Experimental test of reciprocal frame (RF) structure

"Reciprocal frame (RF) structures, also known as Nexorade, is a selfsupporting structural form with individual components supported by their neighbouring members. RF structures can be built to offer a complex form of structure with identical components and simple connections. this type of structure is recorded in many Chinese historical sources, including the painting Qingming Shanghe Tu (Along the River During the Qingming Festival) painted by Zeduan Zhang about a thousand years ago; a sketch of a similar structure is also found in an original manuscript by Leonardo da Vinci.

In modern construction, RF structures are often considered for use in temporary construction due to their undemanding and less time-consuming construction process. An advantage of common RF structures is that they require little strength in the connections than the friction created between members by gravity."

(Chea et al., 2022)

Collapse simulation of a structure

"In the building design code system of China, the frame-core tube structure is mandated to be designed as a dual lateral-force resisting system. This imposes strict requirements on the secondary lateral system of such structures, ensuring that the outer frame possesses adequate lateral stiffness and strength. In contrast, in the design codes of other countries (e.g., ASCE-7 of the United States), the outer frame of the frame-core tube structure is only required to carry vertical loads. Given these fundamental differences, comparing the two systems in terms of seismic performance, collapse resistance, and load distribution becomes an interesting research topic."

(Chea et al., 2019)

Cyclic loading of non-structural infill walls

"Masonry infill walls are a type of construction widely used as the envelope of multistory and high-rise buildings in urban areas. Infill walls were observed to have been severely damaged in past earthquakes, and blocks fell from the attached walls owing to the combined effects of infill wall damage and seismic acceleration. According to field investigations, these masonry infill walls usually have weak boundary connections with the main structure. This is especially true for the developing countries where quality control of the connection between the infill masonry walls and the main structures is difficult to be ensured. Statistics also show that earthquake-induced falling debris can cause a significant number of casualties. Moreover, falling debris can seriously hinder fast emergency evacuations and rescues."

(Chea et al., 2018)

Framework of construction automation

"To achieve a fully automated construction, a framework to connect computer-aided and robotic technologies used for construction should be firstly established. In general, structural construction may consist of several stages, including design, construction planning, manufacturing, transportation and final assembly :

• •   With computer-aided design (CAD) technologies, all designs (architectural, mechanical, electrical and structural) can be digitalised. The construction schedule is then optimised following the designed building information.
• •   The component design is sent to the automation systems in the manufacturing plant. After the manufacturing of components, if flawed components are detected, an error report may be sent to central management for rearranging the construction schedule.
• •   Autonomous vehicles pick up the components according to the initial schedule provided by the BIM system, and the real-time location of the components during transportation is tracked and also sent to central management.
• •   The components are delivered to the construction site and assembled by the robotic system according to the building design. "

(Chea et al., 2020)