Papers

@article{munoz-vidal_deployable_2026,

title = {Deployable domes of equal scissor-like elements with reciprocal linkages},

author = {Manuel Muñoz-Vidal and Manuel J. Freire-Tellado and Juan Pérez-Valcárcel and Isaac López-César and Santiago Muñiz and Félix Suárez-Riestra},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s44150-026-00190-6},

doi = {10.1007/s44150-026-00190-6},

issn = {2730-9894},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-03-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Architecture, Structures and Construction},

volume = {6},

number = {1},

pages = {8},

abstract = {The text presents a new type of stress-free deployable structures (meaning that they do not present geometric incompatibilities during the folding-unfolding process), the sailor vault of equal scissor-like elements, SLE. The geometric generation process is explained, establishing the concepts of eccentricity and opening angle of the SLE based on the final deployed situation. The deployment process is then studied employing a dynamic calculation program. Having overcome these issues, the construction of a physical model for testing is addressed, using reciprocal joints to improve the structural behaviour. An account is given of the modifications introduced during the construction process to achieve a model with good mechanical behaviour. Finally, a test campaign is carried out on this model, consisting of load tests of the model on four and eight supports subjected to vertical ascending and descending loads. The results of these tests are contrasted with those acquired with a computer model. The values obtained are analysed, drawing interesting conclusions with a view to their practical application. Although equal-bar deployable domes are very simple from a construction point of view, they must comply with strict design mechanisms. In order to be structurally effective, they must have sufficient camber, which in the models tested has been achieved using SLEs with an eccentricity of 5.15% and an opening angle of 30°, as well as the subsequent addition of a series of complementary bars that depend on the support system. The use of reciprocal joints radically improves the behaviour of the structure, but construction tolerances have only allowed to place them on the outer face.},

keywords = {Deployable structures, emergency buildings, lightweight structures, reciprocal linkages, Scissor-hinged mechanism},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lopez-cesar_deployable_2024,

title = {Deployable cylindrical vaults using dual-folding multiple crossed arches for emergency buildings},

author = {Isaac López-César and Manuel Muñoz-Vidal and Juan Pérez-Valcárcel and Manuel Freire-Tellado and Félix Suárez-Riestra},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352012424020241},

doi = {10.1016/j.istruc.2024.107871},

issn = {2352-0124},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-12-01},

urldate = {2026-07-28},

journal = {Structures},

volume = {70},

pages = {107871},

abstract = {This article describes a new deployable structural system referred to as a dual-folding multiple cross-arch cylindrical vault. The development of the system is described, based on the methodology detailed by the authors in a previous article, resulting in novel and interesting designs. The structural details designed to allow the folding and deployment movements are also described. Several models of the above elements built on a reduced scale are presented. Finally, a complete ¼-scale aluminium model of the structure was built to verify the kinematic conditions of folding and deployment. Deformational tests have been carried out with this model under gravitational load, which are also presented in this article, validating the viability of the system.},

keywords = {Deployable structures, emergency buildings, expandable structures, lightweight structures, Temporary buildings},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{perez-valcarcel_analysis_2024,

title = {Analysis of Deployable Cylindrical Space Bar Structures of Reciprocal Linkages with Frustoconical Ends},

author = {Juan Pérez-Valcárcel and Manuel Muñoz-Vidal and Isaac R. López-César and Manuel J. Freire-Tellado and Félix Suárez-Riestra},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2411-9660/8/3/46},

doi = {10.3390/designs8030046},

issn = {2411-9660},

year  = {2024},

date = {2024-06-01},

urldate = {2026-04-21},

journal = {Designs},

volume = {8},

number = {3},

pages = {46},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {In this article, deployable cylindrical vaults of reciprocal linkages with frustoconical ends are analysed. Deployable cylindrical vaults with quadrangular scissors modules have low stiffness in the longitudinal direction, which requires the use of stiffening bars after deployment. The truncated cone-shaped ends improve their stiffness but do not prevent bracing. However, if reciprocal knots are used, the mesh performance improves considerably. This article studies the design conditions of these vaults and their resistance to gravity, wind suction and wind loads in the transverse and longitudinal directions. We also study the different resistance behaviour of the mesh, depending on whether the roof is supported on the upper or lower joints. In all cases, model tests are carried out to check the validity of the proposed solutions. Both theoretical calculations and experimental tests demonstrate the viability and effectiveness of this type of structure.},

keywords = {deployable cylindrical structures, emergency buildings, expandable structures, lightweight structures, reciprocal linkages},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{perez-valcarcel_deployable_2023,

