Scribd
Upload
43 views

Lesson 9 - Space Frame

Space frames are lightweight, rigid structures constructed from interlocking steel or aluminum tubes arranged in a geometric pattern based on platonic solids like tetrahedrons and octahedrons. They can span large areas with few interior supports by transmitting flexing loads as tension and compression along each strut. Common features include tubular members of uniform diameter, with thicker walls where strength is needed, and joints connected through welding or mechanical methods like clamps or spherical connectors.

Uploaded by

Cher Epondolan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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
43 views

Lesson 9 - Space Frame

Space frames are lightweight, rigid structures constructed from interlocking steel or aluminum tubes arranged in a geometric pattern based on platonic solids like tetrahedrons and octahedrons. They can span large areas with few interior supports by transmitting flexing loads as tension and compression along each strut. Common features include tubular members of uniform diameter, with thicker walls where strength is needed, and joints connected through welding or mechanical methods like clamps or spherical connectors.

Uploaded by

Cher Epondolan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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
You are on page 1/ 9

SPACE FRAMES

Space Frame Construction


By comparison, steel offers much better
compression and tension resistance than
concrete and enables lighter construction.
These structures are then designed into
three-dimensional trusses, so they can be
larger than reinforced concrete counterparts.
Computerized, high-precision stress analysis
and innovative jointing allow an array of
structures and shapes. These frameworks
take many forms but their geometry is often
based upon the spatial tetrahedron (a
pyramid with a triangular base) and the
regular octahedron, a form composed of eight
equilateral triangles, four of which meet at
each vertex (also a double true pyramid).
The two forms comprise the rest of the The Five Convex Regular Polyhedra (Platonic solids)
Platonic solids - those convex regular
polyhedrons in which their respective sides, Tetrahedron
Hexahedron
or Cube
Octahedron Dodecahedron Icosahedron
edges and angles are all congruent. Each solid
is a three dimensional shape. It has the
following characteristics:
• Each face is built from the same type of
polygon
• There are the same number of polygons
meeting at every edge of the shape.
• Tetrahedron, has 4 sides, based on a triangle, and looks like a pyramid
Space frames are usually constructed of steel • Cube, Hexahedron, has 6 sides, based on a square
or aluminum tubing; for modular purposes, all • Octahedron, has 8 sides, and is made from triangles.
• Dodecahedron, has 12 sides, and is made from pentagons
tubular members have the same outside • Icosahedron, has 20 sides, and is composed of triangles.
diameter, but where increased strength is
needed, particularly at points of support, Geometry of space frames is often based on platonic solids.

thicker walls are specified for the tubings


located at these portions.
Space Frame Design
In architecture and structural engineering, a
space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a
rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure
constructed from interlocking struts in a
geometric pattern. Space frames can be used
to span large areas with few interior supports.
Like the truss, a space frame is strong because
of the inherent rigidity of the triangle; flexing
loads (bending moments) are transmitted as
tension and compression loads along the
length of each strut. Space frames are a
common feature in modern building
construction; they are often found in large
roof spans in modernist commercial and
industrial buildings.
Space Frame Joints

The major feature in the space frame system


is the manner of connecting the truss
members, with welding as the most
commonly used method of connection.
Several mechanical methods are also
applicable, such as the use of clamps, pre-
formed plates, and spherical connectors. The
clamping method (Mannesmann system) was
first developed for scaffoldings; the use of
plate connector (Unistrut system) uses bolts;
the popular spherical connector (Mero
system) joins up to 18 members screwed into
its threaded holes.
Various Examples of Space frame Structures

You might also like