SPACE FRAME

STRUCTURE
I

The remarkable rigidity and economy of three dimensional space structures has been realized, but
only during the last decade have they begun to come into widespread architectural usage. In age, of
standardization and prefabrication, their simplicity of manufacture, ease of transportation, and

SHIWANGI NAGORI -
19 speed of erection are sufficient recommendation. Even more important, however, the ratio of
weight to area covered can be greatly reduced through their use ,and they allow the construction of
long span structures with a far smaller number of intermediate supports - SPACE FRAME
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 Types of structural systems ?

FORM ACTIVE STRUCTURES :

Form active structures are systems of flexible, non-rigid matter, in

which the redirection of forces is effected by particular form design
and characteristic form stabilization
Example of structures:
1. 1.Arch structures
2. 2. Tent structures
3. 3. Pneumatic structures
4. 4. Cable structures
5. 5.Shelled structures

VECTOR ACTIVE STRUCTURES :

Vector active structural systems are systems of solid, straight

linear members, in which the redirection of forces is effected by
vector partition, i.e. by multidirectional splitting of single force
simply to tension or compressive elements

Example of structures:
1. 1.Flat trusses
2. 2. Curved trusses

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 Types of structural systems ?

SECTION ACTIVE STRUCTURES :

Section active structural systems are systems of rigid, solid, linear

elements, in which redirection of forces is effected by mobilization
of sectional forces

Example of structures:
1. 1.Beam structures
2. 2. Frame structures
3. 3. Slab structures

SURFACE ACTIVE STRUCTURES :

Surface active structural systems are systems of flexible or rigid

planes able to resist tension, compression or shear, in which the
redirection of forces is effected by mobilization of sectional
forces
Example of structures:
1. 1.Plate structures
2. 2. Folded structures
3. 3. Shell structures

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 Q1. In which category, space frame fall into ?

SECTION ACTIVE &

I VECTOR ACTIVE
Space frame is a combination of section active structural
system and vector active structural system.

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Q2.What is the basic concept of the system?

EARLY DEVELOPNMENT OF SPACE GRIDS

 At Black Mountain, with the support of

a group of professors and students, he
began reinventing a project that would
make him famous: the geodesic dome.

 Although the geodesic dome had been

created, built and awarded a German
patent on June 19, 1925. Close packing of spheres as studied by R.BUCKMINSTER FULLER

 GRAHAM BELL SAYS:

“Of course, the use of tetrahedral cell is

not limited to the construction of a
framework for kites and flying machine. It Early
sis applicable to any kind of structure experiment
whatever in which it is desirable to space grid
combine the qualities of strength and structure
lightness. Just we can build houses of all developed by
kinds out of bricks, so we can build Graham Bell in
structures of all sorts out of tetrahedral the first decade
frames and the structure can be so formed of his century
as to posses the same quality.”

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 Introduction to space frame

 Space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid,

lightweight, truss-like 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, a 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.

Application of space frame

Commercial and industrial

buildings • Scaffoldings
• Auditoriums • Traffic signs
• Airport hangers • Malls
• Sport stadiums • Transport terminals
• Sky lights • Mosque • Schools
• Lighting towers • Pools
• Petrol pumps • Exhibition hall
• Canopies

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Q3. A sketch to explain the load transfer.

 In planar latticed trusses each truss resists the load acting on it

independently and transfers the load to the columns on each
end.

 Latticed trusses are laid orthogonally to form a system 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.

 Since the loads can be taken by the members in three

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

 The force due to the roof load is transferred successively

through the secondary elements, the primary elements, and
then finally the foundation.

 In each case, loads are transferred from the elements of a

lighter class to the elements of a heavier class.

 As the sequence proceeds, the magnitude of the load to be

transferred increases, as does the span of the element.

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 Q4.What are thumb rules to remember?

 It is important for the architect to work side by side with the

engineer when considering a space frame system. While the
engineer normally sizes up the structural members after the
architect has designed the structure, his/ her role must be more
interactive to ensure that each design decision takes full advantage
of a space frame system while managing costs.
 Simply changing the modular sizes of the space frame components
could have a huge impact on material costs.

 Typically, space frames are not as economical for spanning systems

under 7-10 metre in length.

