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Structure Definitions and Images |
Lightweight structures are characterized by having a rather small mass relative to the applied load, which is determined through an optimization process. The LSA is focused on structures that can include tensile (or tension) structures, frame supported, air supported, air inflated, cable net, cable-and-strut (also referred to as tensegrity), geodesic domes and grid shells. Following is a draft of the definitions of these structures (we will develop these definitions further so that they are widely accepted and technically correct):
Additional Images | Air-Inflated Structure: A structure that uses air-pressurized membrane beams, arches or other elements to enclose space. Occupants of such a structure do not occupy the pressurized area used to support the structure. | 
Additional Images | Air-Supported Structure: A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. | 
Additional Images | Cable Net Structure: Single-layered anticlastic surface made of two sets of closely spaced cables that are orthogonal (or nearly so) to one another. The net usually supports a fabric or other pliable material. | 
Additional Images | Cable-and-Strut (or Tensegrity) Structure: A planar or curvilinear structure composed of short discontinuous compression elements (struts) connected by tensile members (cables) to form a coherent configuration. Such structures are often referred to as ?tensegrity? structures. | 
Additional Images | Frame-Supported Fabric Structure: A structure that is comprised of a frame or frames that form a loadbearing structure without the aid of any fabric or other pliable material. However, the membrane may contribute toward the stability of the structure. | 
Additional Images | Geodesic Dome: Spherical, single-or double-layered shells made up of hexagons and pentagons. | 
Additional Images | Grid Shell Structure: A curvilinear surface (synclastic or anticlastic) composed of linear elements configured to form squares, triangles, and/or parallelograms. They may be single or double-layered and sometimes employ in-plane cables for stability and shear resistance. | 
Additional Images | Tensile (or Tension) Structure: A structure that is characterized by a tensioning of the fabric or pliable material system (typically with wire or cable) to provide the critical structural support to the structure. |
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