Space erectable structures

Figure 8-24 shows some designs of space erectable structures. In each case the gas pressure moves the materials that form the skins and ribs into final position. If the structural material is an unreacted resin plus reinforcement, the structure can be rigidized permanently by curing the resin in place as illustrated in Fig. 8-25. This is done by several methods such as the use of actinic light from the sun with...

Fig. 8-24. Designs for space erectable structure. (From Structural Designs with Plastics, B. S. Benjamin, New York, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1969.)...

Installed safety nets pose an additional hazard at the perimeter of the erected structure where limited space is available in which members can be turned after being... 

From this definition we see that each ensuing spatial dimension is structured in a direction perpendicular to the one preceding it. (The word perpendicular refers to a line or plane at right angles to another line or plane.) This unfolding sequence is a consistent principle, an equation for the erection of higher dimensional structures. Hence, a one-dimensional line is perpendicular to a zero-dimensional point a two-dimensional plane is perpendicular to a one-dimensional line, and a three-dimensional cube is perpendicular to a two-dimensional plane. If the principle is constant, it should point the way to four-dimensional space. The logical question is which "direction" is perpendicular to a cube ... 

A permits committee was formed and met regularly to draft critical safety permits. New hot work, confined space, general permit to work, and excavation permits were written, approved, and introduced. A special squad of employees was formed into an at-height rescue team able to rescue someone suspended from a safety harness at height, and they were trained and equipped. A special three-story scaffold was erected as a permanent training structure for the team. This team was formed as a result of anployees concerns when working at heights. 

As with all structures, a sound foundation is essential. Scaffolds must not be erected on an unprepared foundation. If soil is the base it should be well rammed and levelled and timber soleplates at least 225 mm (9 in) wide and 40 mm (1 V2 in) thick laid on it so that there is no air space between timber and ground. 

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