside of the
single-layer structural module disposed at the innermost position.
When such a slab is provided, the beam forming the top or bottom
side of the hexagonal structural unit in the innermost single-layer
structural module may be replaced by an edge of the slab which is
used as a structural member. This enables it to reduce the number
of beams.
[0058] FIG. 2B shows the constitution of the single-layer
structural module A disposed as an outer layer of the tubular frame
1 shown in FIG. 1. The single-layer structural module B also has
the similar constitution. FIG. 2B(a) is a partially enlarged front
view of the single-layer structural module A, and FIG. 2B(b) is a
plan view of the single-layer structural module A corresponding to
the portion shown in FIG. 2B(a).
[0059] The plan views in the drawings accompanying the present
specification show the basic form of the tubular frame of the
present invention as viewed from above. When the tubular frame 1 is
applied to an architectural structure, beam or other member of
special configuration is normally disposed at the top end of the
structure for the purpose of termination. The plan views show the
tubular frame while omitting the configuration characteristic to
the top end of the structure. This applies to all plan views
attached to the present specification.
[0060] The single-layer structural module A is formed by rigidly
connecting the hexagonal structural units in honeycomb
configuration as shown in FIG. 2A. As partially shown in FIG.
2B(a), this honeycomb structure includes a row 10A1 (first row) of
a plurality of hexagonal structural units connected in the vertical
direction G, a row 10A2 (second row) of a plurality of hexagonal
structural units connected in the vertical direction G disposed on
the right-hand side of the first row adjacent thereto, and a row
10A3 (third row) of a plurality of hexagonal structural units
connected in the vertical direction G disposed on the right-hand
side of the second row adjacent thereto. The first row 10A1 and the
second row 10A2 are disposed at staggered positions with a
displacement of one half of the height h of the hexagonal
structural unit. The second row 10A2 and the third row 10A3 are
disposed similarly with respect to each other. The first row 10A1
and the third row 10A3 are disposed at the same height. Thus the
honeycomb structure has such a configuration as the first row 10A1
and the second row 10A2 are disposed alternately along the
perimeter of the tube.
[0061] As shown in the front view of FIG. 2B(a), the hexagonal
structural unit has bilaterally symmetrical shape in
two-dimensional configuration, but is not necessarily an
equilateral hexagon. The two sides on the right are the lower right
side 15A and the upper right side 16A which are two columns
inclined in the opposite directions from the vertical direction G
and are connected with each other. The lower right side 15A is
inclined by an angle a from the vertical direction G, and the upper
right side 16A is inclined by the angle a in the opposite direction
from the vertical direction G. The joint between these two inclined
columns protrudes outwardly from the hexagonal structural unit.
[0062] The lower left side 13A and the upper left side 14A which
are the two sides located on the left are inclined columns
connected with each other to form a mirror image of the two sides
located on the right.
[0063] In actuality, the hexagonal structural units of the
single-layer structural module A according to the present invention
do not have planar configuration as can be seen from the plan view
of FIG. 2B(b). In plan view of the hexagonal structural unit 10A2,
for example, the inclined column of the upper left side 14A
(superposed over the lower left side 13A) is disposed at an angle
.beta.1 from the plane which includes the top side 12A and the
bottom side 11A, while the inclined column of the upper right side
16A (superposed over the lower right side 15A) is disposed at an
angle .beta.2 from the plane which includes the top side 12A and
the bottom side 11A. In this case, the inclined column located on
the left and the inclined column located on the right are located
at positions opposite to each other with respect to the plane which
includes the top and bottom beams. As a result, in the plan view,
the row 10A2 of the hexagonal structural unit bends while
descending from the upper left toward lower right position with
regards to the positional relationship represented on the paper.
Similarly, the row 10A1 of the hexagonal structural unit which
adjoins the former to the left thereof bends while descending from
the upper left toward lower right position. In contrast, the row
10A3 of the hexagonal structural unit which adjoins the former to
the right thereof bends while ascending from the lower left toward
upper right position with regards to the positional relationship
represented on the paper.
[0064] In one hexagonal structural unit, the inclined column
located on the left and the inclined column located on the right
may also be located at positions opposite to each other or on the
same side with respect to the plane which includes the top and
bottom beams, in plan view. The angle .beta.1 and the angle .beta.2
by which the inclined column located on the left and the inclined
column located on the right, respectively, are inclined from the
plane which includes the top and bottom beams may be different from
each other.
