Deltaribs - unprecedented freedom of structural shapes

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Design principle

Structural

Fabrication

Applications

The fabrication is driven by the structure's 3D model, which is generated from a network of curves that is based on architectural as well as structural inputs. From the model, unrolled cutting patterns for each sheet are extracted, which are then cut using computer-controlled (laser)cutting. Since the steel sheets are all constant cylindrically or constant conically curved, they can be produced with conventional rolling equipment.

Three dimensional engineering.

Cutting patterns for the curved sides nested on a steel plate for laser cutting, by Corus Feijen.

	Construction of a Deltarib.

The rib-sides are then brought together, positioned through tack welds and eventually welded. The welding can be done in conventional steel workshops, yet a robot following the edge of a plate is an option too. The components are pre-fabricated off-site as Y-shaped or larger transportable parts. On the building site, the components are assembled through bolted connections only.

Fabrication and assembly of the ribs was succesfully tested by three prototypes. After completion the geometry of the prototypes was measured with a total station. Results showed that dimensions of the ribs themselves are highly accurate, while care should be given to the correct positioning when connecting ribs to each other. The prototypes have been built in collaboration with, and were sponsored by Corus, Kersten Europe and Delft University of Technology.