Aesthetics and Technology of the Beam String Structures

Masao SAITOH

Department of Architecture
College of Science and Technology
Nihon University
1-8, Surugadai, Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan 101-8308
Tel:+81-3-3259-0710 Fax:+81-3-3293-8253

1. Introduction - Tension Structures in Space Structure

How to obtain "non-column space" rationally and beautifully has been a dream of mankind
throughout the every ages. The history of large-spanned structure for over 2000 years is that
of technological challenge of mankind. Although it is difficult to define Space Structure
strictly, two characteristics of space structure can be pointed as follows (Fig.1):
1) "Form resistant system", represented axial resistant structure such as arch and catenary. It
is expected that this system has qualitative resistance by rise of arch or sag of catenary rather
than quantitative resistance by depth of beam.
2) "Composition resistant system", arranged members effectively. The performance of three-
dimensional resistance is more progressive by changing arch into grid arch and shell,
catenary into cable net, the weight of structure is lighter.

"Form and composition" is closely related with structural expressions. To demand the
aesthetic sense on structural design and the co-operative works by architects and structural
engineers is the greatest characteristic of Space Structures.

In the basic type of Space Structure, the existence of tensile element, especially string and
membrane is peculiar material. By themselves or combination each other, various light-
weight structures are able to be produced. On the other hand, it is possible to make hybrid
structures combined rigid beams and arches. Fig.1 shows the position of Tension Structure in
the field of Space Structures.
*Hybrid *Complex
*Composite
Tension Structure

(A)
catenary arch beam
tensile element
string T C M
cable net grid arch crossed beam

membrane
(B)
tent shell plate

( A ) Form resistant system

( B ) Composition resistant system pneumatic space frame folded plate

Fig.1 Basic Type of Space Structure

2. Classification of String Structure
Tension structures are divided into two types: membrane structures (prestressed membrane
structures and air-supported membrane structures) and string structures. Tension members such
as cable, rod, chain (plate) and semi-rigid H steel all belong, in a broad sense to the string. This
report focuses mainly on cable in string structure.

High-strength, flexibility and unlimited length are the basic characteristics of cable. At the
planning and design stage of string structures, the following points must be noted in order to
exhibit the characteristics and advantages of cable.
(1) Use the longest length of continuous cable possible, to reduce the number of metallic joints
attached at the middle of cable and to simplify their mechanism.
(2) Introduce the designed amount of prestress (PS) accurately with little force at a reduced
number of points.

With cable structures, it is important to realize these merits in the whole design including total
system, detail, fabrication and construction. Furthermore, it is interesting that "slenderness" of
cable both eliminates and emphasizes the existence of structural expression.

String structures can be classified by the amount of tensile force which occurs and exists in the
string. In general, the initial tensile force To which occurs in the string under the dead-load and
the tensile force T1 which occurs in the string under the additional loads can be expressed by the
following equation:

To=Te+Tp : PS in a broad sense

T1=To+Ta=(Te+Tp)+Ta
Te : existing tensile force caused by the equilibrium
Tp : tensile force which is introduced intentionally to control the structural behavior
(PS in a narrow sense)
Ta : incremental tensile force under the additional loads

Fig.2 shows the classification of string structures carried out under the amount of string tensile
force. If the rate of Tp to Te (Tp / Te) is larger, it is more necessary for the structural system to
be demanded the strength in construction and the absorption of string expansion under the dead-
load.
Tp / Te

linear cable
High prestressing
Light weight

cable net
cable grid
cable girde cable wheel

cable dome boundary cable tensegric truss

Low prestressing

SKELSION
Heavy weight

balanced cable
BSS

string truss
tie cable

string dome
guyed cable
applied load and force
Stiffening against

spider cable
tensegric arch
Tension Grid Dome

valley cable stiffening cable stay cable bracing cable

Fig.2 Classification of string structures by tensile force of string

3. Beam String Structure
3.1 Structural Concept

Beam string structures (BSS) belong to Hybrid Tension Structures made by combining
string with such rigid members as beams, shallow arches and mount-shaped arches. The
main characteristics of BSS are as follows :
(1) Self balancing system under the dead-load (passive effect).
(2) Stress control of bending or compressive members, and control of displacement and
shape of frames (active effect).

Fig.3 shows the birth of BSS from structural principles. The primitive ideas of BSS
have been known in bridges and architecture from the beginning of 19th century, but
BSS hasn't spread as arches and trusses have been developed. Recently, why has this
structural system again been applied not only in bridges but also in architecture?

