Comparison between new families of Double-Layer Tensegrity Grids

Rot-Umbela manipulations permit conventional double-layer grids (DLG) to be transformed into tensegrity grids. By means of this method, two new tensegrity modules (Quastrut and Sixstrut) were already discovered. The aim of this work is to compare the behavior of the new family of Double-Layer Tensegrity Grids (DLTG) obtained by the juxtaposition of the Quastrut in some of its variations depending on enantiomorphic variants (e.g. monogyre Vs. racemic), orientations (e.g. 0º Vs. 90º) and configurations (e.g. open Vs. closed). It will be possible to determine which DLTG performs better taking into account their resistance, structural efficiency, deflection, etc. Furthermore, analysis of their mechanisms and states of self-stress could help to understand their structural characteristics better. Deployability will be revealed as one of the most challenging and interesting potentials of these DLTGs

Double-layer tensegrity grids and Rot-Umbela manipulations

RESUMEN. Las mallas tensegríticas de doble capa (MTDC) son estructuras de Tensegridad que contiene dos mallas traccionadas paralelas, unidas por otra capa intermedia compuesta por elementos comprimidos y traccionados verticales y/o diagonales. Este trabajo presenta inicialmente un breve repaso sobre las propuestas de MTDC que se han realizado hasta el momento, exponiendo luego una nueva metodología, eminentemente geométrica, para la generación de este tipo de estructuras tensegríticas. Tras aplicar la propuesta de Otero para generar mallas de doble capa (MDC) convencionales, se procede a realizar Manipulaciones de Rot-Umbela en las capas inferior y/o superior para convertir dicha estructura en una MTDC. Las Manipulaciones de Rot-Umbela consisten en la apertura de cada vértice en un cierto polígono, al cual se le aplica una rotación o giro particular. Se consigue así un potente sistema para “tensegritizar” MDC convencionales y abrir una línea de investigación muy interesante en el campo de la Tensegridad.ABSTRACT. Double-layer tensegrity grids (DLTGs) are tensegrity spatial systems containing two parallel networks of members in tension forming the top and bottom chords, whose nodes are linked by vertical and/or inclined web members under compression and tension. This paper presents, as an introduction, a brief perspective of the historical proposals for DLTGs over the last years, describing later a new approach for generating these kinds of structures, mainly in geometrical terms. After applying Otero’s proposal for designing conventional double-layer grids (DLGs), a new technique, known as Rot-Umbela Manipulation, is applied to their upper and/or lower layers for generating DLTGs. Rot-Umbela Manipulation consists of opening a vertex in the plane for obtaining a certain polygon, which is then rotated by a determined angle. This powerful operation opens an endless catalogue of DLTGs and a very interesting line of research in the field of Tensegrity

Habidite: viviendas modulares industrializadas

RESUMEN. En este artículo se realiza una breve introducción a uno de los sistemas constructivos que más auge está teniendo en los últimos años: la edificación industrializada integral. Realizado a base de módulos tridimensionales, es éste un método de construcción en el cual los edificios se conforman básicamente por medio de células espaciales de grandes dimensiones; estos módulos tridimensionales se elaboran íntegramente en fábrica y, una vez están totalmente terminados, se transportan a obra, donde son montados de forma sencilla y rápida. Aunque no es un sistema totalmente novedoso (de hecho sus antecedentes también serán tratados brevemente en este texto), Habidite apuesta fuertemente por esta tendencia y aporta su grano de arena para conseguir edificios modulares de hormigón armado de extraordinaria calidad, con implementos domóticos totalmente integrados en la vivienda y un alto grado de sostenibilidad, eco-tecnología y eficiencia energética. Se abordan, a lo largo de la exposición, las ventajas que aporta este sistema, con la optimización de los procesos productivos en el sector de la construcción por medio de la implementación de las más avanzadas tecnologías.ABSTRACT. This paper is an introduction to one of the most relevant constructive systems of the last years: The integral industrialized construction. This method, based on three-dimensional modules, produces buildings made mainly from spatial cells of big dimensions; these three-dimensional modules are fabricated entirely in factory and, once they are finished, they are carried out to the site, where they are assembled in an easy manner. Even though it’s not a totally new system (in fact, the precedents will also be mentioned in this essay), Habidite is very confident in backing this tendency and doing its part in order to obtain modular reinforced concrete buildings of extraordinary quality, with domotic implements totally integrated in the dwellings and a high degree of sustainability, eco-technology and energetic efficiency. Many advantages are exposed and explained, dealing with the optimization of the productive processes in construction by means of the most advanced technologies

