Adaptive Tragwerke - Aktuelle Forschungen im Ultraleichtbau

Adaptive structures - Current research in the field of ultra lightweight structures.

In light of the importance of sustainability in the built environment, the optimization and weight minimization of structural systems is an important field of research. In this context, the concept of adaptive structures offers a new approach. The ability to react to variable loading conditions offers the potential to significantly increase the efficiency of load carrying systems. This paper presents current research in the field of adaptive structures. The basic concepts of adaptive systems are described, followed by a brief review of the general development of adaptive structures in civil engineering. Results of current investigations into adaptive shell structures are then presented. These investigations successfully demonstrate the potential of adaptive structures, both with respect to minimization of stresses in the structural components as well as to active damping of vibrations. The paper concludes with an overview of future research areas.