First, it may be due to architectural design. The distinguished characteristic of BSS is

the degree of freedom in selecting beams and strings befitting space, scale and form.
Furthermore, such "architectural expression" is an extension of the degree of freedom in
exterior design by using a self-balancing system, sense of transparency, lightness and
delicacy expressed by eliminating and emphasizing the existence of the string, and
expression of logic in systems. All these are noticeable characteristics of design in BSS
(Fig.5, 6, 7).
M C T
Prestressed Concreat Beam

Beam Arch Catenary

Suspen Arch

Suspen Disk
Suspen Beam

Fig.3 Birth of BSS

Secondly, it may be due to structural performance. To ascertain the dominant load and
prepare the supporting frame is important in order to select the appropriate arrangement
and combination of beams and strings in preliminary design (Fig.4). Furthermore, the
stress control of the bending moment and the displacement of beams must be
considered along with, the dead-load in installing strings, the supporting point (pin or
roller end), and reaction on support (timing of jack down and up-lift) are all of
importance for the introduction of PS into strings. Detail, mechanism and control
methods for the purpose of introducing tensile force must be prepared in advance. Fig.8
and Fig.9 show the method for introducing tensile force into strings.

<Load Condition> <Dominant Load>

Dead Seismic Finishing Snow Long Short light-
Load Force Load Load Term Term weight
I small small Wind F.
T
Y II small large Snow L. Wind F.
Wind Snow P III large small (Dead L.) Seismic F.
Force Load E (Dead L.) heavy
IV large large Seismic F.
Snow L. weight
Fig.4 Dominant load and force for BSS

Timber Plate S
B T
E Pipe Rod R
A I
M N
Truss Cable G

Fig.5 Combination of beam and string

 • Iwate Prefectural Budoh-kan • plan

• section
• Monoh Town Gymnasium
Fig.7 Variation of arrangement of string
Fig.6 Mount-shaped BSS

Turn Buckle a
W
Lowering Stage b
Hauling-in by Jacks adjusting of
String length • Advanced material
Middle Point c science center of Nihon Univ.
P
End Point
P
non-string-axis d
P
string-axis e

combination f
P

Fig.8 Method for introduction tensile Fig.9 Hauling-in by pulling-down by

force to string small force

3.2 Development of BSS

The basic model of BSS is a simply supported system where the dead-load is large and
the additional load (snow load and hanging equipment load) is small. Advantages of
BSS are performed most effectively in this model. In the case the supporting structure is
rigid, BSS of flat or shallow types are free from seismic forces and the best amount of
PS under the dead-load is decided.

On the other hand, the following points must be noted in order to establish a structural
system of BSS.
(1) To obtain the ceiling height, since BSS are suitable for flat roof: Development into
tension truss, mount-shaped BSS, combination with cantilever truss or diagonal post,
and BSS with multistage strings are examples of the solutions.
(2) In the case where the supporting structure is low-rigid: SKELSION is invented to
add horizontal resistance to slender post or frame. The characteristics of SKELSION is
to balance high PS force by arranging hanger strings and bracing strings.
(3) In the case where finishing materials are very light, such as in membrane and steel
decks: Wind braces and valley cables are an effective method to resist typhoon wind
loads.

Considering these points the structural system can be expanded in many variations.
Fig.10 shows actual examples which the authors have designed during the last 20 years.
Fig.10 Various application from basic type of BSS
In the circular type of BSS, the height of string can be lifted up by installing a hoop
cable at the lower end of the outer strut (A). By replacing radial beams (B) with radial
cables the horizontal force is resisted at the boundary, a shallow cable dome can be
achieved ((B') Amagi Dome). Another development of prototype (B) is shown in the
Kumamoto Project (C) which is characteristic of an oval plan and anti-spherical shape.

(B) (B') (C)

Fig.11 Development of BSS
3.3 Diversity of Architectural Expression in BSS

[1] Image of external appearance

In general, the dead-load is predominant in long-span structures. Self balancing systems

with strings and beams can let the boundary structure be free from horizontal reaction,
allowing for light and free exterior design creating a variety of images (Fig.12).

• Anoh Dome (Kita-Kyushu, 1994) 62m x 108m • Station Plaza Roof (Tokyo, 1997) 45m x 60m
"Paraglider" flying from the summit of a nearby Light weight membrane roof with a sense of "Gentle
mountain, just landed on a green forest. breeze" covers the shops and restaurants.

• Sakata Municipal Gymnasium (1991) 53m x 68m • Urayasu Municipal Sports Center (1995) 52m x 108 m
A pair of "Water bird" are flying up from green field. Large and small "Waves" coming ashore on Tokyo Bay.

• Green Dome Maebashi (1990) 122m x 168m • Rainbow Pool (Nagoya, 1992)
"UFO" landing at scenic site surrounded with "Flying fish" swimming dynamically on the ocean.
mountains and river.

• Saitama Arena (2000) • Kyoto Swimming Pool Project

A huge sharp "Sky wing" with a moving internal Organic shape like a "Cocoon" originated from the
theater sends a message for the 21st century. concept of harmony and utilization of nature.

