Space Frame

ARC5305 Long-Span & Special Structures
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Chapter Three
Space Frames
25-Mar-24 Space Frames 1

Outlines
Introduction
Applications area of Space Frames
Types of Space Frame Structure
Methods of Space Frame Erection
Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Frame

Structure

Introduction
Flat Truss
Curved Truss
Types of Vector active structures
Space Truss/Space Frame

Introduction
What is Space Frames?
A space frame is a truss-like load bearing light
weight rigid structure constructed from linear
interlocking struts in a 3D geometric pattern.
They derive their strength from the inherent rigidity
of the triangular frame; flexing loads (bending
moments) are transmitted as tension and
compression loads along the length of each strut.
Introduction

Introduction

Introduction
P
Load distribution Hinged joints
Hinged joints
Hinged joints
Compression members
Tension members

Introduction
 The interlocked elements square, pyramids and tetrahedral
built geometric forms.
 Stronger form is composed of interlocking tetrahedral in
which all the struts have unit length.
 More technically this is referred to as anisotropic vector
matrix or in a single unit width an octet truss.
 More complex variations in change the lengths of the struts.
 To curve the over all structure or may incorporate other
geometrical shapes.

Introduction

Introduction
Simplified space frame roof with the half-octahedron highlighted in blue

Applications area of Space Frames
In the past few decades, the spread of space frame
was mainly due to its great structural potential and
visual beauty.
Space frames are used in the platform or overhead

structure that spans large distances without need
for internal load bearing support such as:

Applications area of Space Frames
Commercial and industrial Canopy,
structures, Airplane hangars,
Conference halls and Swimming pools,
Exhibition center, Auditoriums,
Stadiums with long span
Warehouses.
distance,
Shopping centers and malls,
Museum and fair houses,

Types of Space Frame Structure
There are numerous different types of space frames
structures depending upon their curvature and
arrangements of elements.
Classification based on curvature
a) Space plane covers (Flat covers)
b) Barrel Vaults
c) Spherical Domes

a) Space plane covers (Flat covers)
These structures are composed of planar

substructures.
They act as rigid plates with plane deflections.
Shear forces are sustained by diagonals and directed

through horizontal bars.


b) Barrel Vaults
Barrel vaults are a popular way to cover large open

areas with little support.
Tetrahedral modules or pyramids are not always

required as part of the support for this type of space
frame.
Barrel vault space structures serve a need associated

with a variety of configurations.
Barrel vaults - Load distribution




c) Spherical Domes
 The spherical space-frame structure is made up of a complex
network of triangles.
 Each of the connected triangles forms a self-bracing
structure.
 These domes usually require the use of tetrahedral modules
or pyramids and additional support from a skin.
 This type of structure is fragile despite being structurally
strong.



Classification based on arrangements of its elements
a) Single-layer grid
This type of space frame consists of two or more
elements parallel to the grid which intersect at an angle
to each other in the frame.
In this type of space frame, the element intersects
perpendicularly to the plane.
If the members of the grid are in the same plane, it is
called a single-layer grid.

b) Double-layer grid
The elements are organized in two parallel layers

with each other at a certain distance apart.
The diagonal bars connecting the nodes of both

layers in different directions in space.
During design stages to utilize two way spanning

capacity of aspect ratio should not exceed 1.5: 1.




c) Triple-layer grid
The elements are arranged in three parallel layers

which are connected by diagonals.
They are almost always flat.
This solution is to decrease the diagonal members

length.
Practically used for a larger span structure.


Space Frame Connections
Welded Connection Bolted Connection Threaded Connection

The Mero connector introduced in 1948 by Dr. Ing.
Max Mengeringhausen proved to be extremely popular
and has been used for numerous temporary and
permanent buildings.
Its joint consists of a node that is a spherical hot-pressed
steel forgoing with flat facets and tapped holes.
Members are circular hollow sections with cone shaped
steel forgoing welded at the ends which accommodate
connecting bolts.



