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Overview on Space Frame Structures

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Overview on
Space Frame Structures

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hussam Ali Mohammed

Consultant of Structural Engineering
Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University /Al-Mussaib Technical Collage
Introduction
A growing interest in space frame structures has been witnessed worldwide
over the last half century. The search for new structural forms to
accommodate large unobstructed areas has always been the main objective
of architects and engineers. With the advent of new building techniques and
construction materials, space frames frequently provide the right answer and
satisfy the requirements for lightness, economy, and speedy construction [1].
Significant progress has been
made in the process of the
development of the space frame.
A large amount of theoretical
and experimental research
programs was carried out by
many universities and research
institutions in various countries.
As a result, a great deal of
useful information has been
disseminated and fruitful results
have been put into practice [2].
In the past few decades, the proliferation of the 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, exterior walls, and canopies. Many
interesting projects have been designed and constructed all over the world
using a variety of configurations [3].
Some important factors that influence the rapid development of the space
frame can be cited as follows. First, the search for large indoor space has
always been the focus of human activities [4]. Consequently, sports
tournaments, cultural performances, mass assemblies, and exhibitions can be
held under one roof. Concrete roofing (either ordinary reinforeced or
prestressed) has limited span length. Double tee with presmatic section reach
almost 18m with ordinary reinforcement [5], while double tee with non-
prsmatic section migth reach 30m at maximum [6], [7].
Weight of concrete, and overall stresses created restricted this type of
roofing to cover span up to limited range[8]. The modern production and the
needs of greater perational efficiency also created demand for large space
with a minimum interference from internal supports. The space frame
provides the benefit that the interior space can be used in a variety of ways
and thus is ideally suited for such requirements.
Space frames are highly statically indeterminate and their analysis leads to
extremely tedious computation if by hand. The difficulty of the complicated
analysis of such systems contributed to their limited use. The introduction of
electronic computers has radically changed the whole approach to the
analysis of space frames. By using computer programs, it is possible to
analyze very complex space structures with great accuracy and less time
involved [9].
Lastly, the space frame also has the problem of connecting a large number of
members (sometimes up to 20) in space through different angles at a single
point. The emergence of several connecting methods of proprietary systems
has made great improvement in the construction of the space frame, which
offered simple and efficient means for making connection of members. The
exact tolerances required by these jointing systems can be achieved in the
fabrication of the members and joints.
Types of Space Frame
System III Space Frame
The most versatile and attractive forged steel ball and tube
system available.
 Easiest ball and tube system to assemble.
 Virtually unlimited span capability.
 Flexibility of form through freedom of angle.
 System III; is the space frame with the world's largest span and the worlds longest cantilever.
 This system is a typical ball and tube space frame.
 The members are always in tension or compression.
 The system can be designed in any module size or span.
 Almost any configuration can be built, flat, curved, waves, spheres, domes, pyramids or free
form structures.
 After the structure is modeled in the computer, the program assigns length and sizes to all
members and prints the program for the CNC node-drilling machine, thus to insure accuracy in
manufacturing and construction.
 The most commonly used module size is 8' to 15'. The smaller the module size the larger the
cost.
 System III can be manufactured with powder-coat or urethane finish, over a plain, pre-
galvanized or hot dipped galvanized after fabrication.
Pyramid Sphere Space Frame
Traditional ball and tube appearance without the cost.
Your space frame system of choice for beauty and
economy.
 Variable module designs.
 Top junction plate for economical design.
 Long span capability.
 Direct decking or cladding attachment.
 Bottom junction ball design for aesthetic integrity.
 This PS system is extremely attractive yet economical.
 This is a great system for simple flat or flat sloping space frame projects.
 It is used in module sizes of 3' - 8'; the modules can be square, or rectangular.
 Spans are not limited.
 The bottom chords are round with tapered ends, connected to a ball node connector. This
bottom connector is unique in that there are no exposed fasteners, no sleeve pins, bolts
etc. An exclusive Delta feature.
 The top chord is square or rectangular to allow direct deck attachment. This eliminates the
need for a purlin level found on standard ball and tube systems.
 For exterior applications the system would be coated with organic zinc rich coating
topped with an acrylic-urethane color coat (the finish used on airplanes and over the road
trucks).
Hemispherical Node
Our most economical space frame system. Fits
most geometric designs.
 Easiest, most economical system to assemble.
 Variable module sizes.
 Ideal solutions for medium spans.
 Forged steel node-the most compact, high quality
connector.
 This system uses a forged hemispherical bolted
connection.
 Any size module or geometry (square, triangle or
hexagonal) is available.
 Members can be pre-galvanized or plain, painted or powder coated.
 The frame can be curved; almost any geometry can be built.
 Maximum span 90 feet.
 This product is very economical.
 Requires purlins for deck support.
Axent Space Frame non-structural system
 Attractive and cost efficient addition to any display or
exhibit.
 Practical assembly with the aid of a hand wrench only.
 Consists of pre-cut and in-stock material ready to ship.
 Contemporary appearance combined with a simple and
mobile construction process
 A decorative frame that allows for Dramatic and
stimulating displays and high design creativity
 Modular system for easy assembly.
 Simple node and tube connector to form ceiling grids, towers, walls, display cases and
freeform structures.
 Excellent for exhibits, point of purchase or just accenting a building.
TERMINOLOGY
The Axent Display System consists of two
major components - tubes and nodes -
assembled together to form modules.
•A module is a series of tubes
interconnected by nodes to form a
prescribed pattern.
• Since most Axent space-frames are
equilateral polygons, the module size is
the length of one square or rectangular
side from one node to the center of the adjacent
node.
• ·Standard Module lengths begin at 12" and
progress geometrically by a factor of .V2. The
standard tubes are designated by the module
length they form rounded to the nearest inch.
• Nodes are designated by their number of holes and their geometric pattern.
• Axent is available in three materials: Plastic, Aluminum and Steel.
• Part numbers for tubes and nodes are designated
by material (P, A or S); item (T or N); module
size or node number as shown below.
View publication stats