[0065] It is noted, however, that all hexagonal structural units
which are connected with each other in the vertical direction and
included in the same row have common planar configuration in plan
view without staggering, as shown in FIG. 2B(b). The hexagonal
structural units belonging to different rows (for example, the
second row and the third row) may have different planar
configurations.
[0066] The tubular frame 1 having a specified cross sectional shape
can be formed by connecting the hexagonal structural units, formed
by disposing the inclined column located on the left and the
inclined column located on the right at predetermined angles from
the plane which includes the top and bottom beams, in a
predetermined arrangement. Accordingly, bending shape and
arrangement of the individual hexagonal structural units are
determined in accordance to the cross sectional shape of the
desired tubular frame 1.
[0067] FIG. 2C(a) is a partially enlarged plan view of the tubular
frame 1 shown in FIG. 1. A part of the main frame constituted from
the two single-layer structural modules A and B and the inter-layer
tie beams which connect the two layers is shown. The drawing shows
the rows 10A1 to 10A4 of the hexagonal structural units for the
single-layer structural module A, and the rows 10B1 to 10B4 of the
hexagonal structural units for the single-layer structural module
B. Inter-layer distance d between the single-layer structural
modules is maintained substantially constant throughout the tubular
frame 1.
[0068] As shown in plan view of FIG. 2C(a), one of the features of
the main frame constituting the tubular frame of the present
invention is that the second hexagonal structural units 21, 22, 23
. . . are formed as can be seen in plan view. These second
hexagonal structural units 21, 22, 23 . . . are also rigidly
connected with each other so as to share the sides thereof with the
adjacent second hexagonal structural units. As a result, the
tubular frame 1 has the second honeycomb structure extending in
substantially the horizontal direction.
[0069] FIG. 2C(b) schematically shows a part of the second
hexagonal structural units 21 and 22 shown in FIG. 2C(a).
[0070] Structural members that constitute the six sides of the
second hexagonal structural unit 21, for example, are the beams of
either the first row 10A1 and the second row 10A2 of the
single-layer structural module A or the first row 10B1 and the
second row 10B2 of the single-layer structural module B, the
inclined columns and the inter-layer tie beams, specifically as
follows.
<Structural Members for Six Sides of the Second Hexagonal
Structural Unit 21>
[0071] Upper left side: Inter-layer tie beam L Lower left side:
Beams 11A1, 12A1 of the first row 10A1 of the single-layer
structural module A Top side: Inclined columns 15B1, 16B1 of the
first row 10B1 and inclined columns 13B2, 14B2 of the second row
10B2 of the single-layer structural module B Bottom side: Inclined
columns 15A1, 16A1 of the first row 10A1 and inclined columns 13A2,
14A2 of the second row 10A2 of the single-layer structural module A
Upper right side: Beams 11B2, 12B2 of the second row of
single-layer structural module B Lower right side: Inter-layer tie
beam L
[0072] Structural members that constitute the six sides of the
second hexagonal structural unit 22, adjacent to the hexagonal
structural unit 21 to the right thereof, are beams of either the
second row 10A2 and the third row 10A3 of the single-layer
structural module A or the second row 10B2 and the third row 10B3
of the single-layer structural module B, the inclined columns and
the inter-layer tie beams, specifically as follows.
<Structural Members for Six Sides of the Second Hexagonal
Structural Unit 22>
[0073] Upper left side: Inter-layer tie beam L Lower left side:
Beams 11A2, 12A2 of the second row 10A2 of the single-layer
structural module A Top side: Inclined columns 15B2, 16B2 of the
second row 10B2 and inclined columns 13B3, 1483 of the third row
10B3 of the single-layer structural module B Bottom side: Inclined
columns 15A2, 16A2 of the second row 10A2 and inclined columns
13A3, 14A3 of the third row 10A3 of the single-layer structural
module A Upper right side: Inter-layer tie beam L Lower right side:
Beams 11B3, 12B3 of the third row of the single-layer structural
module B
[0074] As shown in FIG. 2C(b), at least the opposing inclined
columns which constitute the two opposing sides of the second
hexagonal structural unit are parallel to each other and have the
same length in plan view.
