Structure, Form, and Architecture: The Synergy

Lecture 27: Trusses and Space Frames

DR. SHUBHAJIT SADHUKHAN

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TRUSS

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Introduction

Source:
https://www.google.co.in/search?source=hp&ei=qSaDXYC7EMWpmgex5ICYCQ&q=truss&o
q=truss&gs_l=psy-
ab.3..0l2j0i131j0j0i131j0l3j0i131j0.1004.1913..2209...0.0..0.129.584.0j5......0....1..gws-
wiz.eI7hJFxF_a0&ved=0ahUKEwjAs7Glp9zkAhXFlOYKHTEyAJMQ4dUDCAY&uact=5

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Introduction
• Trusses are an assembly of structural members
based on a triangular arrangement with
member to member pin jointed connections
called 'nodes’

• Joint connections are formed by bolting or

• Trusses can be two-dimensional (planar) or

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Introduction

Source: Tony Hunt’s Structures Notebook by T. Hunt, 2003

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Introduction

Source: https://www.alphasteel.ph/roof-truss/

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Materials: Truss
→ Timber

→ Steel

→ Aluminum

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Types : Truss
Based on Dimension
→ 2D Truss (Planar)

→ 3D Truss (Prismatic Truss)

Based on Use
→ Roof Truss

→ Bridge Truss

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Types: Planar Truss

Source: https://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/ikitsuki-bridge-worlds-longest-continuous-truss-
bridge/view/google/

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Types: Prismatic Truss

Source: Tony Hunt’s Structures Notebook by T. Hunt, 2003 Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sainsbury_Centre_for_Visual_Arts

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Types: Roof Truss & Bridge Truss Commonly used Trusses

• King Post Truss

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Types: Roof Truss & Bridge Truss Commonly used Trusses

Source: https://www.alphasteel.ph/roof-truss/

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Types: Roof Truss & Bridge Truss Commonly used Trusses

K-TRUSS WARREN TRUSS

BOWSTRING TRUSS BALTIMORE TRUSS

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Application of Trusses
• Bridge Truss
• Roof Truss for factories
• Transit Stations
• Building Canopy
• Building Rooftop
• Parking
• Transmission Towers
• Crane Truss
• Sport Stadium Truss
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Advantages: Trusses
• Achieve long spans
• Minimize the weight of a structure
• Reduced deflection
• Support heavy loads

Source: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Truss

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Disadvantages: Trusses
• Increase in Rise resulting increase in storey height
• Expensive for small construction

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SPACE FRAME

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Introduction

Source:
https://www.google.co.in/search?rlz=1C2CHBF_enIN844IN844&source=hp&ei=fSmDXfvMG7OH8QPAma-
ICQ&q=SPACE+FRAME&oq=SPACE+FRAME&gs_l=psy-
ab.3..0i131j0l9.1068.3161..3474...0.0..0.163.1370.0j11......0....1..gws-
wiz.......0i10.Fcq_rcU8Uf4&ved=0ahUKEwi7_9n-qdzkAhWzQ3wKHcDMC5EQ4dUDCAY&uact=5

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Introduction
• Space frames are three-dimensional
lattice structures made up from linked
pyramids or tetrahedra into a two-layer
or three-layer triangulated framework.
• Load span and edge conditions
determine the form and depth of the
space frame
• Because of the continuous member
linking, optimum load-sharing occurs
and for large clear span

Source: Tony Hunt’s Structures Notebook by T. Hunt, 2003

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Components: Space Frame
→ Members

→ Connectors
• Welded Connection

• Bolted Connection

• Threaded Connection

Welded Connection Bolted Connection Threaded Connection

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Materials: Space Frame
→ Steel

→ Aluminum

→ Timber

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Types: Space Frame
Based on Curvature
• Space Plane Covers

• Barrel Vaults

• Spherical Domes
Based on Arrangement of Elements
• Flat Double Layer Grid

• Flat Multi-Layer Grid

• Double-Layer Braced Barrel Vaults

• Free-Form Spatial Structure

• Brace Dome Source: Analysis, Design and Construction of Steel Space Frames by G S
Ramaswamy, Octatube M Eekhout, G R Suresh, 2002

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Types: Space Frame Based on Curvature

Space Plane Covers Barrel Vaults Spherical Domes

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Types: Space Frame Based on Arrangement of Elements

Flat Double Layer Grid

Source: https://www.setareh.arch.vt.edu/safas/007_fdmtl_21_spatial_structure.html

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Types: Space Frame Based on Arrangement of Elements

Double-Layer Braced Barrel Vaults Free-Form Spatial Structure

Source: https://www.setareh.arch.vt.edu/safas/007_fdmtl_21_spatial_structure.html

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Types: Space Frame Based on Arrangement of Elements

Brace Dome
Source: https://www.setareh.arch.vt.edu/safas/007_fdmtl_21_spatial_structure.html

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Typology: Space Frame

Source: Analysis, Design and Construction of Steel Space Frames by G S

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Application of Space Frame
• Commercial and industrial structures
• Auditoriums
• Sky lights
• Canopies
• Toll booths
• Exhibition halls
• Sports stadiums

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Advantages: Space Frame
• Lightweight construction with aluminum decreases self-weight considerably resulting
savings in columns and substructures

• Space frames can be built from simple prefabricated units which can easily be
transported and rapidly assembled on site even by semi-skilled labor

• Space frame is usually sufficiently stiff in spite of its lightness due three dimensional
assembly

• Can be used for flat, curve or free form with modules

• Ensure visual beauty and the impressive simplicity of lines

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Further Reading
• Salvadori, M and Heller, R A (1963), Structure in Architecture, 3rd ed., Prentice Hall.

• Hjelmstad, Keith D. (2005), Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics, 2nd ed., Springer.

• Hulse, Ray and Cain, Jack. (2016), Structural Mechanics, Macmillan International Higher
Education

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Lecture 28: Folded Plate Structures

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Thank You

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