Diagonal arrangements of diagrid tube structures for preliminary design.

Diagonal arrangement is a prerequisite for diagrid tube structures in preliminary design. Two scenarios made up of curved or varying-angle straight diagonals, all established by only two basic geometric variables, i.e. the bottom angle and the top angle of the control arc or straight diagonal, are evaluated under seismic and wind loads. Approaches to configuring diagrid tube structures of these two types are introduced graphically. A set of diagrid tube structures composed of curved and straight diagonals with various combinations of bottom and top angles, with height-to-width aspect ratios ranging from 3.6 to 9, are investigated focusing on the optimal geometries in terms of the material usage. By giving attention to both seismic and wind loads, the optimal values of bottom and top angles are suggested respectively for these two types of diagrid tube structures with different aspect ratios. Furthermore, the proposed method is validated by FEM analysis. Consequently, the structurally efficient use of diagrid tube structures with curved or varying-angle straight diagonals could be provided conveniently for both engineers and architects in preliminary design. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]