Has anyone worked with 'steel cloud' structural elements before?

structural engineeringsteel fabricationindustrial artlattice work

Registration:
04.02.2023
Messages: 1188

Batman_DK Topic author

20.01.2025 02:02

I'm looking into a massive industrial art installation that requires some very unique structural supports. The concept involves mimicking a 'steel cloud' effect, which means we need lightweight, yet incredibly strong, interconnected steel framework. I've seen some preliminary designs using lattice work and curved beams, but I'm worried about the sheer complexity of the connections. Does anyone have experience fabricating or analyzing load-bearing capacity for structures that are this open and intricate? I need advice on optimal welding techniques and material sourcing to keep the weight down while maintaining integrity.

14 Answers

04.01.2023
Posts: 67

SegaDream

17.02.2025 07:46

Have you looked into space frame analysis? It's the industry standard for this kind of open, intricate work. FEA software is non-negotiable.

29.12.2023
Posts: 871

TitanStrike

03.03.2025 08:18

Lattice work is great, but the connection points are where 90% of the failure happens. You need gusset plates designed for moment transfer, not just simple welds.

28.08.2022
Posts: 227

Nick_V

06.03.2025 07:41

For weight reduction, consider using high-strength aluminum alloys for the secondary members, reserving structural steel only for the main load paths. It drastically cuts the dead load.

26.04.2024
Posts: 1457

HackMan

11.03.2025 15:40

What specific span are we talking about? The required steel grade (A36 vs A992) changes dramatically based on the maximum unsupported length.

05.02.2024
Posts: 1407

LinkHero

22.06.2025 11:17

If you are doing custom welding, stick to robotic MIG welding for consistency. Manual welds on complex joints introduce too much variability in tensile strength.

13.03.2022
Posts: 1399

WarzonePro

26.06.2025 07:45

I once worked on a tensile canopy structure similar to this. The key wasn't the steel itself, but the pre-tensioning system. Using cable stays instead of purely welded connections saved us a fortune in material and complexity.

31.03.2022
Posts: 1239

Aunt_C in response

03.09.2025 15:06

reply to post 6: Cable stays are smart. Did you use specialized anchors at the base? That's usually the weakest point in a tensile system.

29.05.2023
Posts: 436

Father_C

27.09.2025 20:09

Material sourcing is key. Look into local fabricators who specialize in architectural steel, not just industrial beams. They understand fabrication tolerances for non-standard shapes.

25.10.2023
Posts: 595

Danse_B in response

02.10.2025 13:41

reply to post 2: Gusset plates are essential, absolutely. But also remember to analyze buckling failure in the slender members. They might fail under compression long before the connection welds fail.

01.02.2023
Posts: 953

SkyrimFan

26.10.2025 09:21

Have you considered modular components? Buying pre-fabricated nodes that connect standard lengths of tubing can simplify the build process immensely and ensure consistent load paths.

08.01.2023
Posts: 1489

QuakePro

03.11.2025 11:57

The complexity of the connections requires a dedicated structural engineer with experience in space frames. Don't try to eyeball the load calculations. It's too risky.

29.11.2021
Posts: 1401

Dogmeat_P in response

05.01.2026 09:33

reply to post 1: FEA is mandatory. Also, make sure your software accounts for dynamic loads, like wind shear, especially since this is an open, cloud-like structure.

24.12.2024
Posts: 1085

JungleHunter

25.01.2026 11:16

I recommend checking out the AISC Steel Construction Manual for guidelines on open truss work. It has some excellent examples of load distribution in intricate systems.

14.02.2025
Posts: 200

IceQueen

10.03.2026 07:54

If the art installation is meant to look weightless, you might need to incorporate tension elements that are visually subtle, like thin cables, rather than relying solely on bulky welded steel members.

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