Load distribution in flat reciprocal structures

Abstract

The elements in conventional structures are perfectly ranked, so that load transmission is logical and follows the usual structural orders. Nevertheless, in reciprocal structures each element has to support all of the others in a less intuitive pattern of load transmission. The purpose of this paper is to understand exactly how load is transmitted between elements, quantifying this analytically by developing a new method which is applicable to a flat structure composed of a basic unit with any number of nexors. It is based on determining the increase in load to which the members in a reciprocal structure are subjected by calculating the coefficient k, or “transference coefficient”. The k coefficient value, and therefore the load transferred between members, falls with the number of nexors, with the proximity of point loads to exterior supports, and with the size of the central space in the structure.