Methods of Space Frame Erection
There are three methods of space frame erection.
a) Scaffold Method
b) Block Assembly Method
c) Lift-up Method

a) Scaffold Method
Individual elements are assembled in place at actual

elevations.
Members and joints or prefabricated subassembly

elements are assembled directly on their final position.
Full scaffoldings are usually required for this type of

erection.

Sometimes only partial scaffoldings are used if
cantilever erection of space frame can be executed.
The elements are fabricated at the shop and

transported to the construction site and no heavy
lifting equipment is required.


b) Block Assembly Method
The space frame is divided on its plan into individual

strips or blocks.
These units are fabricated on the ground level then

hoisted up into its final position and assembled on the
temporary supports.
With more work being done on the ground, the amount

of assembling work at high elevation is reduced.
This method is suitable for those double layer grids
where the stiffness and load-resisting behavior will
not change considerably after dividing into strips or
blocks such as two-way orthogonal latticed grids,
orthogonal square.
The size of each unit will depend on the hoisting

capacity available.


c) Lift-up Method
The whole space frame is assembled at ground level so

that most of the work can be done before hoisting.
This will result in increased efficiency and better

quality.
For short and medium spans, the space frame can be

hoisted up by several cranes.

For long-span space frame, temporary posts are
used as the support and electric winches as the
lifting power.
The whole space frame can be translated or rotated

in the air and then seated on its final position.
This method can be employed to all types of

double-layer grids.


Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure
Advantages of Space Frame Structure
Space frame structures are incredibly strong. They

allow for the most precise load sharing.
These structures are lightweight, portable and

structurally effective.
It can withstand high loads while exhibiting

minimal deflection.

Space frame trusses can be used for platforms or
overhead constructions that span long distances without
the requirement for internal load-bearing support.
Space frame structure also has maximum seismic

resistance.
Because of the prefabricated components, the

installation is quick and relatively easy on-site.
It provides adjustable cambering facilities.

Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure
When reinforced concrete is utilized, the

construction of the space frame structure is limited
to smaller span say 12m.
Despite the fact that there are some connections that

have relatively stiff joints, the impact of bending or
torsional moment is negligible.

Prefabricated components in space frames have a
tendency to leak into joints.
Heavy-duty cranes, precise measurement and
handling are required for large prefabricated
sections.
It's not straightforward to determine how forces will
distribute throughout a structure that has a lot of
redundant.

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ARC5305 Long-Span & Special Structures

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 1

Applications area of Space Frames

Types of Space Frame Structure

Methods of Space Frame Erection

Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Frame

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 2

Types of Vector active structures

Space Truss/Space Frame

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 3

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 5

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 6

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 7

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 8

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 9

Simplified space frame roof with the half-octahedron highlighted in blue

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 10

Space frames are used in the platform or overhead

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 11

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 12

Classification based on curvature

a) Space plane covers (Flat covers)

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 13

These structures are composed of planar

They act as rigid plates with plane deflections.

Shear forces are sustained by diagonals and directed

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 14

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 15

Barrel vaults are a popular way to cover large open

Tetrahedral modules or pyramids are not always

Barrel vault space structures serve a need associated

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 17

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 18

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 19

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 20

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 21

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 22

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 23

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 25

The elements are organized in two parallel layers

The diagonal bars connecting the nodes of both

During design stages to utilize two way spanning

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 26

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 27

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 28

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 29

The elements are arranged in three parallel layers

They are almost always flat.

This solution is to decrease the diagonal members

Practically used for a larger span structure.

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 30

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 31

Welded Connection Bolted Connection Threaded Connection

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 33

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 34

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 35

b) Block Assembly Method

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 36

Individual elements are assembled in place at actual

Members and joints or prefabricated subassembly

Full scaffoldings are usually required for this type of

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 37

The elements are fabricated at the shop and

25-Mar-24 Space Frames 38