Diagrid

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Base of the Swiss Re building at 30 St Mary Axe
Base of the Swiss Re building at 30 St Mary Axe

Diagrid (a portmanteau of diagonal grid) is a design for constructing large buildings with steel that creates triangular structures with diagonal support beams. It requires less structural steel than a conventional steel frame. Hearst Tower reportedly uses 21 percent less steel than a standard design. The Diagrid also obviates the need for large corner columns and provides a better distribution of load in the case of a compromised building. Another building designed by Sir Norman Foster, 30 St Mary Axe, known as "the Gherkin", also makes use of this structural system.

[edit] Buildings utilizing diagrid

[edit] External links