ARC5305 Long-Span & Special

Structures
g
Chapter Three

Space Frames

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

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 Introduction

Flat Truss
Curved Truss

Types of Vector active structures

Space Truss/Space Frame

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 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.
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 Introduction

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 Introduction

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 Introduction
P
Load distribution Hinged joints

Hinged joints
Hinged joints

Compression members
Tension members

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 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.
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 Introduction

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 Introduction

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

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 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:

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 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,
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 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

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
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.

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
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.
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 Types of Space Frame Structure
Barrel vaults - Load distribution

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
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.
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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
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.
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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
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 .

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
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.

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure
Space Frame Connections

to r
nnec
Co
ro
Me
Welded Connection Bolted Connection Threaded Connection
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 Types of Space Frame Structure
 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.
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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Types of Space Frame Structure

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection
There are three methods of space frame erection.

a) Scaffold Method
b) Block Assembly Method
c) Lift-up Method

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection
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.
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 Methods of Space Frame 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.

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection
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.
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 Methods of Space Frame Erection
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.

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection
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.

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection
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.

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 Methods of Space Frame Erection

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 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.

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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure

 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.
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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure

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.

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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure

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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