Sample problem of the Month
Engineered by Architecture North
The structures are manufactured and distributed by Universal Shelters of America, Pelham Ga. and Shelterall Portable Building Systems, Arbor Vitae Wi.(E-Mail shelter@newnorth.net)
Goes to Knowledge Data Base and download the file (Sample filename is 2truss) Description of the StructureTension membrane structure designed for industry and agricultural uses. The steel tube frame is slip fitted so structure may be taken down and re erected quickly. Fabric is polyester scrim reinforced poly vinyl chloride. Frame steel tubing is Fy = 65 ksi.
The structures have been used for boat showrooms, hangers, farm animal shelters, compost shelters for waist management facilities, storage structure for industry, among others. The structure depicted here is a municipal swimming pool cover.
How to construct the WinSTRUDL model
To construct the model, the basic arch member is modeled, then copied . Depending on span and loading, the arches are single tube, trussed double tube, or a combination of each. Next the spacers are modeled and arrayed.
Because each structure has differing spans, heights, loading etc. we use the Strudl-Panel program bundled with M-STRUDL into which we insert the variables only. The output is inserted into the WinStrudl file. The end frames are then modeled using WinFrame.
The plates are modeled over the dome and end frames.
Finally, the wind and snow loadings are defined according to local codes and the result reports are specified.
Photos are of a hanger structure being erected.
Architecture North, Ltd, located in Woodruff Wi. is a Wisconsin. Architectural/Engineering firm specializing in heavy industrial, food industry, commercial and luxury lake home design. Licensing includes Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Mississippi and Colorado.