Space frame Structures

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A space frame or space
structure is a truss-like,
lightweight rigid
structure.
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 History

Swatara State Park in

Pennsylvani

Vierendeel bridge at Grammene, Belgium

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 Miramar Hotel, Barcelona, Spain

Miramar Metroplex ,San Diego, CA Eden Project in Cornwall, England

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(c) Buddhika Lanka Ranaweera
APPLICATIONS

Aircraft hangers
Factories
Cinema halls
Exhibition halls
Airports
Canopies

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 Theory
Force

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Tension n

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 Tetrahedron
A tetrahedron shape is the simplest space truss,
consisting of six members which meet at four joints.

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 Nodes

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Members/Struts

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Typical Connections

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Cont……

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 Some basic patterns

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Pattern creation by element removal

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 TYPES OF SPACE-FRAMES

1. SKELETON FRAMEWORKS

Number of bars interconnected at the nodes

2. STRESSED SKIN SYSTEMS

Using a composition of thin sheet material and ribs is a total structural

system called STRESSED SKIN. It is the structural system used in aircraft,

the space shuttle, unit body automobiles

3. SUSPENDED STRUCTURES

Form of long-span structure that is subject to tension and uses suspension

cables for support.(c) Buddhika Lanka Ranaweera

 Advantages of Space-Frames

 Large spans can be achieved

 Concentrated loads are evenly distributed on the entire structure

 Pleasing decorative appearance

 Fast installation at site due to pre-fabricated components

 Very good acoustical properties

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 Cost
McCormick Place

McCormick Place is the largest

convention center in the United States.

Exhibit hall floor 2,670,000 sq ft
(248,000 m2)

Construction cost $ 35 million

$ 13.1 for 1 sq ft

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 The Ericsson Globe

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 Disaster

Leightons Stadium
Malaysia

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Thank you

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