[0075] FIG. 2C(c) shows a portion constituted from a pair of
opposing beams and inter-layer tie beams L, extracted from the
drawing of FIG. 2C(b). The inter-layer tie beams are disposed along
the diagonal of a rectangle having the top sides of the two
opposing hexagonal structural units as opposing sides thereof, and
along the diagonal of a rectangle having the bottom sides of the
two opposing hexagonal structural units as opposing sides thereof.
In case the crossing diagonals making this pair are different in
length, the inter-layer tie beam is preferably disposed along the
shorter diagonal. In other words, this portion has the shape of
letter N in italics. In a curved section of the tubular frame 1,
the portion may have the shape of inverted letter N in italics. In
FIG. 2C(a), for example, two portions having the shape of letter N
in italics on the left and two portions having the shape of letter
N in italics on the right are shaped as inverted to each other.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 2C(b) and FIG. 2C(c), the second honeycomb
structure of the tubular frame in plan view may also be regarded as
comprising inclined columns in the positions of two sides which are
parallel and oppose each other and the portion having the shape of
letter N in italics formed from the beams and the inter-layer tie
beam, which are connected alternately.
[0077] In the basic form of the tubular frame of the present
invention, more than two single-layer structural modules may be
provided in multi-layer configuration. In this case, too, the
second hexagonal structural unit is formed from the beam
corresponding to the top side or bottom side of either of the two
adjacent single-layer structural modules in plan view, the inclined
columns corresponding to the two sides on the left or the two sides
on the right, and the inter-layer tie beams connecting the two
layers, while the second hexagonal structural units which are
adjacent to each other are rigidly connected, with the sides
thereof shared by the adjacent units so as to form the second
honeycomb structure.
[0078] The second hexagonal structural unit may not necessarily
have bilaterally symmetrical shape in plan view as shown in FIGS.
3A to 3D to be referred to later, and opposing beams may be
different in length. Moreover, some joints may protrude inward.
This is because the shape of the individual second hexagonal
structural unit depends on the design of the cross section of the
tubular frame 1. However, at least the two opposing sides
constituted by inclined columns have the same length and are
disposed in parallel to each other.
[0079] The second hexagonal structural unit also does not have
planar shape as can be seen in side view, and has ups and downs in
the vertical direction since the inclined columns are included as
elements for the sides.
[0080] FIG. 2D is a plan view of the entire tubular frame 1 shown
in FIG. 1. The tubular frame 1 shown has a substantially
rectangular cross section. The second honeycomb structure is formed
from the second hexagonal structural units 21, 22 . . . in each
side of the substantially rectangular shape. The four corners X
have special structure, which will be described later with
reference to FIG. 6.
[0081] The second honeycomb structure has multiple-layer
constitution wherein the tubular frame 1 includes a plurality of
layers of the second honeycomb structure from the side view. The
first honeycomb structure which forms the perimeter of the
single-layer structural module also has multiple-layer constitution
wherein a plurality of layers of the first honeycomb structure are
provided. Thus the tubular frame 1 has three-dimensional honeycomb
structure constituted from the first honeycomb structure and the
second honeycomb structure.
[0082] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C are partial plan views showing Examples
of connecting the hexagonal structural units in the single-layer
structural module in various forms, and Examples of connecting in
various forms in the main frame where the single-layer structural
modules are provided in two layers.
[0083] FIG. 3A(a) shows a part of Example of the single-layer
structural module A, where the rows from the first row 10A1 to the
fourth row 10A4 of the hexagonal structural units are included. The
rows of the hexagonal structural units are disposed so that the
inclined columns for the opposite sides of the hexagon are located
at positions opposite to each other with respect to the plane which
includes the beams. Moreover, different rows of the hexagonal
structural units are connected so as to bend in the same direction,
and therefore form a line descending from the upper left toward
lower right position. FIG. 3A(b) shows a part of the main frame
formed by providing the single-layer structural module A having the
constitution shown in FIG. 3A(a) and the single-layer structural
module B of the same constitution, in multiple-layer configuration.
In this case, all the portions having the shape of letter N in
italics constituted from the beams and the inter-layer tie beam are
disposed in the same direction. This constitution can be applied to
the linear section in the cross section of the tubular frame.