Information Management and Improvement of Citation Indices

Bibliometrics and citation analysis have become an important set of methods for library and information science, as well as an exceptional source of information and knowledge for many other areas. Their main sources are citation indices, which are bibliographic databases like Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, etc. However, bibliographical databases lack perfection and standardization. There are several software tools that perform useful information management and bibliometric analysis importing data from them. A comparison has been carried out to identify which of them perform certain pre-processing tasks. Usually, they are not strong enough to detect all the duplications, mistakes, misspellings and variant names, leaving to the user the tedious and time-consuming task of correcting the data. Furthermore, some of them do not import datasets from different citation indices, but mainly from Web of Science (WoS). A new software tool, called STICCI.eu (Software Tool for Improving and Converting Citation Indices - enhancing uniformity), which is freely available online, has been created to solve these problems. STICCI.eu is able to do conversions between bibliographical citation formats (WoS, Scopus, CSV, BibTex, RIS), correct the usual mistakes appearing in those databases, detect duplications, misspellings, etc., identify and transform the full or abbreviated titles of the journals, homogenize toponymical names of countries and relevant cities or regions and list the processed data in terms of the most cited authors, journals, references, etc

GomJau-Hogg´s Notation for Automatic Generation of k-Uniform Tessellations with ANTWERP v3.0

ABSTRACT: Euclidean tilings are constantly applied to many fields of engineering (mechanical, civil, chemical, etc.). These tessellations are usually named after Cundy & Rollett’s notation. However, this notation has two main problems related to ambiguous conformation and uniqueness. This communication explains the GomJau-Hogg’s notation for generating all the regular, semi-regular (uniform) and demi-regular (k-uniform, up to at least k = 3) in a consistent, unique and unequivocal manner. Moreover, it presents Antwerp v3.0, a free online application, which is publicly shared to prove that all the basic tilings can be obtained directly from the GomJau-Hogg’s notation

Structural analysis of a deployable double-layer tensegrity grid

Congreso celebrado en la Escuela de Arquitectura de la Universidad de Sevilla desde el 24 hasta el 26 de junio de 2015.Different methods have been used recently to discover new families of a type of space frame: Double- Layer Tensegrity Grids (DLTGs). The main objective of this work is analyzing the process for the design and calculation of a specific deployable DLTG (DDLTG) at full scale (4x4x1 m) composed by 16 modules of 1x1x1 m. Three CAD/CAE tools were used for these purposes: ToyGL, Matlab/Octave, and Midas Civil. It was necessary to create an intermediate platform to exchange data and information between both tools, the ToyGL Processor, based on user-defined functions written in VBA for Microsoft Excel. The methodology was validated by comparing the results obtained by the first two software tools with those provided by Midas Civil. As a conclusion, ToyGL is reliable and accurate in terms of the definition of geometry, distribution of stresses and forces, reactions, states of self-stress, mechanisms, etc

Generation and nomenclature of tessellations and double-layer grids

The aim of this work is to establish a systematic methodology for generating automatically different tessellations and double-layer grids (DLGs) following a defined and specific nomenclature proposed originally for such a task. This particular nomenclature defines the notation of mosaics and DLGs in a synthesized and unique manner, with the advantage that it shows how to generate and design them after the parameters expressed on their own names. As a result, by means of an algorithm and some computational codes, it is possible to recreate in 3D any of those grids directly from their own names. Current nomenclature for tessellations is also analyzed, finding severe disadvantages, such as the excessive length of their notations or their non-uniqueness character. A new nomenclature is proposed in order to define and generate consistently and unequivocally n-uniform mosaics in a consistent manner with the current nomenclature used for the Archimedean (regular and semiregular) tessellations

Novel Technique for Obtaining Double-Layer Tensegrity Grids

Double-layer tensegrity grids (DLTGs) may be defined as tensegrity spatial systems containing two parallel horizontal networks of members in tension forming the top and bottom layers, whose nodes are linked by vertical and/or inclined bracing members in compression and/or tension. In this paper, a new approach is described. Conventional double-layer grids (DLGs) are composed of three layers: top, bottom and bracing members. This paper shows new rules for generating original DLGs following a recent methodology for their composition, from the mosaic of the bracing members and additional laws. Finally, from them, a new technique, known as Rot- Umbela manipulation, is applied to obtain their tensegrity form, opening and endless catalogue of DLTGs

Quantitative evaluation of overlaying discrepancies in mobile augmented reality applications for AEC/FM

Augmented Reality (AR) is a trending technology that provides a live view of the real and physical environment augmented by virtual elements, enhancing the information of the scene with digital information (sound, video, graphics, text or geo-location). Its application to architecture, engineering and construction, and facility management (AEC/FM) is straightforward and can be very useful to improve the on-site work at different stages of the projects. However, one of the most important limitations of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) is the lack of accuracy when the screen overlays the virtual models on the real images captured by the camera. The main reasons are errors related to tracking (positioning and orientation of the mobile device) and image capture and processing (projection and distortion issues). This paper shows a new methodology to mathematically perform a quantitative evaluation, in world coordinates, of those overlaying discrepancies on the screen, obtaining the real-scale distances from any real point to the sightlines of its virtual projections for any AR application. Additionally, a new utility for filtering built-in sensor signals in mobile devices is presented: the Drift-Vibration-Threshold function (DVT), a straightforward tool to filter the drift suffered by most sensor-based tracking systems