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Renault Distribution Centre (1982)

High-tech architecture is a style in which the structural elements discipline the plan and general arrangement of the building, with visible and exposed structural elements. One of the best examples of the high-tech architecture style is Renault Distribution Centre in the United Kingdom. The building contains offices, showrooms and warehousing. The plan should be as flexible as allowing changes in usage. A modular design was used in the project. Each module is sized 24m by 24m with 8m height. There are 42 modules in the project in total (Fig 1) [1]. 


Fig 1. A module of the building (24m x 24m) [1]


The primary structural system consists of masts and trussed beams with tension rods and struts (Fig 2). Each mast has a system of four prestressed rods that stays connected to the beams [2]. That system increases the overall strength of the mast and provides a moment-resisting connection between the mast and the trussed beam. 



Fig 2. The primary structural system and the forces 

The PVC membrane roof is supported by secondary elements (Fig 3, Fig 4). Partitional walls are removable, and they are not a part of the main structural system. 


Fig 3. Roof structure

Fig 4. Secondary structural elements of the roof [3]


In the trussed beam, an inverted catenary curve was used. The shape is similar to the inversion of the bending moment diagram of a beam (Fig 4). By tweaking it, it became a form-active system. Thanks to that, a relatively long span of 24m was achieved. 


Fig 4. Bending moment diagram of a double overhang beam


References

[1] http://architecture-history.org

[2] Thornton, J.A. "The design and construction of cable-stayed roofs." The Structural Engineer, vol. 62 (9), 1984. 

[3] http://www.fosterandpartners.com


Prepared by Utkunur Derun. Edited by Omer Karadag. 

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