Mero System

In the Mero System, the main components (nodes and tubes) are made in different sizes, which are selected based on the applied loads. The Mero tubes have conical end fittings, which are welded to the ends of the members. The members are connected to the spherical nodes using a bolt placed at the center of the sleeve. The nodes are made of solid forged steel spheres, with holes threaded in them. The bolts and nodes are galvanized. The bolts are inserted from the holes in the tubes placed near the ends. There are three types of Mero nodes: standard nodes, regular nodes and special nodes. The standard node has 18 surfaces at connecting angles of 45, 60, 90 degrees and their multiples. The regular node has 10 surfaces. The special nodes have holes at any required angle. The minimum angle between two adjacent holes is 35 degrees. 

Seven different diameters of nodes have been manufactured: 2 in. [the distance between two parallel faces is 1.8 in. for 18 faces], 3.3 in., 4.3 in., 5.1 in., 5.9 in., 7.5 in., and 9.4 in. The balls have flat surfaces around the threaded holes in order to provide a better connection seat for the sleeve on the joint.

The tube members have a force capacity range of 4.5-450 kips. The member lengths have ratios of 1.414 or 1.732, and are available in 8 different lengths [1.6 ft, 2.3 ft, 3.3 ft, 4.1 ft, 4.6 ft, 6.6 ft, 8.2 ft and 9.3 ft], measured from center to center of ball joints. The standard tube diameter is about 4 inches, using high strength threaded steel bolts for connections.

The simple connection design of Mero System facilitates the erection and dismantling of the structure. The Mero System can be erected using the Cantilever Method, Lift-Slab Method or combination of the two. Mero’s modular size significantly simplifies handling, transportation and shipping of the system. The members are protected from corrosion by hot-dip galvanizing of inside and outside in addition to powder sintering (this can provide different colors for the components).

Mero components (nodes and members) can be prefabricated from plastics, which can be used for structures with moderate spans. A combination of steel and plastic members can also be used.

The Mero System has been used in more than fifty countries, to create flat structures, domes, barrel vaults, folded plates, pyramids, masts, towers and hyperbolic-paraboloid structures. These structures have been used primarily as the roof system for various occupancies such as sports halls, supermarkets, shopping centers, pavilions, schools, computer centers, flight control centers, television stations, churches, control rooms, stands, special scaffoldings, aircraft maintenance docks, assembly platforms, advertising structures, etc.

Different companies have developed variations of the Mero system. The Japanese adaptation is called TM Truss System.