Ziptruss

Forces acting in structures are abstract, they cannot be observed. The Ziptruss makes these forces visible in a spectacular way: The structural members themselves light up to show in real time the compression and tension forces. The rail with the seat allow the visitor to apply a force (their own weight) to the structure and move that force along the length of the beam. This results in a dynamic pattern of forces in the truss with a big visual impact. The Ziptruss has been developed for use at Delft University of Technology during lectures on statics and mechanics.

The following firms have sponsored the project:

TU Delft: Concept, research, testing

G&SS: Design, engineering

Proliad: Aluminium components

Octatube: Steel frame and node connectors

Schott: Glass components

Glasstec: Funds

De Cirkel: LED Lighting advice

The following people have contributed to the project:

Ate Snijder – TU Delft + G&SSbv
Design Engineering

Rob Nijsse – TU Delft + G&SS bv
Design Engineering

Koen Bakker – TU Delft student
Electronics and control system

Nicoleta Sidiropoulou TU Delft student
Electronics and control system

Sander van Rosmalen – Architect
construction

John Hermssen – TU Delft
construction, consulting

Nikol Dimitriou – TU Delft student
construction

Mark van Erk - Octatube
Design, Draughting

Robert Capel - Octatube
Planning, consulting

Wouter Verhoeven - Proliad
production, consulting

Anjo Kuiper – De Cirkel
consulting

Peter de Vries – TU Delft
consulting

Peter Eigenraam – TU Delft + Eigenraam Engineering
construction, testing

Mauro Overend – TU Delft
consulting

Klaas Roelfsema – Schott
consulting

Rik Kwakman – TU Delft student
construction

Jornt Bieze  – TU Delft student
construction

Tjeu Peeters  – TU Delft student
construction

Joep Knuppe  – TU Delft student
construction

Coen van der Werf  – TU Delft student
construction

Helene Bouwmeester  – TU Delft student
construction

Hilde van de Pol  – TU Delft student
construction