Fig.12 Various image for external feature

[2] Structural Expression of Inside Space

The delicate and sharp sense of strings can create various individual expressions in
combination with thick beams. As an interior feature, four types of structural
expressions can be considered by either eliminating or emphasizing each beam or string
(Fig.13 ).

• Faraday Hall of Nihon Univ. (1978) 20m in diameter • Koganei Sports Center (1988)
Radial rods and central ring in a golden color are Curved H-shaped steel strings reflect the light from a
expressed strongly. glass facade.

• Sakata Municipal Gymnasium (1991) 53m x 68m • Kita-Kyushu Anoh Dome (1991) 62m x 108m
Cables and struts colored with Turkish blue float in the Hybrid members of H steel and laminated timber give
natural light from deep eaves. the impression of being in a forest.

• Subway Station of Nihon Univ. (1996) 20m x 40m • Horinouchi Town Gymnasium (1996) 38m x 42m
Two kind of strings with different role are colored with The row of curved beams composed of laminated
Japanese traditional red and produce dome-like space. timber produces a human space during winter.

• Wild Blue Yokohama (1992) • Green Dome Maebashi (1990) 122m x 168m
The existence of cables is reduced to express the Through visual effect, curved beams and sub arches
transparency of the resort space. produce a dramatic interior of a shallow dome.

Fig.13 Example of structural expression for interior view

3.4 Structural Technology of BSS

The method of introducing PS into strings in order to realize structural systems greatly
depends upon construction and details, and have to be considered as a whole. Actual
examples of Fig.14 and Fig.15 can be seen in Fig.7.
 cast steel elements of central
tension ring

• Faraday Hall of Nihon Univ. (described above)

After prestressing to some extent, by bolting the nuts
at the rod end, the central ring was jacked down to get
the final tensile force due to the dead-load.

• Sports Hall of Nihon Univ. (described above)

By the introduction of a design force due to the final
weight, each truss beam was lifted up from the
support. The whole roof (1000tf) was slid up gradually
by two small jacks on either side.

• Green Dome Maebashi (described above)

For each truss girder assembled on the central support,
prestressing force was introduced by 68 oil jacks under
the central ring to lift up the whole roof (3000tf).

• Urayasu Municipal Sports Center (described above)

After assembly of the whole trussed beam has been
completed, the cables of the BSS were tightened
gradually, and the supports were removed one by one.
Fig.14 The example of prestressing and construction method (1)
• Sakata Municipal Gymnasium (described above)
The prestressing of cables was executed by hauling down and attaching the end of struts on the ground. A set of
three pieces of BSS loaded with final finishes was pulled up by temporary ropes from the top of the cantilever
truss.

Stiffening String Beam Valley cable

Column
22,400

Strut Beam String Structure

Hanger String
Wind resistant
Bracing String backstay
Bracing String

• Subway Station of Nihon Univ. (described above) • Kita-Kyusyu Anoh Dome (described above)
By using small jacks, two pieces of plate of "Face Before installing of BSS adjusted for length and force,
Joint" was hauled together to introduced the pre-loading was carried out by pulling down the top of
prestressing force of six bracing rods. cantilever truss to obtain strict accuracy for welding of
beams.

• Horinouchi Town Gymnasium (described above) • Iwadeyama Town Gymnasium (1996) 36m x 50m
Compression force of the diagonal column due to the After the whole roof was lifted up, all bracing rods
finishing load was released by turning a screw bolt at were installed and end connectors were pulled down to
the lower end, then the dead-load was resisted only by introduce prestressing force.
the BSS.
Fig.15 The examples of prestressing and construction method (2)
4. Conceptual Design of String Structures - Conclusion

In order to realize large span or column-free space, the distinguished characteristics of

string structures has been developed recently from the viewpoints of structural
efficiency and architectural expression. On the other hand, it should be emphasized that
in the string structures the relationship between whole system, detail, fabrication and
construction is much more stronger than usual structures.
The role of string, due to various load conditions has to be grasped clearly at the
preliminary design, and the introduction method of the initial string force is to be
carefully considered. As an example, in Izumo Dome, laminated timber arches were
stiffened by diagonal rods and hoop cables, and a pushed-up construction method was
adopted. In such Hybrid Tension Structures the most important thing is to keep the
conceptual mind over both aesthetics and technology during whole design procedure.

References

M. Saitoh et all.
(1) Principle of Beam String Structure ; proc. of IASS (1979, Madrid)
(2) From Image to Technology –The Role of string in Hybrid String Structures-
; proc. of IASS (1996, Stuttgart)

Fig.17
Pushing-up
system

Fig.16 Detail of pre-stretching of hoop cable

Fig.18 Interior view of IZUMO DOME (1992)