title = {Deployable tubular bar structures with laterally confined flattened ends},

author = {J. Pérez-Valcárcel and Isaac R. López-César and M. Muñoz-Vidal and M. J. Freire-Tellado and Félix Suárez-Riestra},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352012423008020},

doi = {10.1016/j.istruc.2023.06.045},

issn = {2352-0124},

year  = {2023},

date = {2023-09-01},

urldate = {2026-08-13},

journal = {Structures},

volume = {55},

pages = {112–122},

abstract = {The article proposes a simple and efficient system for connecting the bars and the linkages in deployable structures. These structures must allow precise movements for unfolding and folding, which requires specific linkages that have been the subject of numerous studies. In contrast, the linkage-bar connection has hardly been studied. This article analyses this connection using a system based on crushing the ends of the bars, but introducing a modification that considerably improves its efficiency. It consists of flattening the end of the tube in a press with lateral confinement, which concentrates the entire section of the tube, but which limits the transversal expansion. The response of flattened tubes without accessory elements is studied, as well as other variants of the system by inserting at the ends of the bar either intermediate plates or a section of tube. The different types of bars with flattened ends have been tested to failure and the resistance capacities of the proposed solutions have been analysed. The results obtained demonstrate the structural efficiency of the proposed system, with a clear improvement over unflattened tubes.},

keywords = {Deployable structures linkages, Deployable tubular bar structures, Emergency structures, lightweight structures},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{perez-valcarcel_deployable_2021b,

title = {Deployable bundle modulus structures with reciprocal linkages for emergency buildings},

author = {Juan Pérez-Valcárcel and Manuel Muñoz-Vidal and Félix Suárez-Riestra and Isaac R. López-César and Manuel J. Freire-Tellado},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141029621009536},

doi = {10.1016/j.engstruct.2021.112803},

issn = {0141-0296},

year  = {2021},

date = {2021-10-01},

urldate = {2021-10-01},

journal = {Engineering Structures},

volume = {244},

pages = {112803},

abstract = {Deployable structures are an ideal solution for emergency buildings because of their lightness and compactness, allowing them to be transported to wherever they are needed. Generally the most frequent solutions use Scissor-like-Elements (SLE), but in this case the use of bundle modules is proposed. These systems were developed by Pérez Piñero, but have hardly been used since then. The article analyses the problems they present, as well as their advantages in reducing the number of bars and linkages required, which allows for the design of simpler and more economical structures. The geometrical and mechanical conditions of the linkages for triangular and square modules are analysed, as well as the typologies that may arise. A calculation method is also developed to analyse this type of structure. Finally, the performance of a flat grid is analysed in an analytical and experimental way using reciprocal links at its ends. Both theoretical calculations and experimental tests allow us to demonstrate the viability and efficiency of this new type of structure.},

keywords = {Bundle modulus, Deployable structures, emergency buildings, lightweight structures, reciprocal linkages, Temporary buildings},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{perez-valcarcel_new_2020,

title = {A new reciprocal linkage for expandable emergency structures},

author = {Juan Bautista Pérez-Valcárcel and Félix Suárez-Riestra and Manuel Muñoz-Vidal and Isaac R. López-César and Manuel J. Freire-Tellado},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235201242030566X},

doi = {10.1016/j.istruc.2020.10.008},

issn = {2352-0124},

year  = {2020},

date = {2020-12-01},

urldate = {2020-12-01},

journal = {Structures},

volume = {28},

pages = {2023–2033},

abstract = {Expandable structures have certain qualities in terms of lightness and transportability which make them very useful as emergency buildings, a research line that is being developed by the authors. However, these structures have some disadvantages due to their reduced rigidity and great deformability, issues that could limit their use. This paper analyzes a reciprocal linkage that considerably improves one of the main problems of expandable structures, which is their lack of rigidity. The extremely strict geometrical conditions for this proposed linkage and the mechanical behaviour are examined. Two series of tests were carried out, with specimens formed by four bars supported reciprocally around the proposed linkage. In the first case, the bars had their ends simply resting on the base and in the second one displacement was restricted at their ends. Theoretical analysis and the experimental tests results are also included. The tests make it possible to define the failure patterns of the different elements of the linkages, bars or bolts. The theoretical models and the experimental results show that the proposed reciprocal linkages are highly effective. Tests of plane scissor meshes were also carried out using reciprocal linkages, showing a very significant reduction in their displacements.},

keywords = {emergency buildings, expandable structures, lightweight structures, reciprocal linkages, Temporary buildings},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}