Space Frames: Subject Code: AP-411 Subject Name: Theory of Structures-Iv

Subject Code: AP-411
Subject Name: THEORY OF STRUCTURES-IV
SPACE FRAMES
Prepared by: Er. ISHITA ARORA
UNDERSTANDING SPACE FRAMES
• A space frame or space structure is a truss-like, lightweight rigid structure constructed from interlocking
struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used to span large areas with few interior supports.
assembled linear elements are arranged to transfer the load. take a form of a flat surface or curved surface.
designed with no intermediate columns to create large open area.
HISTORY OF SPACE FRAMES
• 1900 –
Space frames were independently developed by Alexander Graham Bell around 1900. Bell's interest
was primarily in using them to make rigid frames for nautical and aeronautical engineering, with the
tetrahedral truss being one of his inventions.
• 1950’s –
Buckminsterfuller in the1950s developed frames independently.
• It was developed in California during the 1960s and introduced to the South African market in 1982,
specifically developed for unstable soil conditions, the panels form a monolithic structure offering
superior wall strength in which no cracking will occur.
HISTORY OF SPACE FRAMES
Buckminster’s focus was completely on the architectural structures and his work had a greater influence on
the structures.
BASIC CONCEPT
• Two different ways of roof framing –
(a) Each truss resists the load acting on it independently and

transfers the load to the columns on each end. To ensure the
integrity of the roof system, usually purlins and bracings are
used between trusses.
(b) Latticed trusses are laid orthogonally to form a system of 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
(a) (b)
grids are usually less than that in planar trusses and hence the
Complex roof composed of planar latticed trusses depth can be decreased in a space frame.
BASIC CONCEPT
• The same concept can be observed in the

design of a circular dome. Again, there are two
different ways of framing a dome. (a) A
complex of elements like arches, primary and
secondary beams, and purlins, which all lie in a
plane. Each of these elements constitutes a
system that is stable by itself.
• (b) An assembly of a series of longitudinal,
meridional, and diagonal members, a form of
latticed shell. It is a system whose resisting
capacity is ensured only through its integral
action as a whole.
PLANAR STRUCTURE & SPACE FRAMES
• In a planar system, the force due to the roof load is

transferred successively through the secondary
elements, the primary elements, and then finally to the
foundation. In each case, loads are transferred from the
elements of lighter class to the elements of heavier
class. As the sequence proceeds, the magnitude of the
load to be transferred increases, so does the span of the
element. Thus, elements in a planar structure are
characterized by their distinctive ranks, not only by the
size of their cross-sections but also by the importance of
the task assigned to them.
• In contrast, in a space system there is no sequence of
load transfer, and all elements contribute to the task of
resisting the roof load in accordance with the three-
dimensional geometry of the structure.
TYPES OF SPACE FRAMES
1) Two and three-way grids -

 Characterized as two way or three way
2) Single, Double and Triple Layered -
 Single layer frame has to be singly or doubly
curved.
 Commonly used space frames are double layered
and flat.
 Triple layered is practically used for a large span
building.
TYPES OF SPACE FRAMES
MATERIALS
 Steel : Steel is used for the space frames sustain more load and carry tones of weight. Now-a-days
it sis used in a long span structures and has to be maintained properly.
 Timber : Timber was also used in the 19th century and by using this material the maintaniance
level is becoming very high.
Steel Space Frame Timber Space

Structure Frame Structure
COMPONENTS OF SPACE FRAME
MEMBERS – JOINTS –
 Members are axial elements  In a space frame, connecting joints
with circular or rectangular play an important role, both
sections, all members can only
resist tension or compression. functional and aesthetic, which
derives from their rationality during
 The space grid is built of
relatively long tension members construction and after completion.
and short compression  Since joints have a decisive effect on
members. thes trength and stiffness of the
 A trend is very noticeable in structure and compose around 20 to
which the structural members 30 percent of the total weight, joint
are left exposed as a part of the
architectural expression. design is critical to space frame
economy and safety.
TYPES OF TUBES
CIRCULAR HOLLOW SECTIONS –
RECTANGULAR HOLLOW SECTIONS –

TYPES OF CONNECTORS
 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.
TYPES OF CONNECTORS
 TRIODIC CONNECTOR
• Consists of a hub, usually an alumunium extrusion, with slots or key ways.
TYPES OF CONNECTORS
 TUBAL NODE CONNECTOR

• Hollow sphere made of
spheroidal graphite. End of
the circular hollow section
member to be connected is
fitted at its ends by welding.
• Connection from inside the
cup is done using bolt and
nut.
TYPES OF CONNECTORS
 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.
• Two types of joint: pentagonal joint and
hexagonal joint.
METHOD FOR ERECTION OF SPACE FRAME
The method chosen for erection of a space frame depends on:

 Its behavior of load transmission.
 Constructional details, so that it will meet the over all requirements of quality, safety, speed of construction,
and economy.
 The scale of the structure being built,the method of jointing the individual elements, and the strength and
rigidity of the space frame until its form is closed must all be considered.
METHOD OF SUPPORT
 Before any work can proceed on the analysis of a double layer grid, it
is necessary to determine the depth and the module size.
 The depth is the distance between the top and bottom layers and the
module is the distance between two joints in the layer of the grid.
 Although these two parameters seem simple enough to determine,
they will play an important role on the economy of the roof design.
There are many factors influencing these parameters, such as the type
of double layer grid, the span between the supports, the roof
cladding, and also the proprietary system used.
 In fact, the depth and module size are mutually dependent which is
related by the permissible angle between the center line of web
members and the plane of the top and bottom chord members.
METHOD OF SUPPORT
Multi – column support
Triple layer grids on

the free side Supporting Columns
ADVANTAGES
 Light Weight.
 Elegant & Economical.
 Carry load by three dimensional action.
 High Inherent Stiffness.
 Easy to construct.
 Save Construction Time & Cost.
 Services (such as lighting and air conditioning) can be integrated with space frames.
 Offer the architect unrestricted freedom in locating supports and planning the
subdivision of the covered space.
 Durable materials & protective finishes.
 Construction is simple, safe and fast.
 No Site Painting or Welding.
DISADVANTAGES
 One major disadvantage is that they can be difficult to engineer.

 It's not straightforward to determine how forces will distribute throughout a structure
that has a lot of redundant pieces.
EXAMPLES
Largest Space Frame

EXAMPLES

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Subject Code: AP-411

Subject Name: THEORY OF STRUCTURES-IV

• Two different ways of roof framing –

(a) Each truss resists the load acting on it independently and

• The same concept can be observed in the

• In a planar system, the force due to the roof load is

1) Two and three-way grids -

Steel Space Frame Timber Space

CIRCULAR HOLLOW SECTIONS –

RECTANGULAR HOLLOW SECTIONS –

 TUBAL NODE CONNECTOR

 HEMISPHERICAL DOME CONNECTOR

The method chosen for erection of a space frame depends on:

Multi – column support

Triple layer grids on

 One major disadvantage is that they can be difficult to engineer.

Largest Space Frame

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