Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

Dr. Hala Nabil

Academic Year 2021/2022 (Fall 2021)

Structure
Supports

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Structure

Space Frame Structure

A space truss is a truss-like, lightweight rigid structure constructed
from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern.
A three-dimensional framework of members pinned at their ends.
Take form of a flat form or curved form.
Designed with no intermediate columns to create large open area.

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

History of space frame

Space frames were developed by Alexander Graham Bell around 1900

& Buckminster fuller in the 1950s. Developed in California during 1960s.

Space Frame Structure

Load Distribution: Vector Active.
Load Transfer: effect redirection of forces in that external forces are split up into
several directions by two or more members and are held in equilibrium by suitable
counter forces.

Materials: Steel. Force

Vector-active structure systems are multi-component
systems.
The mechanism of which rests upon the concerted Point
action of individual tensile and compressive
members. Splitting force

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

The corresponding forces in space latticed grids are usually less than
that in planar trusses and hence, the depth can be decreased in a
space frame.

Force Force
Typical unit of space frame

Space Frame Structure

Planer Truss

Each truss resists the load acting on

it independently and transfers the
load to the columns on each end.
Usually purlins and bracings are
used between trusses.

columns Truss

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

space frame

Trusses are laid orthogonally to

form a system of space latticed
grids that will resist the roof load
through its integrated action as a
whole and transfer the loads to the
columns along the perimeters.

columns Space
frame

Space Frame Structure

Space frame
A space frame is strong because of:
• The inherent rigidity of the triangle.
• Flexing loads (bending moments) are transmitted as tension &
compression loads along the length of each strut.

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure More economical for long span.

Connections
Accepted both rectangular &
circular hollow sections.
Chords have to be welded
at the end of the hollow
members.
Tubal node
Use for double layer domes. connector
Triodetic connector
Has span more than 4m.
Hollow sphere made of
spherical graphite.
Connection from inside.

The cup using bolt & nut, the

end of the member is fitted
at its ends by welding.

Consists of a hub usually an

aluminum extrusion with slots
or keyways.
Hemispherical Dome
Nodes connector connector

Space Frame Structure

Joints
Components
They are a connecting joints which Play an
Members important role, both function & Esthetic.
Axial elements with circular or
rectangular sections . All loads & support reactions are applied
only at the joints.
Members can only resist tension or
compression.

The space grid is built of relatively

long tension members & short
compression members.

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

Spans

25m – 100m

25m – 100m

25m – 120m

D= L/20- L/30

Space Frame Structure

Basic elements of a space frame

Pyramids

Tetrahedron

Consisting of four equilateral Consisting of four equilateral

triangles on a square base. triangles.

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

Grid

Two-way truss system

Space Frame Structure

Space frame classification

According to Curvature According to Number of Grid layers

Flat covers Single layer

Barrel Vaults Double layer

Triple layer

Spherical domes

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Building Construction & Materials (3)
Space Frame Structure
According to Curvature
Composed of flat planer
substructures.
The plane are channeled
through the horizontal bars &
the shear forces are
supported by the diagonals.
Barrel Vaults
Have a cross section
of a simple arch.
Space Frame Structure
Double layer Grid
Two-way space grid with
square & three way space
grid with tetrahedral unit
Dr.Hala Ali Nabil
12/1/2021
Space frame classification
According to Number of Grid layers
All elements are
Single layer
Flat covers located on the surface
to be approximated.
-Elements are organized
in two parallel layers
Double layer
with each other at a
certain distance part.
Usually require the -Elements are placed in
use of tetrahedral -The diagonal bars
three parallel layers, connecting the nodes of
modules or pyramids linked by the diagonals. both layers in different
-They are always flat. directions in space.
Spherical domes -This used to decrease
the diagonal members
length Triple layer
Two-way & three way
lattice grid
Two-way space grid with
square & three way space
grid with triangular pyramid
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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Space Frame Structure

Supporting Columns

Section details

Space Frame Structure

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Building Construction & Materials (3) 12/1/2021

Thanks… For Your Attention

Dr.Hala Ali Nabil 11