Adaptive arch : active stress minimization in a thin arch structure

The concept of adaptive structures is based on the approach that the behaviour of a structure is not established only once during the initial design phase, but the structural response is controlled continuously via the integration of active components. The activation of these components can be used to manipulate the internal stresses, displacements as well as control vibrations. This approach allows the structure to react to variable loads with the goal of optimizing the load-carrying behaviour in real-time. The design of structural elements can thus be carried out for reduced demands, ideally resulting in substantial material savings in comparison with passive structures.

The goal of this research is to develop insights and knowledge about the practical implementation of a control system for adaptive structures. Numerical and laboratory tests are done to minimize the maximum stress in an arch of Plexiglas when externally loaded with varying static loads by active rotation of the supports.