THE SPACE FRAMES

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INTRODUCTION
A space frame is a truss-like,
Definition lightweight rigid structure
Simplified
constructed from interlocking
space frame struts in a geometric pattern.
roof with the usually utilize a multidirectional
half-octahedron
highlighted in span
blue  used to accomplish long spans
with few supports.
They derive their strength from
the inherent rigidity of the
triangular frame
 flexing loads (bending moments
Light weight,
) are transmitted as tension and
strong, three compression loads along the
dimensional and length of each strut.
modular structure
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INTRODUCTION
 Many architects and engineers
throughout the world have
expressed their design
freedoms with Space Frame
Systems.
 The simplicity of these systems
provides a natural link
between yesterday and today.
 For this reason, designers have
specified Space Frame Systems
for an increasing variety of
renovation and remodeling
applications.
 The modular systems allow
fast track delivery and job site
assembly
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INTRODUCTION
Some space frame applications
include:

Parking canopys
Hotel/Hospital/commercial
building entrances
Commercial building lobbies

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INTRODUCTION

Some advantages of space frame systems over

conventional systems are:

Random column placement

Column-free spaces
Controlled load distribution
Redundant integrity
Design freedom
Supports all types of
roofing
Exposing building exterior
to view adds color, texture
and style

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Space frame Concepts

1. single-layer grid
When spans up to 10 m a grid of
connected beams is formed in the
horizontal plane, a load applied to one
beam will be distributed to all other
beams in the grid and thus to all of the
supports.
An efficient load sharing system has
been produced - a single-layer grid.

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Space frame Concepts

2. double-layer grid
When spans exceed 10 to 15 m
the use of beam elements in the
grid becomes uneconomical and
trusses are used to form a double-
layer grid (space grid or space
frame).

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Space frame Concepts

The double-layer grid usually consists of two

parallel horizontal grids connected with a
pattern of vertical and/or inclined (web)
elements between the two plane grids.
This three-dimensional structural form is
commonly known as a space frame or space
grid
 is one of the most efficient and lightweight
structural systems.

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Space frame Concepts

The individual bars or members primarily

carry axial tension or compression forces as
long as the loads are applied directly to the
node joints.
These types of space grid carry loads by
different structural actions and in strict
engineering terminology the majority of
'space frame' structures are in fact space
trusses.

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Space frame Concepts

On the other hand space frames that

are not triangulated resist the
applied loads by rigid frame action
which develops bending, shear and
axial forces in all elements even when
loads are only applied to the joints.

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Type of Space Trusses

1. An elementary space truss

consists of 6 members
connected at 4 joints to form a
tetrahedron.
• Equilibrium
3n = m + 6
the equations can be solved for m
member forces and 6 support
reactions.
• m = 3n - 6
where m is the number of
members and n is the number of joints.
Type of Space Trusses
2. A simple space truss is formed
and can be extended when 3 new
members and 1 joint are added at
the same time.

Equilibrium
3n = m + 6
and the equations can be solved for m member
forces and 6 support reactions.

• In a simple space truss, m = 3n - 6

where m is the number of
members and n is the number of
joints.
Space grid geometry - thinking in 3 dimensions
 stable three-dimensional, pin-jointed bar structure is the
 tetrahedron
 octahedron
 not stable
 hexahedron
1. the tetrahedron complies with equation above and is a
stable form when loads are applied at the nodes.
(i.e. n= 4, m = 6 and 3n-6 = (3x4)-6 = 6).
2. the octahedron m = 12, n = 6 and 3n-6 = (3x6)-6 = 12 thus it
is a stable pin-jointed bar structure.
3. The hexahedron (or cube) has 8 joints and 12 bars and,
again assuming that the necessary support reactions are
present and that loads are applied at the nodes, we find
that m = 12 but 3n-6 = (3x8)-6 = 18. The cube is, therefore,
not stable
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Example …
The advantages and disadvantages of using space grids
many benefits
1. Structural efficiency
2. Reduced deflections
3. Integration of services
4. Ease of construction
5. Regularity
The principal advantages of space grids are as
follows:
All elements of the space grid contribute
to the load carrying capacity.
Loads are distributed more evenly to the
supports.
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Deflections are reduced compared to
plane structures of equivalent span, depth
and applied loading, assuming that the
structural elements are of similar size.
The open nature of the structure
between the two plane grids allows easy
installation of mechanical and electrical
services and air-handling ducts within the
structural depth.

