Section 37 of 83
36. End Cartridge
Stable section ID: S05-CON-005-SECTION-37 · 27 content blocks
An End Cartridge is a specialized Structural Cartridge attached to the end of a structural member to convert the member’s material-specific geometry and behavior into a standardized System05 Node interface.
The End Cartridge is the transition between:
- a locally available structural member; and
- the universal external geometry required by the Node.
For a timber member, the internal side may use bearing plates, inserted steel plates, screws, bolts, dowels, bonded reinforcement, confinement, composite wrapping, or another verified mechanism.
For a steel member, it may use welding, bolting, mechanical locking, formed profiles, or replaceable plates.
For concrete or composite members, it may use embedded plates, anchors, reinforcement cages, post-installed systems, bonded assemblies, or other validated methods.
The End Cartridge shall contain three conceptual layers:
Member Integration Layer Transfers forces between the structural member and the Cartridge. This layer is material- and profile-specific.
Transition and Protection Layer Distributes forces, controls local stress, provides confinement or reinforcement, manages moisture and fire exposure, and separates incompatible materials.
Universal External Interface Layer Presents the standardized geometry, datums, load-transfer surfaces, alignment features, lock locations, identity, and robotic handling features required by the Node.
The universal layer shall remain geometrically consistent within its compatibility class. The member-integration layer may vary across materials and regions.
The End Cartridge shall define:
required member geometry and material properties;
insertion, overlap, or attachment length;
preparation of the member end;
fastener and reinforcement locations;
excluded defect zones;
moisture or corrosion limits during installation;
manufacturing process;
factory and field inspections;
allowable repair;
orientation;
installation datum;
traceability between member and Cartridge.
A nominally identical End Cartridge shall not be assumed compatible with every member of similar external size. Material grade, density, grain direction, wall thickness, reinforcement, manufacturing tolerances, and local failure mechanisms shall be considered.
The final geometry of the three-layer End Cartridge, attachment systems, standard interface face, and member families remains TBD. These shall be resolved through the first physical Node and End Cartridge reference design.