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Lecture 5 Space Frame

Space frames are lightweight, rigid structures constructed from interlocking struts arranged in a geometric pattern to form a three-dimensional structure. They transfer loads as tension and compression along the struts. Common applications include large roof structures, exhibition halls, and warehouses. Space frames are advantageous because they are lightweight, mass producible with prefabricated units, stiff yet lightweight, and versatile in shape. They consist of linear strut elements connected by joints and can be flat, barrel vaulted, or dome-shaped depending on their curvature.

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575 views31 pages

Lecture 5 Space Frame

Space frames are lightweight, rigid structures constructed from interlocking struts arranged in a geometric pattern to form a three-dimensional structure. They transfer loads as tension and compression along the struts. Common applications include large roof structures, exhibition halls, and warehouses. Space frames are advantageous because they are lightweight, mass producible with prefabricated units, stiff yet lightweight, and versatile in shape. They consist of linear strut elements connected by joints and can be flat, barrel vaulted, or dome-shaped depending on their curvature.

Uploaded by

Samudrala Sreepranavi
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SPACE FRAMES

Ar.C.Naga Vaishnavi
Ar.M.Padma
Space frames
Space frame or space structure is a truss-
like, lightweight rigid structure constructed
from interlocking struts in
a geometric pattern.
• A three- dimensional structure.
• The assembled linear elements are arranged to
transfer the load.
• Take a form of a flat surface or curve surface.
• Designed with no intermediate columns to create
large open area.
•Inherent rigidity of the triangle; flexing loads
( bending moments ) are transmitted as tension and
compression loads along the length of each strut.
•Simplest form – horizontal slab of interlocking
square pyramids and tetrahedral built from
aluminium or tubular steel struts.
APPLICATIONS
 For a platform overhead structure that spans large
distances without need for internal load bearing support.
 New and imaginative applications , such as sports
arenas exhibition pavilions, assembly halls,
transportation terminals, airplane hangers,workshops,
and ware houses.
 Also used on mid and short span enclosure as roofs ,
floors, and exterior walls.
ADVANTAGES
lightweight The material is distributed spatially in such a way that the
load transfer mechanism is primarily axial; tension and
compression.
Consequently, all material in any given element is utilized to
its full extent.
Aluminium decreases considerably their self-weight.

Mass productivity Can be built from simple prefabricated units, which are often of
standard size and shape.
Easily transported
Rapidly assembled on site.
Therefore it can be built at lower cost.
stiffness Sufficiently stiff in spite of its lightness.
This is due to its three-dimensional character and to the full
participation of its constituent elements.
versatility Possess a versatility of shape and form and can utilize a standard
module to generate various flat space grids, latticed shell, or even
free-form shapes.
STRUCTURAL BACKGROUND
 A long spanning three dimensional structure
 Rigidity of the triangle
 Composed of linear elements subject only to axial tension or compression
 The influence of bending moment is insignificant.
 The span-depth ratio varies from 12.5 to 25, or even more.
 The depth can be relatively small when compared with more conventional structures.
SPACE FRAME
CONNECTIONS

COMPONENTS
Members Joints
Axial elements with circular or rectangular Connecting joints- both functional and aesthetic.
sections , all members can only resist tension or joints have a decisive effect on the strength and
compression. stiffness of the structure and compose around
The space grid is built of relatively long tension 20-30 percent of the total weight.
members and short compression members.

A trend in which the structural elements are left


exposed as a part of the architectural expression.
CONNECTORS
1) Tuball Node Connector
 A hollow sphere made of spheroidal graphite
 The end of the circular hollow section member to be
connected is fitted at its ends by welding.
 Connection from inside the cup is using bolt and
nut.
2) Nodus Connector
 It can accept both
rectangular and circular
hollow sections and that
the cladding can be
fixed directly to the
chords.
 Chord connectors have
to be welded to the ends
of the hollow members
on site.
3) Triodetic Connector
 It consists of a hub, usually an aluminium extrusion,
that has slots or key ways, which the ends of
members are pressed or coined to match the slots.
4) Hemispherical Dome Connector
Usually use for double layer domes.
Has a span more than 40m.
More economical for long span.
The jointing is connect by sliting the end of the tube
or rod with the joint fin.
There are 2 types of joint, pentagonal joint and
hexagonal joint.
CLASSIFICATION

