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，因此是现代遗产的重要组成部分。它们已被用于多种应用中，并将联合收割机结构经济性与设计多样性相结合。在德国，Max Mengeringhausen作为先驱者极大地推动了空间框架结构的发展，早在20世纪20年代，他就开发了由连接节点和管状杆件组成的著名MERO系统。基于这一现代革命性的发明，MERO空间框架系统和类似的发展在世纪后半叶遍布世界各地。由于空间框架结构的巨大效率，民主德国也对开发有竞争力的系统非常感兴趣。尽管它们在第二次世界大战后的时期被普遍使用，但很少有人关注这些结构。它们的建筑和建造历史都没有得到充分的研究，也没有成为保护研究的主题。事实上，20世纪世纪的历史空间框架结构对保护主义者来说是一个挑战。尽管结构具有耐久性，但它们往往不能满足当前对结构完整性的所有要求，或者由于特定原因而被拆除。本研究项目的目的是研究德国从20世纪20年代到70年代建造的空间框架结构的历史发展及其建筑和建筑意义。除了在建筑历史和结构保护的基础研究形成的空间框架结构作为现代遗产的重要组成部分的整体评估的基础上，该研究项目的目的是结构保护的目标。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。这方面的一个重要方面是满足功能要求和结构安全。在这种情况下，一个重点的研究项目是把在现有的空间框架结构的内力识别的方法的发展。此外，还将编制一个程序，以支持选择结构加固的最佳概念以及相应的指导方针。拟议研究项目的主题涵盖DFG优先计划“文化遗产-结构”的所有三个专题部分，并将通过跨学科合作进行详细阐述。结构历史的研究将基于经典文献和档案研究以及建筑调查，而主要与工程相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由提案人的初步工作。

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.