In the mid of 18th, invention of elevator was introduced to construction field accompanied with following structural game; to build larger and taller building. However, the construction clings simple method of column and beam, It is to manage the weight to fall on either the middle or end of the beam.
The Centre Georges Pompidou was designed and constructed drawing weight to fall at both ends of the beam. In order to achieve highest efficiency of the space, designer demands perfectly clear space without any column along 166 x 60 sq. m area.
The design was achieved by innovative practice of steel structure with its specifc members; geberettes. The gerberette was a steel member with 8 meters length attached to the both ends of the beam, which in this structure integration between Warren truss and Space truss. The column is threaded through the middle of the gerberette and interlocked with flexible joint.
This method incorporates the benefit of pre-tensioned technique of reinforced concrete structure with steel structure. Trusses and gerberettes collectively perform toward the weight by creating negative moment to counterbalance the weight soothing excessive weight upon the columns, preventing them to buckle.
Trusses and joints are designed on specific angles mostly 60 degrees, those they would equilibrate the vector of force precisely.
Furthermore, to have all members perform together without deflection for it would spoil the whoel structure and lead to construction failure, joints connected on the force bearing members are made to be flexible. Therefore, the moment of each member terminates individually.
Mostly, the fixed joints are designed to be stabilizer rather than to perform coorperately with the main system.
There are also parts that perform seperately.
