Space Frames

VIVIAN LAWRENCE SEQUEIRA

Introduction
 A space frame is a three-dimensional truss composed of
short rigid linear elements triangulated in three dimensions
and subject only to axial tension or compression.

 Forms a very strong, thick, flexible structural fabric that can

be used horizontally or bent to a variety of shapes.

 Its simplest spatial unit is a tetrahedron having four joints and

six members.

 It employs the rigidity of triangles to withstand oncoming

loading.
Conventional Method Space Frame or
of Roofing – Plane or Space Truss
2D Truss
Loads can be
Forces in members transferred in 3
are comparatively dimensions – depth
higher. can be reduced.

Loads are All members

transferred from contribute to the
lighter to heavier resistance of loads
elements. as a whole.
Components
1. Members
 Axial elements with circular or rectangular sections.
 Only resist tension or compression.
 The space grid is built of relatively long tension members
and short compression members.
 Members are generally left exposed.

2. Joints
 Play an important role both structurally and aesthetically.
 Compose about 20 – 30 % of the weight of the structure.
Types of Space Frames

1. Two-Dimensional grids
1. Single Layer Grids (up to 10 m span)
2. Double Layer Grids (up to 100 m span)
3. Triple Layer Grids (over 100 m span)
2. Cylindrical vaults or Braced Barrel Vaults (Single Layer – 20 m span, Double Layer – 60 m
and above)
3. Domes
Planar Space Frame Freeform Space Frame

Barrel Vault Space Frame

 Single Layer Grid

Double Layer Grid

Basic Elements of a Double
Layered Grid

a) A planar latticed truss

b) A pyramid with a square
base
c) A pyramid with a
triangular base
(tetrahedron)
Cylindrical Vault Configurations
Types of Bracing

a) Orthogonal grid with single bracing of

Warren truss
b) Orthogonal grid with single bracing of
Pratt truss
c) Orthogonal grid with double bracing
d) Lamella
e) Three way
Types of Braced Domes

a) Ribbed domes
b) Schwedler domes
c) Three-way grid domes
d) Lamella domes
e) Curved Lamella domes
f) Geodesic domes
Arrangement of Columns
 Column Layouts

Triple Layer Grid at Free End of a Frame

supported on Three Sides
Types of Columns
Methods of Erection
 Scaffold Method

 Individual elements are assembled in place at

actual elevations; members and joints or
prefabricated subassembly elements are
assembled directly at their final position.

 Elements are fabricated at the shop and

transported to site – no heavy lifting equipment
is required.
Methods of Erection
 Block Assembly Method

 The Space frame is divided on its plan into individual strips or blocks, which are
fabricated on the ground level, then hoisted up into final position and assembled on
temporary supports.

 Assembly work at high elevation is reduced since most of it is done at ground level.

 Size of the units depends on the hoisting capacity available.

 Suitable for double layer grids, where the load-resisting behaviour is not
considerably affected by division into units.
Methods of Erection
 Lift-up Method

 The whole space frame is assembled at ground level and

hoisted.

 This improves efficiency and quality.

 Several cranes may be employed to lift short and medium

span frames.

 Long span frames are lifted by electric winches mounted

on temporary posts.
Block Assembly Method Lift-Up Method
Buckling of Space Frames

a) Member buckling
b) Local or dimple buckling at a joint
c) General or overall buckling of the whole structure
Advantages
1. Lightweight – Due to the fact that members only experience axial loads, all material in
an element is used to its fullest extent.
Space frames are generally made of steel or aluminium, which considerably decreases
the self weight of the structure, making it suitable for long spans.
2. Mass Production – Elements can be prefabricated and mass produced in a factory,
having standard dimensions. They can be easily transported and assembled on site by
semi-skilled labor, which saves cost and time.
3. Stiffness – Despite their lightness, space frames possess sufficient stiffness due to
their three-dimensional nature and full participation of individual elements.
They are capable of resisting highly concentrated or unsymmetrical loads, which allows
greater freedom in layout and positioning of columns.
4. Versatility – A variety of shapes and forms can be generated using a standard module.
They can be used for a wide range of spans.
Advantages
5. Service lines can run through the frames and be supported by the elements themselves.
6. Easier to protect from corrosion and fire than conventional structural steel members.
7. Clear spans of over 180 m can be achieved.
8. Due to static redundancy of the structure, even if some elements fail the structure will not
collapse.
9. Overall depth of a space frame is lesser than a conventional roofing system.
10. Good at resisting seismic loads and generally show satisfactory resistance to earthquakes.
Connectors
 Influenced by the connection technique – bolting or welding, and the shape of the members.
 Joints play an extremely important role since multiple members are connected to a joint and the
force transfer mechanism is complex.

 Types of joints -
1. Proprietary Joint – Standard joints suitable for industrialized system of construction.
2. Purpose-made Joint – Used for long span frames, when proprietary joints are insufficient.

Commonly Used
Proprietary Systems
Connecting joint with
cruciform gusset
plate (Purpose made
Joint)

Mero System

Space Deck System

Unistrut System Oktaplatte System Nodus System
 NS Space Truss

Unibat System
Applications
 Airports roofing structure
 Hangars
 Metro railway stations
 Sports stadiums
 Shopping malls
 Pedestrian bridges
 Warehouses/showrooms
 Toll gates
 Swimming pools
 Petrol/ gas stations
 Coal storage
References

 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Space-Frame-Structures-
Lan/c81de2134b42f4cee2c66a3c2e5961607b0222ac
 http://fgg-web.fgg.uni-lj.si/~/pmoze/ESDEP/master/wg14/l0500.htm
 https://www.masterbuilder.co.in/analysis-space-frame-structure/
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCIkJ-hyYZY
 http://www.trioconspaceframes.com/index.php
 https://hindustanalcoxlimited.wordpress.com/

 Ching, Francis (2014) “Building Construction Illustrated”, John Wiley & Sons.
 Mehta, Madan et. al. (2013) “Building Construction”, Pearson, USA.