Keywords: Space Frame, design, Maximum span, lightness, economy, speedy construction

References:
1. Lan, T.T. “Space Frame Structures” Structural Engineering Handbook, Ed. Chen Wai-Fah, Boca Raton: CRC
Press LLC, 1999.
2. Lan, T. T. and Qian, R. 1986. A study on the optimum design of space trusses—optimal geometrical configuration
and selection of type. Shells, Membranes and Space Frames. Proc. IASS Symp. 1986. 3, 191-198. Elsevier,
Amsterdam.
3. Iffland, J. S. B. 1987. Preliminary design of space trusses and frames, in Building Structural Design Handbook,
White, R. N. and Salmon, C. G., Eds., John Wiley & Sons, New York, 403-423.
4. Hussam Ali Mohammed, "Experimental and Nonlinear Analysis of Non-Prismatic Double Tee Prestressed
Concrete Beams", PhD Thesis, Baghdad University, 2005.
5. Hussam Ali Mohammed, Ihsan A. Shaarbaf, Khild S. Mahmod, " Finite Element Analysis of Prestressed Concrete
Double Tee Beams", Journal of Babylon University for Engineering Science, Vol.12, No.5, 2006
6. Hussam Ali Mohammed, "Finite Element Analysis of Non-Prismatic Prestressed Concrete Double Tee Beams"
Journal of Kerbala University, Vol.8, No.1, 2010
7. Hussam Ali Mohammed, "Behavior of Prestressed Concrete Non-Prismatic Double Tee Beams", Journal of
kerbala University, Vol.8, No.1, 2010
8. Hussam Ali Mohammed, "Nonlinear Analysis of Flanged Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Three-Dimensional
Finite Element Model", MSc Thesis, Saddam University, 2000.
9. International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Working Group on Spatial Steel Structures. 1984.
Analysis, design and realization of space frames. Bull. IASS No. 84/85، XXV(1/2):1-114.