Introduction to :-

Space frame Structures.

a. Space frames.
b. Advantages and Disadvantages of space frames.
c. Classify the types of space frames.
d. Structural members of space frames
e. Construction methods of space frames.
 Space Frame Structures

3 Dimensional structures
The assembled elements are arranged to transfer the load.
Take a form of flat surface or curve surface.
Designed with no intermediated columns to create large open
areas.
 Space Frame Structures

3 Dimensional structures
The assembled elements are arranged to transfer the load.
Take a form of flat surface or curve surface.
Designed with no intermediated columns to create large open
areas.
 Introduction - Space Frame Structures
Development of Space frames :-
Initiated by Alexander Graham Bell in 1900.
Developed by Buckminster Fuller in 1950, Fuller focused on architectural structures.
Initially developed in California during 1960 and then introduced to south Africa
market in 1982.
 Specifically developed for unstable soil conditions.
 Space Frame Structures
Bell's interest was primarily in using them to make rigid frames for nautical
and aeronautical engineering.
Tetrahedral truss being one of his inventions, however few of his designs were
realized, while, Fuller's focus was architectural structures and his work had
greater influence.

Fuller’s Dome, Expo ‘67, Montreal, Canada

 Introduction - Space Frame Structures
In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure is a
truss-like, lightweight rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a
geometric pattern.
Space frames can be used to span large areas with few interior supports.
Like the truss, space frame is strong because of the inherent rigidity of the
triangle;
flexing loads (bending moments) are transmitted as tension and compression
loads along
the length of each strut.
 Load Distribution in Space Frame Structures
Simplest form of Space frame is Horizontal slab of interlocking square pyramids
and tetrahedron built from Aluminum or tubular steel struts.

Space frames can be used to span large open areas with few column or with
few interior supports like a design of a truss.

Space frames is strong because of its Inherent rigidity of the triangular

members called lattice or struts.

Flexing loads are the bending moments are transmitted as tension and
compression loads along the length of the ach struts.
Space Frame Structures

A space frame is strong

because of the inherent
rigidity of the triangle.
The simplest unit of a space
frame is a tetrahedron
having four joints and six
structural members.
 Space Frame Structures
A truss like structures , which are light – weight grid structures constructed from
interlocking struts in a geometric pattern.
Space frames are used to span larger area structures with only few interior
supports.

2 or 3 way grids.
•Characterized as 2-way or 3 –way.

Single, Double and triple layered.

•Single layered has to be singly layered or doubly curved.
•Commonly used space frames are double layered and flat.
•Triple layer frame generally used for large span structures.
 Applications of Space Frames

Al Andalus Mega
Mall, Jeddah, KSA.

In the past few decades, the spread of space frame was mainly due to its great structural
potential and visual beauty. New and imaginative applications of space frames are being
demonstrated in the total range of building types, such as sports arenas, exhibition
pavilions, assembly halls, transportation terminals, airplane hangars, workshops, and
warehouses.

They have been used not only on long-span roofs, but also on mid- and short-span
enclosures as roofs, floors, and exterior walls. Many interesting projects have been
designed
 Components of Space Frame Structures
Consists of tubes
Stansted Airport , London.
 Space Frame Structures
The simplest form of space frame is a horizontal slab of interlocking square
pyramids and tetrahedra built from aluminium or tubular steel struts.

In many ways this looks like the horizontal object of a tower crane repeated many
times to make it wider.

A stronger form is composed of interlocking tetrahedra in which all the struts have unit
length.
 Space Frame Structures
Space Frame structures :-
Transporting to far distances is provided easily due to the use of pre-
fabricated components.
Spaces frames are lighter than any other steel and RCC structures. Hence it
is economy in foundation costs.
Space frame systems are useful for earth-quake areas due to its light weight
quality not necessary to cover these long span structures.
 Structural System of Space Frames
1. Lightweight :- This is mainly due to the fact that material is distributed spatially
in such a way that the load transfer mechanism is primarily axial; tension or
compression. Consequently, all material in any given element is utilized to its full
extent.
Furthermore, most space frames are now constructed with aluminum, which
decreases considerably their self-weight.

2. Mass Productivity :- Space frames can be built from simple prefabricated

units, which are often of standard size and shape. Such units can be easily
transported and rapidly assembled on site by semi-skilled labor. Consequently,
space frames can be built at a lower cost.

3. Stiffness :- A space frame is usually sufficiently stiff in spite of its lightness.

This is due to its 3D character and to the full participation of its constituent
elements.

4. Versatility :- Space frames possess a versatility of shape and form and can
utilize a standard module to generate various flat space grids, latticed shell, or
even free-form shapes.
Architects appreciate the visual beauty and the impressive simplicity of lines in
space frames.
 Types of Space Frames
According to curvature :-
1) Space Flat covers / Planar Structures :-
Spatial Structures composed of Planar structures.
Deflections (movements under loads) in the plane are channeled through
the horizontal bars and the shear forces are supported by the
diagonals.
 Types of Space Frames
According to
curvature :-
2). Barrel vaults :-
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 as a part of its backing.
 Types of Space Frames
According to curvature :-
3) . Spherical domes :-
These domes usually require
the use of tetrahedral
modules or pyramids and
additional support from a
skin.
 Types of Space Frame Structures
According to number of Grid Layers :-
1. Single Layered Grid :-
All elements are located on the planar surface .
 Types of Space Frame Structures
According to number of Grid Layers :-
2. Double Layered Grid :-
• Most Commonly used space frame structure.
• Elements are arranged in 2 parallel layers with a certain distance.
• Each of layers forms a lattice of triangles, squares of hexagons in which the
projector of the nodes in a layer may be overlapped or may be displaced to
each other.
 Types of Space Frame Structures
According to number of Grid Layers :-

3. Triple Layered Grid

:-
These are flat space
structures, used
for long span
structures.

Elements are
arranged in 3
parallel layers,
linked together by
the diagonals
struts.
 Materials used for Space Frame Structures

Steel:-
Steel material sustain more load and is able to carry huge tones of weight.
This steel is almost used in long span structures
Steel used for long span shall be used properly and maintained.

Timber :-
Maintenance cost is high in timber.
 Design Methods for Space Frame Structures
The lattice struts are connected using different types of connectors :-

1.Nodus Connectors
2.Triodetic connectors
3.Tuball Node Connector
4.Hemispherical Dome Connector.
 Space Frame Structures
 Space frame structure is light –weight structure.
 Rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern.
 Space frames are used for overhead structures that spans large distances
without support for internal load bearing support
 Due to its light weight, easy to assemble, mass productivity, Rigidity in internal
triangular struts , these space frames are more stable than any other long
span structures.
 Space frame connections can be done in -
 welding,
 bolting,
 Threading

 Space frame connections utilize 3 main methods of assembly erection :-

 Scaffold method
 Block Assembly method
 Lift-up method
 Types of Space Frame Connections

Welded Connection Bolted & Riveted Connection Threaded Connection

 Advantages of Space Frame Structures
 Light
 Good in appearance
 Economical.
 Load distribution is of 3-dimensional direction.
 Inherent stiffness due to rigidity of triangular struts as seen in tetrahedron.
 Saves construction costs.
 Easy to construct.
 Services can be easily implemented. ( such as lighting, A.C., can be
integrated within space frames).
 Use of durable materials
 Construction is simple, safe and fast
 No site painting or welding.
 The design shall be column less or with minimum supports as per the
area of covered and open space.
Famous Space Frame
Entrance to Louvre pyramid , Paris