Conception of multifunctional joins for configurable 3D building scale model

Abstract

During my studies in the international semester at the University of Valladolid, I had the great opportunity to carry out a final project related to my speciality of mechanical engineering. This project deals with a 3D building model with the ability to move in all horizontal directions, including bending in two planes and torsion. The model simulates a multi-storey high-rise building and should serve as a teaching resource to understand the effects of bracing in tall buildings and its consequences on their dynamic behaviour. In order for the different configurations (number of floors and bracing arrangements) to be easily reconfigured, the connecting elements (joints) between columns, slabs and bracing elements must meet some requirements. Thus, I was in charge of the conception and prototyping of new multifunctional joints, as well as the assembly of the model in several configurations, collaborating in the modal analysis and proceeding with the numerical simulation.