Graphical Stability Analysis of Maillart’s Roof at Chiasso

Allan McRobie;Cameron Millar;Zastavni, Denis;William F. Baker
(2022) Structural Engineering International — Vol. 32, n° 4, p. 538-546 (2022)

Files

GraphicalStabilityAnalysisofMaillartsRoofatChiasso.pdf
  • Open Access
  • Adobe PDF
  • 2.36 MB

Details

Authors
  • Allan McRobie
    Author
  • Cameron Millar
    Author
  • Author
  • William F. Baker
    Author
Abstract
The newly-developed method of graphic stability is applied to Robert Maillart’s iconic roof design at Chiasso. The truss has an unusual form which emerged from Maillart’s graphic statics as the shape dual to the symmetrical equilibrium forces. Although graphic statics can lead to highly efficient structural forms, there can be a tendency for diagonal bracing to be minimised or even eliminated, as at Chiasso. Whilst equilibrium is satisfied, there may be a decrease in stability, and it has previously not been possible to quantify this within the traditional graphical approach. Using Chiasso as an example, this paper demonstrates how the prestress stability of this and similar truss structures may now be assessed within the same graphical setting.
Affiliations

Citations

Allan McRobie, Cameron Millar, Zastavni, D., & William F. Baker. (2022). Graphical Stability Analysis of Maillart’s Roof at Chiasso. Structural Engineering International, 32(4), 538-546. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/167034 (Original work published 2022)