SPACE FRAME

INTRODUCTION- Space frame is literally a three-dimensional structure. However, in

a more restricted sense, space frame means some type of special structural action in
three dimensions. A s p a c e f r a m e i s a s t r u c t u r e s y s t e m a s s e m b l e d o f l i n e a r
e l e m e n t s s o a r r a n g e d t h a t f o r c e s a r e transferred in a three-dimensional
manner. In some cases, the constituent element may be two -dimensional.

A space frame is a structure system assembled of linear elements so

a r r a n g e d t h a t f o r c e s a r e transferred in a three-dimensional manner. In some
cases, the constituent element may be two -dimensional

The space frame can be formed on either a flat or a curved surface. The earliest form
of space frame structure is single -layer grid. By adding intermediate grids and
including rigid connection to the joist and girder framing system, the single-
layer grid is formed. The major characteristic of grid construction is the omnidirectional
spread of the load as opposed to the linear
ransfer of the load in an ordinary framing system. Since such load transfer is mainly
by bending, for larger spans the bending stiffness is increased most efficiently by
changing to a double-layer system.

HISTORY- SPACE FRAMES WERE INDEPENDENTLY DEVELOPED BY ALEXANDER GRAHAM

BELL AROUND 1900 AND BUCKMINSTER FULLER IN THE 1950S BUCKMINSTER FULLER'S
FOCUSWAS ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES; HIS WORK HAD GREATER INFLUENCE.
IT WAS DEVELOPED IN CALIFORNIA DURING THE 1960S AND INTRODUCED TO THE SOUTH
AFRICAN MARKET IN 1982, SPECIFICALLY DEVELOPED FOR UNSTABLE SOIL CONDITIONS, THE
PANELS FORM A MONOLITHIC STRUCTURE OFFERING SUPERIOR WALL STRENGTH IN WHICH NO
CRACKING WILL OCCUR.

DESIGNING METHOD

SPACE FRAMES ARE TYPICALLY DESIGNED USING A RIGIDITY MATRIX. THE SPECIAL
CHARACTERISTIC OF THE STIFFNESS MATRIX IN AN ARCHITECTURAL SPACE FRAME IS THE
INDEPENDENCE OF THE ANGULAR FACTORS.
IF THE JOINTS ARE SUFFICIENTLY RIGID, THE ANGULAR DEFLECTIONS CAN BE NEGLECTED,
SIMPLIFYING THE CALCULATIONS.
 MEMBERS ARE FIXED USING CONNECTORS
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CONNECTORS ARE:
 NODUS CONNECTOR
 TRIODETIC CONNECTOR
 TUBALL NODE CONNECTOR
 HEMISPHERICAL DOME CONNECTOR
 LOAD DISTRIBUTION
 THE SIMPLEST FORM OF SPACE FRAME IS A HORIZONTAL SLAB OF
INTERLOCKING SQUARE PYRAMIDS AND TETRAHEDRA BUILT
FROM ALUMINIUM OR TUBULAR STEEL STRUTS.
 SUPPORTS. LIKE THE TRUSS, A SPACE FRAME IS STRONG BECAUSE OF THE
INHERENT RIGIDITY OF THE TRIANGLE; FLEXING LOADS (BENDING MOMENTS)
ARE TRANSMITTED AS TENSION AND COMPRESSION LOADS ALONG THE LENGTH
OF EACH STRUT.

LIMITATIONS
 A space frame or space structure is a truss-like,lightweight rigid structure
constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern.
Space frame truss can be used for a platform or overhead structure that spans
large distances without need for internal load bearing support.
 Space frames are advantageous compared to other common structures by their;
light weight, mass production, stiffness, and versatility.
 Space frames are classified into three types according to the number of grid
layers as follows; single, double, or triple layer.
Space frame connections can be made by; welding, bolting, or threading.
 Space frame construction utilize three main methods of erection; 1- scaffold
method, 2. block assembly Method, lift-up method.

ADVANTAGES OF SPACE FRAMES

 Light.
 Elegant & Economical.
 Carry load by three dimensional action.
 High Inherent Stiffness.
 Easy to construct.
 Save Construction Time & Cost.
 Services (such as lighting and air conditioning) can be integrated with space frames.
 Offer the architect unrestricted freedom in locating supports and planning the
subdivision of the covered space.
 Durable materials & protective finishes.
 Construction is simple, safe and fast.
 No Site Painting or Welding.

DISADVANTAGES –

 One major disadvantage is that they can be difficult to engineer.

 It's not straightforward to determine how forces will distribute throughout a structure
that has a lot of redundant pieces.