Research On The Expression Of Arch Structure In Long-span Buildings

In this paper, I will take the most classic structure - arch structure as the research object, attempt to analyze contemporary typical works from views of structure and construction, in order to find out the law of contemporary architectural form as a structure and poetic history of construction.Arch is a structure with a curve rod axis and it can produce level counterforce under vertical load. The internal force is mainly the pressure. The arch is a breakthrough which makes the structure get rid of bending deformation; Its geometric patterns varies while force distribution, transmission methods and structural efficiency mainly depended on linear, span ratio, cross-sectional form and materials'performance. Arch can achieve a larger-span using compression resistance of brick, stone and physical brittle materials, which can not be done by beam structure. With the continuous development of building materials, more and more use of wood, reinforced concrete, steel and other materials improve the efficiency of the structure. At the same time, they provide various new outlooks of arch structure. The turning from heavy to lightness of structural image is a clear trend in contemporary society.In modern large-span buildings, arch acts as the main supporting structure of roofs in terms alone or together with other structures. Through various techniques and combinations with other structures, architects create abundant structural forms, which provide architectural design increasingly more creative ways. The using features of arch structure in three kinds of structure are as follows:In thrust structure system, extensive building space and more flat shape can be created through parallel combination and cross-combination of arches. It provides conditions to create new and unique architecture styles. In combinational structure of arches and shells, arches act as edge structure and ribs of shell to improve bearing capacity as well as enriching structure's expression.In tension structure system, combination of arch and cable can replace roof beams and pillars along the edges of roof and therefore liberate interior space. In terms of architectural style, the combination structure of arch and cable can create the beauty of unreservedness and light-clear artistic effects; in long-span buildings, arch can also work with membrane structure acting as framework, to obtain architectural form while improving span and capacity of the structure.In shear-flexural structural system, combinational structure of arch and cantilever structure is usually used in roofs of long-span buildings. Meanwhile, the arch is also used as independent structure with slings and suspenders connecting with other roof structures such as reticulated shells and girders, and provides unlimited potential in long-span buildings'designing.In architectural designing process of contemporary long-buildings, expression of arch structure impacts on four aspects, which are environment, architectural form, space and interface and nodes. In environmental aspect, arch structure assorts with environment mainly through control of magnifying and hiding of volume, similarities and heterogeneity of shapes, coherence and ignorance of scale, coordination and confrontation of material and texture, as well as attention to local cultures through metaphor and symbolism. In large-span building form and space design, it provides opportunities to innovate through structure and materials, geometry volume of space and entity as well as enduing of personality. Here, characteristics of the structure build the logic of the construction and performance.In this paper, the writer do research on the expression of arch structure in modern long-span buildings at home and abroad, in order to provide meaningful reference to long-span buildings'design and practice.