ACCORDING TO CURVATURE ACCORDING TO NUMBER OF GRID LAYERS

FLATCOVERS SINGLE-LAYER

BARRELVAULTS DOUBLE-LAYER

SPHERICALDOMES TRIPLE-LAYER
TYPES OF SPACE FRAMES

Flat covers Barrel vaults Spherical domes

Composed of planar This type of vault has a cross Usually require the use of
substructures. section of a simple arch form. tetrahedral modules or
The plane are channelled Usually does not need to use pyramids and additional
through the horizontal bars and tetrahedral modules or support from a skin.
the shear forces are supported pyramids as a part of its
by the diagonals. backing
ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF GRID
LAYERS

Single layer Double layer Triple layer


All elements are located on the Organised in two parallel layers Placed in three parallel layers ,
surface to be approximated. with each other at a certain linked by the diagonals.
distance apart. Almost always flat.
The diagonal bars connecting This solution is to decrease
the nodes of both layers in diagonal members length.
different directions in space
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS FOR
DOUBLE LAYER
MERO SPACE FRAME SYSTEM
 The Mero connector, introduced in 1948 by Dr,
Mongeringhausen , proved to be extremely popular and has
been used for numerous temporary and permanent buildings.

 Its joint consist of a node that is a spherical hot-presses steel


forging with flat facets and tapped holes.

 Members are circular hollow sections with cone-shaped steel


forging welded at the ends, which accommodate connecting
bolts.
 Originally developed for double-layer grids.

 Due to the increasing use of non-planar roof forms- load


bearing space frame integrated with the cladding element.

 A new type of joining system called Mero Plus System was


developed so that a variety of curved and folded structures
are possible.
METHODS OF ERECTION

Scaffold method Block Assembly method Lift-up method


Individual elements are assembled in Divided on its plan into The whole space frame is
place at actual elevations individual strips or blocks. assembled at the ground
Members and joints or prefab These units fabricated on the level so that most of the
subassembly elements are assembled ground level. Then hoisted work can be done before
on their final position. upon into its final position and hoisting.
Full scaffoldings usually. assembled on the temporary Increased efficiency and
Sometimes partial scaffolding are supports. better quality.
used if cantilever erection. Suitable for double layer grids.
Elements fabricated at the shop
Transported to the construction site,
and no heavy lifting equipment is
required.
LOAD TRANSFER
 Designing a roof structure for a
square building.
 A complex roof composed of 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.
LOAD TRANSFER
 Designing of a circular
dome.
 A complex of elements like
arches, primary and
secondary beams and purlins
which all lie in a plane. Each
of the elements constitutes a
system that is stable by
itself.
 An assembly of a series of
longitudinal, meridional and
diagonal members, a form of
latticed shell.
DOUBLE-LAYER GRIDS
Difference between plain frames and space frames
Plain frames Space frames
 The forces are act only along the axis of  The forces are acting along the axis of the
the members are having tension of member. In addition to transverse forces.
compression.  One or more then one member of frame
 Each member is acted upon by two is subjected to more then two forces.

equal and opposite forces having line of (Multiple force members)

action along the centre of members i.E.  At least one member is subjected to

Every member of it is two force member. bending, shear or torsion.

 Forces may act anywhere on the


 Members are subjected to
members.
tension/compression only.
 Usually more simple to manufacture and
 Forces are applied on joints only
to place in tight layout.
 Usually, more simple to calculate, more
PLAIN FRAMES

In plain frame truss m=2n-3, where m is total number of members and n is total
number of joints.

SPACE FRAMES

In plain frame truss m=3n-6, where m is total number of members and n is total
number of joints.

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