[0084] FIG. 3B(a) shows a part of another example of the
single-layer structural module A, where rows of the hexagonal
structural units from the first row 10A1 to the fourth row 10A4 are
included. Each row of the hexagonal structural units is disposed so
that the inclined columns located on both sides of the hexagon lie
on the opposite sides of the plane which includes the beams. This
constitution is different from the Example shown in FIG. 3A in that
the rows of the hexagonal structural units are connected with each
other so as to bend toward the opposite sides in an alternating
manner, thus resulting in such an entire configuration that
meanders up and down with regards to the positional relationship
represented on the paper. FIG. 3B(b) shows a part of the main frame
formed by providing the single-layer structural module A having the
constitution shown in FIG. 3B(a) and the single-layer structural
module B of the same constitution, in multiple-layer configuration.
In this case, the portions having the shape of letter N in italics
constituted from the beams and the inter-layer tie beam protrude
toward the opposite sides in an alternating manner. This
constitution can be applied to the linear section including the
meandering configuration in the cross section of the tubular
frame.
[0085] FIG. 3C(a) shows a part of further another example of the
single-layer structural module A, where rows of the hexagonal
structural units from the first row 10A1 to the third row 10A3 are
included. Unlike the Examples shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, each
row of the hexagonal structural units is disposed so that the
inclined columns located on both sides of the hexagon lie on the
same side of the plane which includes the beams, thus resulting in
the entire configuration forming a curve. FIG. 3C(b) shows a part
of the main frame formed by providing the single-layer structural
module A having the constitution shown in FIG. 3C(a) and as the
single-layer structural module B having substantially the same
constitution, in multiple-layer configuration. In this case, since
the entire configuration forms a curve, the beams used in the
single-layer structural module B located inside are made smaller
than the beams used in the single-layer structural module A located
outside. This constitution can be applied to the curved section in
the cross section of the tubular frame.
[0086] FIG. 3D is a plan view of an example of the tubular frame 1
having substantially circular cross section. The second honeycomb
structure is formed from the second hexagonal structural units 21,
22 . . . uniformly along the entire circumference of the
substantially circular shape in plan view.
[0087] The tubular frame 1 of the present invention, as described
above, has the three-dimensional honeycomb structure formed from
the first honeycomb structure which constitutes the single-layer
structural modules and the second honeycomb structure in plan view.
This geometry tends to bear external loads applied in any
directions by transforming them into the axial forces of the
inclined columns and beams. In addition, the tubular frame 1 having
the three-dimensional honeycomb structure has such a geometry that
allows external loads to transmit continuously throughout the
frame, and accordingly absorbs the external loads in dissipative
manner in the form of axial forces. As a result, bending stress can
be mitigated. This is because the three-dimensional honeycomb
structure constituted from a plurality of the single-layer
structural modules of the present invention has a larger number of
inclined columns and beams disposed in more diversified axial
directions and in well-balanced distribution, than in the case of
the two-dimensional structure of one single-layer structural module
only.
[0088] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the present
invention showing the exterior thereof. The tubular frame 1 has a
constitution similar to that shown in FIG. 1. The structure shown
in FIG. 4 has a plurality of slabs 31a, 31b inside of the tubular
frame 1. In this Example, each of the slabs 31a, 31b extends
horizontally throughout the inner space of the single-layer
structural module B which is disposed inside. The plurality of
slabs 31a are connected to the beams 11B1 and 12B1 disposed in the
top side and bottom side of the hexagonal structural unit included
in the first row 10B1. The plurality of slabs 31b are connected to
the beams 11B2 and 12B2 disposed in the bottom side and top side of
the hexagonal structural unit included in the adjoining second row
10B2. As a result, the distance between the slab 31a and the slab
31b which adjoin each other is one half of height h of the
hexagonal structural unit. When it is assumed that the distance
between the slab 31a and the slab 31b corresponds to the height of
two stories, four stories can be provided within the height h of
one hexagonal structural unit, by using a sub-frame to separate the
space into two stories.
[0089] Edges of the slab 31a and/or the slab 31b which provide the
main frame can play the roles of the beams 1181, 12B1 of the
hexagonal structural unit of the single-layer structural module B,
and therefore these beams may be omitted.
