Reciprocal frame structures: a systematic literature review and identification of critical points for design and production

Abstract Reciprocal Frame Structures (RFs) date from the Neolithic period, where they were originally produced in wood and comprised of small sized elements. It is also a structural system that can adapt to freeform and complex geometries, with great aesthetic potential, as indicated by several contemporary research studies. However, these structures could make better use of the digital technologies available for design, analysis, manufacturing and assembly. This paper aims to identify the current gaps where research efforts focus on in order to make RF technology more viable. A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed in seven different databases. A total of 180 articles were found, of which 49 were selected for analysis. 27 of those papers identified existing gaps, which were then compiled into five categories: (a) difficulties in geometric / structural design; (b) need for enhancement of digital tools; (c) difficulty in connections design, analysis, manufacturing and assembly; (d) difficulty in understanding the real contribution of prototypes to large scale applications; and (e) need to incorporate the assembly process in the design of RF. The study concluded that the development of new structural analysis devices combined with the creation of new constructive details may contribute to expanding the use of RFs.