Space Structures 4

These Proceedings are based on the Fifth International Conference on Space Structures, organised by the University of Surrey. Produced as a 2-volume set, they contain original and innovative information on space structures from leading engineers and architects from around the world.

The diversity of constructions included in this publication on space structures ranges from anten reflectors and masts positioned in space, to equally exciting terrestrial structures, notably large-span domes, barrel vaults, multi-layered grids, cable and membrane systems, and pneumatic structures. This collection of more than two hundred and twenty papers, presented in to volumes, is the work of leading international experts for presentation at the Fourth International Conference on Space Structures. These two volumes contain a prodigious amount of original and innovative information on space structures that will be of especial interest to engineers, architects and other professionals engaged in the planning, design, fabrication and erection of novel constructions.

xiv aggregates: this touches on the very nature of things. The concept of statistical symmetry which Loeb develops is particularly important, it emphasizes the limitations in seemingly random aggregates and for permits general statements of which the crystallographer's sym metries are only special cases. The reductionist and holistic approaches to the world have been at war with each other since the times of the Greek philosophers and before. In nature, parts clearly do fit together into real structures, and the parts are affected by their environment. The problem is one of understanding. The mystery that remains lies largely in the nature of structural hierarchy, for the human mind can examine nature on many different scales sequentially but not simultaneously. Arthur Loeb's monograph is a fundamental one, but one can sense a devel opment from the relations between his zero-and three-dimensional cells to the far more complex world of organisms and concepts. It is structure that makes the difference between a cornfield and a cake, between an aggregate of cells and a human being, between a random group of human beings and a society. We can perceive anything only when we perceive its structure, and we think by structural analogy and comparison. Several books have been published showing the beauty of form in nature. This one has the beauty of a work of art, but it grows out of rigorous mathematics and from the simplest of bases-dimensional ity, extent and valency.

A space frame is a three-dimensional framework for enclosing spaces in which all members are interconnected and act as a single entity. A benefit of this type of structure is that very large spaces can be covered, uninterrupted by support from the ground. John Chilton's book provides an up-to-date assessment of the use of space grid structures in buildings by reviewing methods of construction, various systems available and detailed studies of the use of space grids in modern buildings. The technical level is aimed at professional and student architects and engineers worldwide and it also serves as a useful construction manual. John Chilton is an engineer, currently teaching architectural students at Nottingham University where he is a senior lecturer. He has also undertaken considerable research in this field.

A space frame is a three-dimensional framework for enclosing spaces in which all members are interconnected and act as a single entity. A benefit of this type of structure is that very large spaces can be covered, uninterrupted by support from the ground. John Chilton's book provides an up-to-date assessment of the use of space grid structures in buildings by reviewing methods of construction, various systems available and detailed studies of the use of space grids in modern buildings. The technical level is aimed at professional and student architects and engineers worldwide and it also serves as a useful construction manual. John Chilton is an engineer, currently teaching architectural students at Nottingham University where he is a senior lecturer. He has also undertaken considerable research in this field.