Architect Adnan AKSU: "We Have to Progress on Suspended Tension Systems if We Want to Get Rid of Bulky Steel Structures ..."
Industry would develop if that area progresses. In my opinion, it is beneficial for steel manufacturers to look into this subject; otherwise we cannot get rid of these bulky steel structures. Because this is the reason, it has to bear more loads.
"Steel industry developed significantly in recent years in Turkey. Previously, this industry progressed mostly with personal efforts but now, certain institutional efforts exist. Considering efforts of your Association, development is observed with the same and new researches started to take place for the first time. Previously, the results of researches and technologies from abroad were brought in and used as-is in Turkey whereas these take place in Turkey now. Technocities of universities in Turkey also have significant effect on this progress. Certain enterprises opened up offices in such locations and technological researches take place in technocities in my knowledge. I am aware that several studies are being performed both on strength and engineering of steel and this is also promising in this regard. Manufacturing developed very significantly and substantial investments were made to this area of work. Assembly is really fast such that a stadium roof can be completed in two months. Everything is prepared in factory now and not even on-site welding is performed nowadays. Industry has come to a good position such that they can compete with rivals in the globe.
On the other hand, we have started to see new technologies with steel and concrete together. However, suspended tension systems are not very common in Turkey. This system lightens the steel significantly. As compression is sustained by this bar and tension by that bar, you are suddenly left only with the load on the main support in the middle. Previously, as you may know, we produced three-dimensional beams and other similar elements where these can carry approximately 10 times of the load on the member; however, these were bulky because we considered lateral, compression, tension and torsion loads etc. But now, you support all these with suspended tension systems and steel element becomes very light. However, there is no research and application on this subject in Turkey. We desired to apply this system in many halls and intended to carry most of the load with tension systems instead of steel trusses but we were told that this would result in cost increase. However, industry would develop if that area progresses. In my opinion, it is beneficial for steel manufacturers to look into this subject; otherwise we cannot get rid of these bulky steel structures. Because this is the reason, it has to bear more loads.