 For determining depth of space frame;

a. Use ratio of 1:12 depth to span for a 1-way space frame.
b. Use ratio of 1:15 depth to span for a 2-way space frame.
c. Use ratio of 1:18 depth to span for a 3-way space frame.

 The depth and module size of double-layer grids are usually

determined by practical experience. In some of the papers and
handbooks, figures on these parameters are recommended, and one
may find that the difference is quite large.

 It is usually considered that the depth of space frame can be

relatively small when compared with more conventional structures.
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Q5.What are components of the space frames?
Members
Joints Axial elements with
circular or rectangular sections.
All members can only resist
tension or compression.
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Connectors
Both functional and aesthetic.
joints have a decisive effect on
the strength and stiffness of the
structure and compose around
20-30 percent of the total
weight.
Bolts
Supporters
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 Q5.What are components of the space frames?
MEMBERS: RECTANGULAR HOLLOW SECTION CIRCULAR HOLLOW SECTION

 The members of a space frame are either of aluminium or steel.

Aluminium members are of light weight but are more expensive.
 The large majority of space frame use members of steel with a
yield strength ranging from 210 to 450MPa.
 The tubes may be electrically resistance welded or seamless.
 Some types are :

1. Circular Hollow Sections

2. Rectangular Hollow Sections

BOLTS :
 The majority of the nodes of the space frame structure consist of joints
where the connecting members are bolted to a solid round node bar
by means of double cover splice connection.
 The connection type was chosen in alignment with the architectural
intent.
 Jean Nouvel wanted to show how the members are connected and
transfer loads. In the design process it was described as a "mechanical
connection".
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 Q5.What are components of the space frames?

TYPES OF CONNECTION The advantages of weld connection:

 No need to drill on the steel, timesaving, no need to

damage section of the material, to make full use of the
material.
 Any shapes of components can be connected directly,
don't need auxiliary parts generally, connection is simple,
short stress transmission line, widespread applicability.
 Weld connection has good gas tightness, water tightness
and rigidity.

Welded connection Bolted connection Threaded connection

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 Q5.Case study to explain the system

WORLD
MEMORIAL HALL
,KOBE , JAPAN
The first realization of “Pantadome system” was
for the world memorial hall in Kobe, Japan. Which
was completed in 1984 ready for the Universidad
held there in 1985 and subsequently as an all-
purpose hall.
Particular design requirements were that it should
house a 160 m running track. seat 10000
spectators and that there should be at least 24 m
head room internally to accommodate large
yachts in exhibitions.
The final solution was a building approximately 70
x 11 O m with 34 m radius quarter spheres at
each end connected by a 40.8 m long cylindrical
vault. Centered 1 m above ground level the
semicircular vault rises to almost 40 m.
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  Rigid frames were used to accommodate a large number
of window openings in the lower part of the side walls,
however, a 1.5 m deep space truss formed the rest of
the building envelope.

On a standard 2.5 x 2.5 m grid the space truss used more

than 12 ooo steel tubular members (respectively, 101.6
mm diameter for the chords and 76.3 mm diameter for
the web members).

 All members were welded to the spherical nodes (216.3 mm

and 267.4 mm in diameter) which were formed from pressed
steel plates with welded diaphragms.

 During assembly there were eighteen temporary supports 6.5 m

high located under the hinge line in the space truss

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 THE ERECTION PROCEDURE FOR THE KOBE WORLD
MEMORIAL HALL IS SHOWN IN SECTION

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  There was one hinge line at the base of the enclosure, a second at
the interface between the rigid frames and the space truss and a
third within the space truss itself.

 During assembly there were eighteen temporary supports 6.5 m

high located under the hinge line in the space truss. These
supports were subsequently used in the lifting operation.

 Some members were omitted from the structure at this stage to

permit the mechanism to form and to allow it to move freely
whilst the dome was being raised.

 Although there were several possible methods for lifting the

assembled grid, the well tried ·push-up· system was preferred by
the contractor takenaka komuten co. Ltd.

 Parallel 50 tonne jacks at each temporary support were used to

push up posts that were extendible at the base as lifting
progressed.

 Temporary ties connected the hinges at the tops of the posts

(under the central cylindrical vault) to take the horizontal thrust
and maintain stability.

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