Strategies and methods for evaluation and conservation of space frame structures in accordance with heritage conservation guidelines

空间框架结构属于结构设计的核心创新，是现代性传承的重要组成部分。它们已在多种应用中得到应用，并将结构经济性与设计多样性结合在一起。德国空间框架结构的发展主要是由Max Mengeringhausen作为先驱推动的，他早在20世纪20年代就开发了著名的由连接节点和管杆单元组成的MERO系统。基于这一革命性的现代发明，梅罗空间框架系统和类似的发展在20世纪下半叶遍及世界各地。由于空间框架结构的巨大效率，德意志民主共和国对开发具有竞争力的系统也非常感兴趣。尽管它们在第二次世界大战后的时期普遍使用，但人们对这些结构的关注很少。他们的建筑和建筑史既没有得到充分的调查，也没有成为保护研究的对象。事实上，20世纪的历史空间框架结构对自然资源保护者来说是一个挑战。尽管空间框架结构具有耐久性，但它们往往不能满足当前对结构完整性的所有要求，或者由于特殊原因而被破坏。本研究项目的目的是研究20世纪20年代至70年代在德国建立的空间框架结构的历史发展及其建筑和施工意义。除了建筑史和结构保护方面的基础研究作为对作为现代性遗产重要组成部分的空间框架结构进行整体评估的基础外，该研究项目还旨在实现结构保护的目标。因此，还将制定保护被视为技术遗产代表的空间框架结构的战略。在这方面的一个重要方面是满足功能要求和结构安全。在这方面，研究项目的一个重点是制定一种确定现有空间框架结构内力的方法。此外，还将编写一项程序，以支持选择结构加强的最佳概念以及各自的准则。拟议研究项目的主题涉及发展筹资小组优先方案“文化遗产--结构”的所有三个专题章节，并将在跨学科协作中加以阐述。结构历史的研究将基于经典文献和档案研究以及建筑测量，而主要与工程有关的主题将使用结构动力学、系统识别和优化的数值和实验技术。这些研究活动的基础是提出者的前期工作。

Space frame structures belong to the core innovations in structural design and are therefore an important part of the heritage of modernity. They have been used in manifold applications and combine structural economy with diversity in design. The development of space frame structures has significantly been driven in Germany by Max Mengeringhausen as a pioneer who, already in the 1920s, developed the well known MERO system consisting of connection nodes and tubular rod elements. Based on this revolutionary invention of the modern era, both the MERO space frame system and similar developments spread out all over the world during the second half of the 20th century. Due to the immense efficiency of space frame structures, also the GDR was highly interested in developing competitive systems. Despite their prevalent use in the period after the second world war only little attention has been spent to these structures. Neither their architectural and constructional history has been sufficiently investigated, nor they have been subject of conservational research. Indeed, historical space frame structures of the 20th century are a challenge for conservationists. Despite their durability, the structures often do not satisfy all current requirements with respect to structural integrity or have been dissembled by specific reasons.Aim of this research project is to work out the historical development and the architectural and constructional significance of space frame structures that were erected from the 1920s to the 1970s in Germany. Beside the fundamental research in constructional history and structural conservation forming the base for an integral evaluation of space frame structures as significant part of the modernity’s heritage, the research project aims objectives of structural conservation. Accordingly, also strategies for the preservation of space frame structures considered as representatives of technical heritage will be developed. One important aspect in this context is the satisfaction of functional requirements and structural safety. In this context, one focus of the research project is put on the development of a methodology for the identification of internal forces in existing space frame structures. Further, a procedure that supports the selection of an optimal concept for structural strengthening as well as a respective guideline will be compiled.The topics of the proposed research project span over all three thematic sections of the DFG Priority Programme "Cultural Heritage - Structure" and will be elaborated in an interdisciplinary collaboration. The research in structural history will be based on classical literature and archive research as well as on architectural surveys, while the topics primarily related to engineering will use numerical and experimental techniques of structural dynamics, system identification and optimization. The base for these research activities is given by preliminary work of the proposer.