B.

Construction

Report on Long Span Structures

1764 SHRUTKIRTI SUPEKAR I 1766 SANIKA TAMBE I SEM IX I SIR J J COA

CONTENT

1. Introduction ...2

2. Classification ...3

3. Applications ...6

4. Material and Thumb rules in general ...8

5. Design considerations and criteria while selecting the typical system ...11

6. Terminology ...12

7. Time and cost ...15

8. Comparison of the various systems ...17

9. Comparison of material choices ...18

10. References ...20

1
INTRODUCTION

Structures with a span larger than 30 meters are regarded as Long Span Structures. For such structures
span is unable to be achieved with ordinary R.C.C. construction. Generally long spans result in flexible,
column-free internal spaces, reducing substructure costs and time to erect the structure.

Some prominent structures that featured large span construction in the later years of the 19th century
include, Britain’s Crystal Palace, Paddington Station and St. Pancras Station. These buildings were a
perfect example of the new age architectural engineering. Besides being lightweight and functional,
they were also extremely cost effective and expressed simplicity of design and precision of structure.

Long span structures can be loosely defined as buildings that enclose large areas without any
intermediate support. The long span structures are generally made in concrete and steel. There are
different types of long span structures:
1. cable structure
2. tent structure
3. pneumatic structure
4. arch

2
C LAS S I FI CATI O N

0. Based on Time Period: (pictured above)

1. Based on Material:
● Timber
● Steel
● Concrete

2. Based on Load Distribution:

● One-way structural system: A one way structural system is characterized by relatively large linear
spanning elements in one direction. Smaller spanning members are used to carry loads to the
primary members. Used in rectangular framing bays.

● Two-way structural system: All members in a two-way system are considered to be primary
members. A two-way system is most efficient when the shape is square so that there is equal
distribution along the supporting members.
Two way structural systems are further classified as:
1. Space frame
2. Dome
3. Thin shell structure
4. Membrane structure

3. Based on the system of forces:

● Form active systems: These are systems of flexible, non-rigid matter, in which the redirection of
forces is affected by particular form design and characteristic form stabilization.
1. Cable structures
2. Tent structures
3. Pneumatic structures
4. Arch structures

3
 ● Vector active systems: These are systems of short, solid, straight lineal members, in which the
redirection of forces is affected by vector partition, i.e. by multidirectional splitting of single force
simply to tension or compression elements.
1. Flat Trusses
2. Curved Trusses
3. Prismatic (3D) Trusses
4. Space Trusses

● Section active systems: These are systems of rigid, solid, linear elements, in which redirection of
forces is affected by mobilization of sectional forces.
1. Beam structures
2. Frame structures
3. Slab structures

● Surface active systems: These are systems of flexible or rigid planes able to resist tension,
compression or shear, in which the redirection of forces is affected by mobilization of sectional
forces.
1. Plate structures
2. Folded structures
3. Shell structures

4. Based on Typology:
● Space structures
➔ Single layer grids
➔ Double and multi layer grids
➔ Single and Double curvature space frames
● Cable structures
➔ Cable stayed roofs
➔ Suspended roofs
➔ Cable trusses
➔ Single and Multilayer nets
● Membrane structures
➔ Prestressed anticlastic membranes
➔ Pneumatic membranes
● Hybrid structures
➔ Tensegrity systems
➔ Beam cable systems
● Convertible roofs
➔ Overlapping sliding systems
➔ Pivoted systems
➔ Folding systems

4
5. Based on Bending :

Permutations and combinations of all classifications are possible and executed:

5
APPLI CATI O N S

…where visibility is important: i.e. auditoriums and covered stadiums

…where flexibility is important: i.e. exhibition halls and certain type of manufacturing facilities
…where large movable objects are housed: i.e. aircraft hangars
…where large no. of people are congregated: i.e. convention centre
● Sports buildings:
➔ Stadiums
➔ Sports halls
➔ Swimming pools
➔ Ice tracks
➔ Skating rinks
➔ Indoor athletics
● Airports
● Transit hubs
● Convention centres
● Large structures of Faith and Devotion
● Large span green houses

Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur Crystal Palace, London

Lotus Temple, Delhi Florida Polytechnic, Florida

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Stadium Aircraft Hanger

Train terminal

Mumbai Airport Eden Gardens Botanical Conservatory

7
MATE R IALS AN D TH U M B R U LE S

Materials:
● Reinforced concrete (in situ & precast)
● All metal (e.g. mild-steel, structural steel)
● Stainless steel or alloyed aluminium
● Timber
● Laminated timber (Glu-lam, Clt)
● Metal/ Reinforced concrete combined
● Plastic-coated Textile material
● Fibre reinforced plastic

Concrete Stainless steel

Timber Cross laminated timber (Glu-lam)

Concrete-Steel Composite Fabric

8
Thumb Rules:

9
Sections of long-span structures should be deepest where the bending moments are
greatest.
Some long-span structures, such as domes and cable systems, are efficient in supporting
distributed loads but are sensitive to concentrated loads from heavy equipment.
The nature of some long-span structures, such as arches, vaults and domes, develop
thrust at their supports, which must be countered by tension ties or abutments.
Long structural members are prone to significant changes in length due to thermal
expansion and contraction especially for exposed and open-air structures.
Stabilizing long span structures against lateral forces is especially critical because of the
larger occupancies than typical houses.

10
D E S I G N C O N S I D E RATI O N S

Prior to the detailed design of a long span structure, it is essential to consider many aspects such as:

1) Space optimization

2) Speed of construction

3) Access and security

4) Flexibility of use

5) Environmental performance

6) Standardization of components

7) Infrastructure of supple

8) Service integration

9) Landscaping

10) Aesthetic and visual impact

11) Thermal performance and air-tightness

12) Acoustic insulation

13) Weather-tightness

14) Fire safety

15) Design life

16) Sustainability considerations

17) End of life and re-use

18) Lighting

11
TERMINOLOGY

12
13
14
TIME AND COST

Cost:
Making general cost comparisons of different structural systems is notoriously difficult, because
of the large number of factors that have to be taken into account.
Cost is a major and often deciding factor to select systems and material. Cost of alternate systems is
usually evaluated before deciding on a particular system.

General Rules:
● Wood structures cost less than other materials but are limited to low-rising buildings.
● Short spans cost less than long spans.
● Low rise structures cost less than high rise structures.
● Simple structures cost less than complex structures.
● Wall structures cost less than moment frames and braced frames.
● A comparative cost factor:
Rupture length= length at which suspended material breaks under self-weight, defined as:
Lr = σ x γ
σ: stress before breakage
γ: specific gravity
Note: Rupture length defines efficiency of long-span structures,

15
Precast versus cast in‐situ concrete in the construction of post‐tensioned box‐girder
bridges: Span effect

16
C O M PAR I N G VAR I O U S SYSTE M S

Simple beam Portal frame Truss

Advantages

Simple design Long span Very long spans possible

Designed to be stable in plane Heavy loads may be carried

Member sizes and haunches may

Modest deflection
be optimised for efficiency

Disadvantages

Software required for efficient Generally more expensive

Relatively short span
design fabrication

Limited to relatively light vertical

Bracing needed for in-plane Generally bracing is used for
loading, and modest cranes to avoid
stability in-plane stability
excessive deflections

17
C O M PAR I S O N O F MATE R IAL C H O I C E S

● Approximate span ranges for timber and steel systems

● Material choice for Infrastructure along time periods

18
● End of life scenarios for materials

19
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REFERENCES

● https://hindustanalcoxlimited.wordpress.com/2015/09/30/the-evolution-of-large-span-structures/
● https://www.majowiecki.com/userfiles/Pubblicazione/files/Conceptual-design-and-analysis-of-lon
g-span-structures.pdf
● https://shanghaimetal.com/968-968.htm#:~:text=Long%20span%20structures%20are%20today,m
aterial%20used%20in%20their%20construction.
● https://www.arch2o.com/5-long-span-structures-awesome-roofs/
● https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S03/is.sp.38.1987.pdf
● https://www.steelconstruction.info/Concept_design
● https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256459824_Comparative_structure_cost_of_modern_co
mmercial_buildings
● https://www.steelconstruction.info/Cost_planning_-_Industrial_buildings#Key_frame_cost_driver
s_for_industrial_buildings
● Pinterest

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