Interface & Cartridge Architecture

A Structural Interface transfers forces between structural members, Nodes, foundations, bracing systems, floor assemblies, roof assemblies, façade supports, or other load-resisting components.

Each Structural Interface shall declare the actions it is designed to transfer:

axial tension;

axial compression;

shear in each relevant axis;

bending moment about each relevant axis;

torsion;

uplift;

bearing;

cyclic or reversing loads;

impact or accidental loads;

temporary erection loads;

combined loading.

The interface definition shall include nominal resistance, design resistance, stiffness, deformation limits, rotation capacity, ductility, fatigue performance where applicable, and the interaction relationships governing combined actions.

The load path shall be explicitly represented from one connected component to the other. Each transfer mechanism—bearing surface, bolt, pin, weld, key, plate, adhesive, friction surface, reinforcement, Cartridge body, or Node Core—shall have a declared structural function.

The Structural Interface shall distinguish between:

alignment elements;

temporary erection restraints;

primary load-transfer elements;

secondary stabilizing elements;

preload elements;

redundancy elements;

sacrificial energy-dissipation elements;

inspection and monitoring elements.

An alignment pin shall not be assumed to transfer structural load unless it is explicitly designed and verified for that function. Similarly, a retaining clip shall not be treated as a primary structural lock without appropriate evidence.

For replaceable structural components, the interface shall identify how loads are removed, bypassed, supported, or temporarily redistributed before disconnection. A loaded structural interface shall not be releasable through normal maintenance actions without an approved unloading or shoring sequence.

Structural Interfaces shall provide positive confirmation of complete seating and locking. Confirmation may use visible alignment marks, exposed pin position, mechanical indicators, torque or tension records, sensor confirmation, dimensional inspection, or a validated combination of methods.

Failure-mode classification shall identify whether the preferred response is ductile yielding, controlled slip, replaceable fuse action, fastener failure, bearing deformation, or another engineered mechanism. Brittle, hidden, or progressive failure shall be avoided unless no practical alternative exists and the associated risk is controlled.

The design shall account for:

manufacturing tolerances;

assembly tolerances;

differential settlement;

moisture-related dimensional change;

thermal expansion;

creep and shrinkage;

vibration;

repeated loading;

corrosion and material degradation;

fire exposure;

disassembly and reassembly effects.

Structural Interfaces shall not be assigned universal capacities without reference to a defined configuration, material class, load combination, code basis, environmental condition, and Engineering Profile.

Node geometry, member sizes, Cartridge dimensions, fastener types, capacities, and reference load cases remain TBD and require dedicated engineering design, calculation, prototyping, and physical testing.