The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure

Reciprocal structures represent a category of spatial structural systems characterized by mutually supporting connections between components, which are primarily employed in roof systems and spatial frameworks. Insufficient stiffness is a critical challenge for the practical application of reciproca...

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Main Authors: Guang Guo, Wenfeng Du, Chen Wang, Haoran Liu, Nasim Uddin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-03-01
Series:Buildings
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1006
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author Guang Guo
Wenfeng Du
Chen Wang
Haoran Liu
Nasim Uddin
author_facet Guang Guo
Wenfeng Du
Chen Wang
Haoran Liu
Nasim Uddin
author_sort Guang Guo
collection DOAJ
description Reciprocal structures represent a category of spatial structural systems characterized by mutually supporting connections between components, which are primarily employed in roof systems and spatial frameworks. Insufficient stiffness is a critical challenge for the practical application of reciprocal structures in engineering. This study introduces a new cable-supported reciprocal structure, which integrates rigid beams and flexible cables through struts, inspired by the construction principles of beam string structures. By optimizing the force transfer path, the overall performance of the structure is improved. Through finite element analysis, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the static behavior and parametric analysis of this new reciprocal structure. The research results show that the rational determination of key parameters, including the rise/span ratio, strut height, and cable length, demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing the maximum displacement of this new reciprocal structure under uniformly distributed load. The stiffness of the new cable-supported reciprocal structure increases by 17% compared to that of the general reciprocal structure, while the total steel consumption decreases by 12%. The proposed new cable-supported reciprocal structure presents an innovative and viable configuration within the domain of reciprocal structures.
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spelling doaj-art-c7cc9cfcf9a642f5b3e3f7a1f964dda32025-08-20T02:09:15ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-03-01157100610.3390/buildings15071006The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal StructureGuang Guo0Wenfeng Du1Chen Wang2Haoran Liu3Nasim Uddin4School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, ChinaDepartment of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USAReciprocal structures represent a category of spatial structural systems characterized by mutually supporting connections between components, which are primarily employed in roof systems and spatial frameworks. Insufficient stiffness is a critical challenge for the practical application of reciprocal structures in engineering. This study introduces a new cable-supported reciprocal structure, which integrates rigid beams and flexible cables through struts, inspired by the construction principles of beam string structures. By optimizing the force transfer path, the overall performance of the structure is improved. Through finite element analysis, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the static behavior and parametric analysis of this new reciprocal structure. The research results show that the rational determination of key parameters, including the rise/span ratio, strut height, and cable length, demonstrates significant efficacy in reducing the maximum displacement of this new reciprocal structure under uniformly distributed load. The stiffness of the new cable-supported reciprocal structure increases by 17% compared to that of the general reciprocal structure, while the total steel consumption decreases by 12%. The proposed new cable-supported reciprocal structure presents an innovative and viable configuration within the domain of reciprocal structures.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1006reciprocal structurecable-supported structureflexible cablefinite element analysis
spellingShingle Guang Guo
Wenfeng Du
Chen Wang
Haoran Liu
Nasim Uddin
The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
Buildings
reciprocal structure
cable-supported structure
flexible cable
finite element analysis
title The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
title_full The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
title_fullStr The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
title_full_unstemmed The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
title_short The Structural Configuration and Mechanical Performance of a New Cable-Supported Reciprocal Structure
title_sort structural configuration and mechanical performance of a new cable supported reciprocal structure
topic reciprocal structure
cable-supported structure
flexible cable
finite element analysis
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/7/1006
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