User:Adjacency structural matrix

adjacency structural matrix noun An adjacency structural matrix is a collection of structural individual members, assemblies or components (hereby referred to as "members") that rely on one or more adjacent members in order to complete its structural integrity. For example, if a vertical member has a moment of inertia (I) created by a vertical beam height of 3 meters (10 feet), and the top and bottom parts of the member require an I in the lateral direction that needs a thickness of 5 meters (16.4 feet), a 15 cm (6") beam thickness would be insufficient. An example of the need for a wall that thick would be a wall that received a heavy wind load. The buckling created by the lateral force would require extreme thickness of the wall in order to resist the force.

However, a 5m (16.4') member laid horizontally across the top and bottom of the original 3m (10') member, creating a "C" shape, would grant the required strength to the vertical 3m member.

It is important to note that in an adjacency structural matrix (ASM), each corresponding member has a requirement for it's own structural property in addition to that of granting strength to its adjacent member. For example, a steel channel beam has a "C" configuration, but the horizontal projections of the channel only give additional I to the channel, and have no function other than to give strength to the channel. In an ASM, the 5m (16.4') beam can also act, as an example, as the roof and the floor of an enclosed space. Conversely, the 3m (10') beams act as walls, but also give strength to the horizontal (5m, 16.4') members, acting as gravity supports to the roof and floor. Completing the enclosure could be an additional vertical (3m, 10') member; now becoming the floor, ceiling and walls of the enclosed space.

The difference between a structural "tube" or other element and the ASM is that, in an ASM, the members are structural elements in their own right, but rely on additional strength to resist other forces by the adjacent memers, allowing for the elimination of having to reinforce each element for all of the forces; resulting in cost savings. i.e. In the aforementioned example, the verticle (3m, 10') members acting as walls and gravity beams to support the floor and ceiling need not be strong enough to resist an intense wind load; the floor and ceiling members can do that work.