[0090] The edges of the slab 31a and/or the slab 31b may be
disposed to protrude beyond the single-layer structural module B
into the space between the single-layer structural modules A and B,
or further protrude beyond the single-layer structural module A to
the outside, in the area which is free of the beam of the
single-layer structural module B (that is, on the center line which
divides one hexagonal structural unit into two equal parts in the
horizontal direction).
[0091] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another example of the
three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the present
invention showing the exterior thereof. The Example shown in FIG. 5
is substantially similar to the constitution shown in FIG. 4,
except for such a difference that while the adjoining slabs 31a and
31b are disposed at a distance one half the height h of the
hexagonal structural unit, each of the slabs 31a and 31b is
partially provided inside of the single-layer structural module B
which is located inside. In this case, each of the slabs 31a and
31b is designed to have surface area permitted by the structural
mechanics.
[0092] In case the slabs are provided as the main frame as shown in
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, they may be provided at intervals of height h of
the hexagonal structural unit, although not shown in the drawing.
There is no restriction on setting of the height h of the hexagonal
structural unit, which may be the height of four stories or two
stories of the building. Thus the tubular frame having the
three-dimensional honeycomb structure of the present invention has
a high degree of freedom in determining the positions and distance
of placing the slabs within a plane, number of stories, etc.
[0093] In case the height h of the hexagonal structural unit is set
to accommodate four stories, the beams are disposed alternately in
every two stories and therefore the main frame forms a space of two
stories or four stories. As a result, the sub-frame is not required
to bear the seismic load and wind load acting on the building, and
can be freely connected or separated thereby allowing higher degree
of freedom in designing planar and three-dimensional space.
[0094] Since all structural members of the tubular frame of the
present invention are linear members, it is easier to secure
openings.
[0095] The tubular frame of the present invention is a very strong
structure due to the constitution of a plurality of single-layer
structural module connected together, and is therefore capable of
supporting the entire architectural structure without need for the
slabs provided inside as the main frame. As a result, high degree
of freedom is allowed in designing elevator shaft, stairway,
ducting space, air-well void and the like.
[0096] Since honeycomb structure is basically a repetition of
hexagonal structural units of the same size, it allows it to
restrict the sizes and shapes of all columns and beams within few
varieties. As a result, construction work can be made easier,
construction period can be made shorter and the cost can be
decreased.
[0097] The hexagonal structural unit can be made in pre-stressed
concrete structure of pre-cast concrete or steel structure with
predetermined shapes, which also provides the advantage that the
construction work can be made easier, construction period can be
made shorter and the cost can be decreased.
[0098] The form of the corners of the tubular frame according to
the present invention and other modified forms will now be
described.
[0099] FIG. 6(a) is a partial perspective view showing the
structure of corner X of the tubular frame 1 having the
substantially rectangular cross section shown in the plan view of
FIG. 2D, and FIG. 6(b) is a partial plan view thereof. Disposed at
the corners of the outermost single-layer structural module A is a
hexagonal structural unit 40A forming equal angles (45.degree. in
the example shown) with the adjacent faces on both sides (assumed
to be flat surface). The hexagonal structural units 40A are
connected in plurality in the vertical direction so as to form a
row at the corner. The hexagonal structural unit 40A is constituted
from beams corresponding to the bottom side 41 and the top side 42,
inclined columns on the left side corresponding to the lower left
side 43 and the upper left side 44 and inclined columns on the
right side corresponding to the lower right side 45 and the upper
right side 46.
[0100] On the other hand, disposed at one corner of the
single-layer structural module B located inside are two hexagonal
structural units, which are connected together at the joints 51, 52
of two inclined columns, located at the ends of the adjacent faces
on both sides (assumed to be flat surface). Thus a rhombic shape is
formed from four inclined columns 13B, 14B, 15B and 16B at the
corner of the single-layer structural module B.
[0101] Furthermore, both ends of the beam 41 of the single-layer
structural module A are connected to the joint 51 at the corner of
the single-layer structural module B by the inter-layer tie beams
47a, 48a, respectively. Similarly, both ends of the beam 42 of the
single-layer structural module A are connected to the joint 52 at
the corner of the single-layer structural module B by the
inter-layer tie beam 47b, 48b, respectively. As can be seen from
the plan view of FIG. 6(b), the inter-layer tie beams 47a and 48a
(or 47b and 48b) extending from both ends of the beam 41 (or 42)
disposed at the corner of the single-layer structural module A
located at the outermost position constitute the two equal sides of
an equilateral triangle having the apex at the joint 51 (or 52) of
the single-layer structural module B located inside.
