Ch-11-Space Frame

Description and Structural Analysis

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Ch-11-Space Frame
Structural Analysis

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 Ch-11-Space Frame
Description and Structural Analysis
• Space Frames= 3D truss
• Space frames only has compression and tension, no bending in its structural members with
identical loading!
• Space frames can have both rigid and pinned connections
• Space frames have identical and repetitive modules that have parallel upper and lower layers
like in trusses (triangulated chords & diagonal and vertical web members connected at points
known as nodes)
• Space frames use member and connectors (type of connectors: bolt, welded, threaded or screw)
• Space frame based on Pyramid like Tetrahedron form
• Space frames are structurally and materially efficient for use in roof systems compared to
ordinary truss system
• Space frames are safe and stable system with redundancy
• Load are transferred in 3Dimensions through the different linear structural members in the
Space frames to the supports.
• Materials: Steel, Aluminum, Timber
• Use in Auditoriums, commercial factories buildings, exhibition halls, sport stadiums

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 Ch-11-Space Frame

Types of Space frames Barrel vault

1. Defined by Curvature
 Barrel
 Sphere
 Space plane cover

“This type of vault has a cross section of

a simple arch. Usually this type of space
frame does not need to use tetrahedral
modules or pyramids .”

https://images.app.goo.gl/G7wkCgGT4493PQj56

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 Ch-11-Space Frame

Types of Space frames Sphere

1. Defined by Curvature
 Barrel
 Sphere
 Space plane cover
“Spherical domes and other compound
curves usually require the use of
tetrahedral modules or pyramids and
additional support from a skin.”
Skin can be semi transparent membrane

https://images.app.goo.gl/KDCs8tm84ScoHuTH8

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 Ch-11-Space Frame

Types of Space frames Space plane cover

1. Defined by Curvature
 Barrel
 Sphere
 Space plane cover
“These spatial structures are composed
of planar substructures. Their behavior is
similar to that of a plate in which the
deflections in the plane are channeled
through the horizontal bars and the
shear forces are supported by the
diagonals.”
https://images.app.goo.gl/LGhffZBfnqHSY4ZB6

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 Ch-11-Space Frame

Types of Space frames Single Layer

2. Described by arrangement of Space
frame elements (Layers of Grid)
 Single layer
 Double layer
 Triple layer
“All elements are located on the surface
to be approximated.”

https://images.app.goo.gl/iPDW22fAMvR2fs3r7

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 Ch-11-Space Frame

Types of Space frames Double Layer

2. Described by arrangement of Space
frame elements
 Single layer
 Double layer
 Triple layer
“Elements are organized in two layers
parallel to each other at a certain distance
apart. Each of the layers form a lattice of
triangles, squares or hexagons in which
the projection of the nodes in a layer may
overlap or be displaced relative to each
other. Diagonal bars connect the nodes of https://images.app.goo.gl/r2ifDoCBJoLhRZjRA
both layers in different directions in
space.”

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 Ch-11-Space Frame

Types of Space frames Triple Layer

2. Described by arrangement of Space
frame elements
 Single layer
 Double layer
 Triple layer
“Elements are placed in three parallel
layers, linked by the diagonals.”

https://www.abcepc.com/8-year-exporter-triple-layer-space-frame-mineral-
material-shed-of-trading-center-for-china-minmetals-corporation-abc-
product/

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 Prepared by: Mr.Mahmood Khan- Not to be
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Ch-11-Space Frames
Load Distribution
2D Truss with Purlins systems span
only one direction.
Two structural sizes (not a space
frame)
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Ch-11-Space Frames
Load Distribution
Space frame is 3D and span in two direction
versus 2D truss (purlin) span in one direction.
Min Depths= 3% of Span;
Practical Depths= 5% span & 11% of
cantilever span
 Ch-11-Space Frames
No triangulation at the
Basic Geometry
base of the space frame

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Ch-11-Space Frames
Basic Geometry

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 Ch-11-Space Frames
Connector

https://images.app.goo.gl/aeqL6bkPrLL57N1SA

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 Ch-11-Space Frames
Supports
Point supported Space Frames
• Piers or columns figure 11.8- large loading on the supports
and supports can vary in cross sectional area as forces
move downwards;
• This space frame would be less efficient with larger depth
than other types of space frames.
Lattice support Space Frames
• Figure 11.9; more efficient than point support space frame
• Lattice support(column) becomes integral part of the Space
Frames with forces transmitted smoothly from horizontal to
vertical planes- structural efficiency;
• Load distribution like Mushroom capitals;
Requirements for vertical support of Space Frame
Min supports= 3;
Normal no. of Supports= 4;
More support = less structural stresses in the space frame
members and spans more efficiently;
For example: figure 11.8- 11.9
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Ch-11-Space Frames
Supports
 Column(point) support;
 Inverted Pyramid;
 Crosshead Beams
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Ch-11-Space Frames
Supports
Continuous Supporting wall: (figure 11.10)
• Wall is trussed or solid (bearing wall);
• Distributes the loads uniformly from Space
Frames to the 4 walls (e.g. Plane cover);
• Together with Space Frame + Wall system
act like a two way slab or 3 way slab
systems;
• The Depth of the Space Frame with
continuous supporting wall is less than
conventional 2D truss systems;

Stability (Figure 11.11):

• 3D Space Frame use diagonal bracing for
structural stability.
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Ch-11-Space Frames
Corner & Perimeter Supports
 Ch-11-Space Frames
Lateral Stability

• Vertical supports resist bending and horizontal shear;

• Latticed columns provide more Lateral stability with their geometry.

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 Ch-11-Space Frames
with Lattice supports- Roof system

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 Ch-11-Space Frames
Cantilevered point supports & Warren trusses as Roof

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Ch-11-Space Frames
Summary

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 Ch-11-Space Frames- Resource

• https://youtu.be/zCIkJ-hyYZY
• https://youtu.be/uW6tM9wNP8w
• https://youtu.be/ttYzIZuWJds
• https://youtu.be/FFaPz4XaTUo
• https://youtu.be/q9Owxk5nuV0

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