Uniqueness of Triangle shape is not just in 2D planes.It is a
shape which provides immense strength,stability and also helps in reducing cost
in 3D structures while building big structures.Triangle structures helps
builders to reduce cost and provide strength to the whole structure.Let us look
at the 2 factors,cost and strength.
1.
Cost – Use less material while still ensuring that the structure is strong and
stable. since the triangle obviously has only 3 sides, it
requires little material to make a support, thus minimizing the costs.
2.
Strength/Stability – Triangle structure not only support its own weight, but
also withstand as much external force as it can. Because the triangle does not easily
deform and is able to balance the stretching and compressive forces inside the
structure.
Overall,
a triangle is the simplest geometric figure that will not change shape when the
lengths of the sides are fixed. In comparison,both the angles and the lengths
of a four-sided figure must be fixed for it to retain its shape.
There are good examples in
which the triangular structure or the 3 way structure is used to build big
buildings because of these 2 factors.One of such example
is Burj Khalifa in Dubai.In addition to its aesthetic
and
functional advantages,the spiraling “Y” shaped plan
was utilized to shape the structural core
of Burj Khalifa. This design helps to reduce the
wind forces on the tower, as well as
to keep the structure simple and
foster constructability.To support the unprecedented
height of the building, the engineers developed
a new structural system called the
buttressed core, which consists of a
hexagonal core reinforced by three buttresses
that form the ‘Y' shape. This
structural system enables the building to
support itself laterally and keeps it from
twisting. The Y-shaped floor plan maximizes views
of the Arabian Gulf.
Another example which shows high stability
of triangle is the swing. The structure
on which the swing is built is
usually triangle in shape.Because it provides stability
and can uphold the shake and movement of the
swing.
Burj Khalifa floor plan
