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Space Frames

This document provides an introduction to space frame structures. It discusses different types of space frame grids including lattice, direct, offset, and differential grids. It also covers the structural behavior of space frames and how they are supported, including symmetry, columns, walls, and support points. Additional topics include span to depth ratios, bay sizes, member dimensions, erection methods, joint types such as connector plates, hollow balls, solid balls, extruded hubs, and welded multi-planar gusset plates. Dimensional guidelines and examples of specific structural systems such as Unistrut, Nodus, Mero, Triodetic, Octatube, and Multihinge joints are also presented.

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April Kay Shield Siñeres
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329 views22 pages

Space Frames

This document provides an introduction to space frame structures. It discusses different types of space frame grids including lattice, direct, offset, and differential grids. It also covers the structural behavior of space frames and how they are supported, including symmetry, columns, walls, and support points. Additional topics include span to depth ratios, bay sizes, member dimensions, erection methods, joint types such as connector plates, hollow balls, solid balls, extruded hubs, and welded multi-planar gusset plates. Dimensional guidelines and examples of specific structural systems such as Unistrut, Nodus, Mero, Triodetic, Octatube, and Multihinge joints are also presented.

Uploaded by

April Kay Shield Siñeres
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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An Introduction to Space Frames

References:
Space Grid Structures by John Borrego
The Design of Building Structures by Wolfgang Schueller (pp521 – 563)
Pearce Structures Literature
Lattice Grids

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Direct Grids

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Offset Grids

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Differential Grids

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Structural Behavior

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Support Locations
• Systems w/ Symmetry about Two or Three Axes
are Structurally Efficient
• Column Supported Space Frame Behaves Like a
Concrete Flat Plate
• Parallel Wall Supported Space Frame Behaves
Like a Concrete One Way Slab
• Peripheral Wall Supported Space Frame
Behaves Like a Concrete Two Way Slab

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Support Matrix

• Row 1 – Simple Column – Wall


• Row 2 – Column – Wall w/ Beams
• Row 3 – Columns w/ Beams
Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio
Support Points

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Span to Depth Ratio
• Horizontal Double Layer, Edge Supported
• One Way, 12:1
• Two Way, 15:1
• Three Way, 20:1
• Cantilever Spans, 9:1
• Horizontal Double Layer, Corner Supported
• 15:1

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Bay Size (a)
• Maximum Bay Size
• L/5 a 30 ft
• Typical Bay Size
• 4 ft a 12 ft

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Dimensions
• Frame Depth
• 0.5 d/a 1.0
• Ex: 0.5 = d/a or 2 ft deep and 4 ft bay size
1.0 = d/a or 4 ft deep and 4 ft bay size

• Chord Angle
• 30° 60°
• Aspect Ratio (Member Length / Diameter)
• 25:1

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Erection Methods
• Scaffold Methods
• Individual Elements are Assembled in Place at Actual
Elevations
• Block Assembly Methods
• Components are Pre – Assembled on the Ground and
Crane or Hoist Erected
• Lift – Up Methods
• Large Sections are Pre – Assembled on the Ground and
Erected w/ Heavy Equipment e.g. Hydraulic Jacks

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Joint Types
• Connector Plates
• Hollow Balls
• Solid Balls
• Extruded Hubs
• Welded Multi–Planar Gusset Plates
• Mulithinge

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Connector Plates
• Unistrut

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Hollow Balls
• Nodus

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Solid Balls
• Mero

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Mero Geometry

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Extruded Hubs
• Triodetic

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Triodetic Geometry

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Welded Multi–Planar Gusset Plates
• Custom Fabricated • Octatube

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio


Multihinge
• Pearce Structures

Carnegie Mellon • Department of Architecture • Third Year Studio

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