Eccentricity Orientation of Bolted Connections in Space Structure Configurations Using Reciprocally Supported Elements

Polyhedra provide a basis for the generation of a number of classes of structural forms. The conversion of the regular polyhedra to equivalent reciprocally supported elements (RSE) polyhedra enables the fundamental understanding of the processes involved in generating larger and more complex RSE space structures such as grids, towers, vaults and domes. Rods in the form of bolts, timber dowels or similar can be used as a simple and effective way of connecting RSEs. The parameters controlling the nature of these connections and hence the load transfer mechanism can be directly related to the orientation of the eccentricity generated at the conversion stage. The leading and trailing eccentricity angles between sloping RSEs are related to the rotation angle adopted for the conversion. The final RSE configurations, particularly when the eccentricity requires to be optimized to one value through out, may additionally employ an element translation with a further angle rotation. This paper considers the variations in the eccentricity angles for use in connection design and fabrication in RSE polyhedric and other space structures.