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The statical redundancy of space grids means
that, in general, failure of one or a limited
number of elements, for instance, the buckling of
a compression member, does not lead to overall
collapse of the structure.
 Space grid structures are resistant to damage
caused by fire, explosion or seismic activity.
Modular space grids are usually factory
fabricated (thus producing accurate components)
easily transportable and simple to assemble on
site.
Within reason supports can be located almost
anywhere in plan.
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For ease of construction, most space
grids have a regular grid pattern which may
be exploited architecturally to great
effect.
If the colour chosen for the structure
contrasts with the colour of the cladding,
or against the sky in fully glazed
applications, particularly striking effects
can be achieved. In fact the colour chosen
for the grid as well as the grid pattern can
influence the perceived weight of the
structure even more than the actual
member sizes. BACK FORWARD
The disadvantages to using space grids are associated with
1. cost,
2. complexity,
3. problems of fire protection,
4. standardized layout.
disadvantages to using space grids :
The main criticism of space grids is their cost,
which can be high when compared with alternative
structural systems. This is particularly true when space
grids are used for short spans (<20-30m)
Visually, space grid structures are very 'busy'. at
some viewing angles the lightweight structure can
appear to be very dense.
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The number and complexity of joints can
lead to longer erection times on site.
When space grids are used to support floors
some form of fire protection may be required.

The standardized modular nature of most space

grids can impose a geometric discipline of their
own. This sometimes makes difficult the use of
irregular plan shapes and imposes control on the
location of supports.

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Grid configurations

1. Regular shaped
 grids are considered
to be more
economical
 equilateral triangle
 square
 diagonal
 hexagon

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 2. Double-layer grid

Square-on-square - where
the top grid is directly
above the bottom grid and
the web members connect
the layers in the plane of
the grid lines.

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Square-on-square offset - where
the bottom grid is offset by half a
grid square relative to the upper
grid.
Square-on-diagonal square -
An alternative version of this
grid is diagonal on square where
the upper grid is at 45° to the
lines of support and the lower
grid is parallel to the supports.

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Triangle-on-triangle offset
where both grids are triangular

Triangle-on-hexagon -
where the upper grid is
triangular and the lower,
more open, grid is hexagonal

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 General Grid configurations
 economy of the space grid
Choice of grid configuration
depth
as the node joints are usually the
most expensive components,
therefore
the more there are in a given plan
area the higher the cost is likely to
be.
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 Support locations

The choice of the most advantageous

support locations will depend on the
 plan form of the structure
 the positions chosen influence on
the structural efficiency

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 Support locations
1. Full edge support
 is more economical for
the space grid
 The maximum forces in
the space frame are less
 the vertical deflections
are also much smaller.
2. corner supports
 additional foundation
costs may be incurred.

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3.Intermediate supports
greatly improve the
space grid performance
Single columns
located in the middle of
each side may also
produce a reasonably
efficient support
system

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4.Random support
To reduce deflections
supports can be brought in
slightly from the edges of the
space frame to produce a
cantilever around the whole
structure.
it allows the opportunity to
have column free elevations if
desired.

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5. 'tree' supports
reducing both deflections and member
forces in the space grid

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 Edge profiles

 There are three common edge profiles

for space grids.
 The three common edge profiles for
space grids are:

vertical edge


cornice edge
 mansard edge.

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 Multi-layer grids
Additional horizontal grid layers may be
introduced when there are heavy loads
or very long spans.
necessary to increase the depth of the space
frame to such an extent that the compression
members become very long and uneconomical.
 In such cases it is possible to introduce one or
more intermediate grids between the top and
bottom layers
Multi-layer grids

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 General construction details
 A variety of issues need to be considered in detailing
space grid structures, consider
 the detailed design of bars
 design of members
 design of Components
 design of nodes
 design of joints
 material properties
 element structural behaviour
 dimensional accuracy
 support details
 cladding systems
 site construction.
 The majority of space frame systems for building structures are
manufactured from steel or aluminium although timber,
concrete and reinforced plastics are also used.
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Aluminium alloy
weight is only one third that of steel for an
equivalent volume
 it also has a lower modulus of elasticity
structure may be lighter unless deflections are
critical
 In this case, additional material may be required
to keep deflections within acceptable limits.
the material cost greater
Greater care is required to weld aluminium
Many systems use cast steel for end connectors
and node joints.

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 Steel
 square or circular hollow steel sections (RHS or CHS)
 superior behaviour under axial compression
 their aesthetically pleasing appearance.
 generally left exposed to view so that the grid
pattern can be appreciated

The nodes
'ball' joints
hollow spheres
profiled plates

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span/depth ratios
for space grid structures as they depend on
 the method of support
 type of loading
 the system being considered
Generally
 span/depth ratios may vary from 20 to 40
depending on the rigidity of the system used
 High span/depth ratios are appropriate if there
are full edge supports
 reduced to about 15 to 20 when the supports
are only at or near the corners of the grid.

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Support locations

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(9m)

(1m<a<4m)

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bearings
As long span structure
 fixed bearings
 sliding bearings
 to enable them to resist lateral loads
allowing thermal expansion / contraction to take
place.

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As most space grid
applications are for
roofs
 it is necessary to
provide adequate falls
for rainwater run-off
an additional pre-

camber may be
applied to counteract
the expected vertical
deflection under load.
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Examples of the use of space grids

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Examples of the use of space grids

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Examples of the use of space grids

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Examples of the use of space grids

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Thank You for Your
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