Predictability of numerical models for reciprocal structures

Scientific literature shows that the actual behaviour of metallic reciprocal structures can differ significantly from that predicted by numerical models. This discrepancy is mainly due to the connections, whose complex designs generally exhibit nonlinear behaviour, including friction, locking effects, and semi-rigid responses. When the connections are perfectly rigid, as in welded beams, the structure is referred to as a gridshell, which is not the subject of this paper. Conversely, a reciprocal structure is theoretically composed of stacked beams and therefore features perfectly hinged (pinned) connections. In this article, we demonstrate that hinged connections enable a reliable numerical model. We develop a connection consisting of a spherical hinge assembled to rods attached to the ends of the bars, and we propose a methodology for integrating this connection into a numerical model to obtain reliable computational results. To achieve this, large-scale steel structural prototypes equipped with such a connection were constructed and tested. The results show a strong similarity between the numerical and experimental values of displacements and stresses. The experimental measurements were performed using a redundant measurement system, notably a motion capture system, which is highly effective for measuring threedimensional displacements and had never previously been used for reciprocal structures.

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Steinmetz, M., Latteur, P., & Sgambi, L. (2026). Predictability of numerical models for reciprocal structures. Engineering Structures, 365, 123249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.123249 (Original work published 2026)