ARC5305 Long-Span & Special Structures

Chapter Two

Long span structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 1

 Outlines
Introduction

Classification of structural systems for long span

structures

Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 2

 Introduction
What is Long span structures?
A long-span structure refers to a type of structural
design that is capable of spanning large distances
without the need for intermediate supports or
columns.
Quantitatively, this long span structures create
unobstructed, column-free spaces greater than
𝟐𝟎𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 (60 feet) for a variety of functions.
25-Mar-24 Long span structures 3
 Introduction
Qualitatively can be defined as situations beyond
standard beam theory.

When is a span a long span?

Before going further details into the Long span

structures, let us starting with Galileo square-cube law.

Galileo square-cube law states that “objects cannot just

be scaled up and retain their proportions.”

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 4

 Introduction

Scale up

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 5

 Introduction
When an object is scaled up its area increases by
the square of the multiplier while the volume
increases by the cube of the multiplier.

Since the ratio between the area and the volume is

changing with size, the properties of the object are
changing with size.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 6

 Introduction
But, the long-span structures aim to maximize
structural efficiency by minimizing the amount of
material used while achieving the required strength
and stability.
This concept involves optimizing the structural
system, selecting appropriate materials and utilizing
efficient construction techniques to achieve the
desired span with minimal weight.
25-Mar-24 Long span structures 7
 Introduction
The spanning capability of horizontal elements
determines the spacing of their vertical supports.

This fundamental relationship between the span and

spacing of structural elements influences the
dimensions and scale of the spaces defined the
structural system of a building.

The dimensions and proportions of structural bays in

turn should be related to requirements of the spaces.
25-Mar-24 Long span structures 8
 Introduction

Required space

This technical problem (required spacing) posed

by the long span is that of maintaining a
reasonable balance between the load carried and
the self-weight of the structure.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 9

 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

One-way Versus Two-way structural systems

Resistance Resistance through Resistance through
through section surface & Form Vectors & Form
arrangement
Optimized
Modified
developable
Extruded

planar
Structural
Elements
Basic

Section: Beam Form: Arch Vector: Truss

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 10

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Structural
Elements
Basic

Section: Beam Form: Arch Vector: Truss

Arrayed or
Rotated
stacked curved
geometry
Modified

Resistance with Resistance through Resistance through

Frames Surface Vectors & Form

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 11

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

One-way systems

The majority of long span structures are one-way

systems because of simple to arrange, arrayed in
linear manner, easier erect (fewer connections) and
easier to trace loading paths.

Depth can be adjusted by varying span of secondary

members.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 12

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 13

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
One-way structural systems: Potential spans

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 14

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Two-way systems

Two-systems are more efficient in use of materials,

span farther and carry heavier loads than a one-way
system.

If you get the shape /form right, it is an efficient

system that equally distribute loads (no wasted
material thickness).

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 15

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Two-systems are usually more complicated to

design, analyze and build because of it has certain
level of redundancy (indeterminacy).

Most two-way systems have a large number of

pieces and connections which adds to fabrication
and erection time.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 16

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

The Millennium Egg, London

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 17
Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Two-way structural systems: Potential spans

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 18

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Based on structural activeness long span structures is

as follows:

i. Form active structural systems

ii. Section active structural systems

iii. Surface active structural systems

iv. Vector active structural systems

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 19

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
i. Form active structural systems

are systems of flexible and non-rigid matter in which

the redirection of forces is effected by particular form.

Represented by arches that carry only direct stress and

no bending take place.

Examples: Cable structures, Tent structures, Pneumatic

structures, Arch structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 20

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Cable structures

Flexible structural component that offers no

resistance when compressed or bent in a curved
shape.

By varying the profile of end members cables can

be made to follow several varieties of curves

Supports tensile load.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 21

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Cable structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 22

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Umakana Yokana stadium, Japan

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 23

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Tent structures

Constitute membranes stretched in frames rigid in

bending or rings rigid in compression.

The flexibility can result in large column-free spans,

unlike conventional roofing systems that require
rigid immediate support.

Subjected to tensile load.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 24

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
High points with different heights

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 25

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
A tent-structure pavilion in an
open square in Science Park,
Hong Kong

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 26

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Pneumatic structures

Air is provided as the bearing systems.

Membrane can support both tension and

compression and thus withstand bending moment.

The possibility of the structures collapsing as a

result of mechanical failure in inflation equipment
or as a result of tears in cover.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 27

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Metro Dome, Minnesota, USA

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 28

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

National Aquatic Center Water Cube, Beijing, China

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 29

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Arch structures

Transfers load around the curved structural form.

Large span will lead to increase in height of the

structure as the ratio of span.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 30

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

ii. Section active structural systems

are systems of rigid, solid and linear elements in

which redirection of forces is effected by
mobilization of sectional forces.

Subjected to bending moment.

Examples

Beam structures, Framed structures, Slab structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 31

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Slab structures

Beam structures

Frame structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 32

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

iii. 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.

Examples: Plate Structures, Folded Structures, Shell

structures and Domes

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 33

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Shell structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 34

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

The Louisiana Superdome, USA – a 580m clear span

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 35

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Folded plate structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 36

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
iv. Vector active structural systems
are systems of short, solid and straight lineal
members in which the redirection of forces is
effected by vector partition i.e. by multi-directional
splitting of single force simply to tension or
compressive elements.
Examples: Flat Trusses, Curved Trusses, Space
Trusses
25-Mar-24 Long span structures 37
Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 38

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Curved truss systems

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 39

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

The Hamburg Airport, UK

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 40

Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Bole international Airport, Ethiopia

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 41

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Long Span Beams

Beams greater than 𝟑𝟎𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 in span are said to

be long span beams.

Many long span solutions are also well adapted to

facilitate the integration of services without
increasing the overall floor depth.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 42

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Because of the square-cube law, long spans must be
lighter and thus more efficient in shape
(longitudinal) and cross-section (section modulus).

It must be strong enough to carry large loads and

deflection is the controlling design factor.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 43

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Rectangular beam

W-shape beam

Castellated beam

King Post truss

Truss

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 44

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Types of Long Span Beams

Most common type of long span beams used today are

plate girders and beams with web openings.

The plate girder (made of welded steel plates to

produce beams deeper than standard rolled shapes span
up to 60𝑚).

The popular construction methodology is pre-stressed

concrete structures.
25-Mar-24 Long span structures 45
 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Parallel beam

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 46

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Castellated beam

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 47

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Tapered Girders

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 48

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Pre-cast concrete beam

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 49

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Long Span Trusses

Truss is a structure that includes one or multiple

triangular units that include straight slender
members with their ends connected via nodes.

Truss members are subjected to essentially axial

forces due to externally applied load.

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 50

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 51

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 52

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Queen post truss

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 53

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Queen post truss

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 54

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Portal Frames
Portal frames are commonly used to create wide-
span enclosures where a clear space is required
uninterrupted by intermediary columns.
They were originally used because of their
structural efficiency, meaning that large spaces
could be enclosed with little use of materials and for
a low cost.
25-Mar-24 Long span structures 55
 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Duo-pitch portal frame

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 56

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 57

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Portal frame with crane

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 58

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Multi-span Portal frame

25-Mar-24 Long span structures 59

 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses


25-Mar-24 Long span structures 60