Idea for Spatial Structures Inspired by Nature

Spatial structure is classified as form-resistant structure. Such structural characteristic ismainly due to its structural shape with curvature as well as its topology. By combining theabove two characteristics, a spatial structure can be made to be very efficient in terms of itsload carrying capacity. The structural shape and topology can come in many variations.This paper presents a review on past studies regarding effort to mimick the idea of shape andtopology from nature for application to spatial structures.The following aspects of inspiration from nature were reviewed: tree-like structure,deployable structure, member arrangement pattern in reticulated spatial structure, bioinspiredconstruction, idea of stiffening based on natural growth process, structural memberwith perforation, curved surface with folds and bio-tensegrity. The historical developmentof bio-mimicry of bio-mimetic in engineering was first outlined. This is then followed bydescription of each aspect of the inspiration pointed out above. For each aspect, the sourceof inspiration and example of application are presented.Major development in the past regarding bio-mimicry in the field of spatial structure waspresented. From the review, it is noticed that bio-mimicry has yielded encouraging resultsregarding novel idea for structural shape and topology of spatial structure. Multidisciplinarycollaboration between biologists and engineers are necessary in the continuingeffort to find more sustainable solution to more efficient spatial structure.

کلیدواژه ها:

Bio-mimicry ، nature inspired solution ، lightweight structure