[0102] The corner shown in FIG. 6 has such a structure as the
inter-layer tie beams are arranged with higher density in the
corner and in a triangular configuration which tends to resist the
external load with axial forces of the members, so that strength
can be increased in the corner where the stress is
concentrated.
[0103] FIG. 7 shows a form of the tubular frame of the present
invention in which different numbers of single-layer structural
modules are provided in different sections of the structure. While
the tubular frame of the present invention is basically constituted
from a plurality of single-layer structural modules, it is not
necessarily formed in solely two-layer structure or three-layer
structure and, instead, may include sections of two-layer structure
and three-layer structure coexisting. Further, a section
constituted from only one layer of single-layer structural module
may be included in part as long as the effects of the present
invention are achieved.
[0104] FIG. 7(a) is a partial perspective view showing the
structure of a number of layers transition section disposed between
a section where only one layer of single-layer structural module is
provided (section of layer S) and a section where two layers of
single-layer structural module are provided (section comprising
layer A and layer B). Two-layer section is shown on the left side
of the drawing and layer S section is shown on the right side. The
drawing shows an example of forming the layer S and layer A
connected apparently continuously, wherein the layer B is provided
at a position located toward the inside of layer A (toward the back
of the paper) with a spacing therefrom. In this case, another beam
M directed inward is connected at a predetermined angle to the end
of the beam 12A, on the side of layer S, of the hexagonal
structural unit (number of layers transition section) located at
the end position of layer B. The predetermined angle is determined
so that the distance d between the end of beam M and the end of
beam 12A becomes the distance between layer A and layer S. The
hexagonal structural unit of layer B is connected to the end of the
beam M.
[0105] FIG. 7(b) is a partial perspective view showing the
structure of the number of layers transition section located
between a section where only one layer of the single-layer
structural module is provided (section of layer S) and a section
where three layers of the single-layer structural module are
provided (section comprising layer A, layer B and layer C). The
three-layer section is shown on the left side of the drawing and
the section of layer S is shown on the right side. The drawing
shows an example of forming the layer S and layer A connected
apparently continuously, wherein the layer B is provided at a
position toward the inside of layer A with a spacing therefrom, and
layer C is disposed at a position inward from layer B at the
inter-layer distance therefrom. In this case, another beam M1
directed inward is connected at a predetermined angle to the end of
the beam 12A, on the side of layer S, of the hexagonal structural
unit (number of layers transition section) located at the end
position of layer S. The predetermined angle is set so that the
distance d1 between the end of beam M1 and the end of beam 12A
becomes the distance between layer A and layer B. The hexagonal
structural unit of layer B is connected to the end of the beam M1.
Further another beam M2 directed inward is connected at a
predetermined angle to the end of the beam 12B, on the side of
layer S, located at the end position of layer B. The predetermined
angle is set so that the distance d2 between the end of beam M2 and
the end of beam 12B becomes the distance between layer B and layer
C. The hexagonal structural unit of layer C is connected to the end
of the beam M2.
[0106] FIG. 7 shows only an example of the structure of the number
of layers transition section, of which various modifications can be
made. Typically, the number of layers may be increased in a section
where stress is concentrated, and the number of layers can be
decreased in a section subjected to smaller load. Such a scheme
depends chiefly on the overall configuration of the tubular
frame.
[0107] While the three-dimensional tubular architectural structure
of the present invention is basically constituted from the tubular
frame which as a whole comprises the first honeycomb structure and
the second honeycomb structure, it is understood that a
constitution having a structure other than the honeycomb structure
described above being incorporated in part of the tubular frame
falls within the scope of the present invention as long as it does
not deviate from the spirit of the present invention and satisfies
the laws of structural mechanics.
[0108] The three-dimensional tubular architectural structure of the
present invention can be constructed from various building
materials, such as wood, steel, reinforced concrete (RC), steel
framed reinforced concrete (SRC), concrete-filled steel tube (CFT)
or pre-stressed concrete (PC).
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