FIGURE 3.14 STRUCTURAL ROOF MODEL

3.2.3 STRUCTURE

Its structural system includes a monolithic plinth with elegant steel branches that pass through a suspended ceiling to meet the structure above. There are 144 columns arranged in 18x8. It is a pin-supported column. Each column has four-pin-supported members which elaborated like a tree. The column is made up of two materials. RCC and steel. RCC material is used from ground level to 6 meters and Steel member is used from 6 meters to roof structure. The distance between the two columns is 16 meters. All columns are in different heights and different positions to achieve a cured roof structure.

Columns and beams are connected by pin and hinge connection. Bracings and beams are connected by a bolting system. Roof and braces are connected by a ribbed bolt system. The roof trusses were designed to be straight elements with changes in the angle at the ends to follow the shape of the roof. The change in angle was effected using specially developed connectors called quad nodes. These nodes helped in ensuring that the connections were standardized and modular. The first layer is made up of a polycarbonate sheet. It is used to protect from weather conditions. The second layer is made up of the ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) sheet. It is used as a solar panel.

Figure 3.14 Structural roof model