Part-1
SPACE
FRAME
(Intro & Classification)
THEORY OF STRUCTURE-IV (AP-411)
DEFINITION
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.
If one looks at technical literature on structural engineering, one will
find that the meaning of the space frame has been very diverse or even
confusing.
In a very broad sense, the definition of the space frame is literally a
three-dimensional structure. However, in a more restricted sense, space
frame means some type of special structure action in three dimensions.
Sometimes structural engineers and architects seem to fail to convey
with it what they really want to communicate. Thus, it is appropriate to
define here the term space frame as understood throughout this section.
It is best to quote a definition given by a Working Group on Spatial
Steel Structures of the International Association [11].
“A space frame is a structure system assembled of linear elements so
arranged that forces are transferred in a three-dimensional manner. In
some cases, the constituent element may be two-dimensional.
Macroscopically a space frame often takes the form of a flat or curved
surface”
It should be noted that virtually the same structure defined as a space
frame here is referred to as latticed structures in a State-of-the-Art Report
prepared by the ASCE Task Committee on Latticed Structures [2] which
states: A latticed structure is a structure system in the form of a network of
elements (as opposed to a continuous surface). Rolled, extruded or
fabricated sections comprise the member elements. Another characteristic
of latticed structural system is that their load-carrying mechanism is three
dimensional in nature
A space frame is usually arranged in an array of single, double, or
multiple layers of intersecting members. Some authors define space
frames only as double layer grids.
A single layer space frame that has the form of a curved surface is
termed as braced vault, braced dome, or latticed shell.
Occasionally the term space truss appears in the technical literature.
According to the structural analysis approach, a space frame is
analyzed by assuming rigid joints that cause internal torsions and
moments in the members, whereas a space truss is assumed as hinged
joints and therefore has no internal member moments.
The choice between space frame and space truss action is mainly
determined by the joint-connection detailing and the member geometry
is no different for both.
However, in engineering practice, there is no absolutely rigid or hinged
joints.
For example, a double layer flat surface space frame is usually
analyzed as hinged connections, while a single layer curved surface
space frame may be analyzed either as hinged or rigid connections.
The term space frame will be used to refer to both space frames and
space trusses.
MATERIALS
Many materials are used for these space frames
Steel
Timber
Steel:
This steel material which is used for the space frames sustain more load
and carry tones of weight.
This steel is mostly used in now-a-days in a long span structures and
has to be maintained propery.
Timber:
This timber material is also used in the 19th century and by using this
material the maintaniance level is becoming very high.
Members are fixed usingDESIGN METHODS
connectors and the different types of
connectors are:
Nodus connector
Triodetic connector
Tuball node connector
Hemispherical dome connector
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
THE SIMPLEST FORM OF SPACE FRAME IS A HORIZONTAL SLAB OF INTERLOCKING
SQUARE PYRAMIDS AND TETRAHEDRA BUILT FROM ALUMINIUM OR TUBULAR
STEEL STRUTS.
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.
STRUCTURAL BACKGROUND
A space frames along-spanning three-dimensional plate structure based
on the rigidity of the triangle and composed of linear elements subject
only to axial tension or compression, even in the case of connection by
comparatively rigid joints, the influence of bending or torsional
moment is insignificant.
LIMITATIONS
1. A space frame or space structure is a truss-like,lightweight rigid structure
constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern.
2. Space frame truss can be used for a platform or overhead structure that spans
large distances without need for internal load bearing support.
3. Space frames are advantageous compared to other common structures by
their; light weight, mass production, stiffness, and versatility.
4. Space frames are classified into three types according to the number of grid
layers as follows; single, double, or triple layer.
5. Space frame connections can be made by; welding, bolting, or threading.
6. Space frame construction utilize three main methods of erection;
1- scaffold method, 2. block assembly Method, lift-up method.
TYPES OF SPACE FRAME
1. Curvature classification
Space plane covers Barrel
vaults Spherical domes
2.Classification by the arrangement of its elements
Single layer grid
Double layer grid
Triple layer grid
TYPES OF SPACE FRAME
CURVATURE CLASSIFICATION
1.SPACE PLANE COVERS
Spatial structures composed of planar substructures.
Deflections in the plane are channeled through the horizontal bars and the shear forces are supported
by the diagonals.
CURVATURE CLASSIFICATION
2. BARREL VAULTS
Has a cross section of a simple arch.
Usually this type of space frame does not need to use
Tetrahedral modules or pyramids as a part of its backing.
CURVATURE CLASSIFICATION
3. SPHERICAL DOMES
Require the use of tetrahedral modules or pyramids and
additional support from a skin.
TYPES OF SPACEFRAME
CLASSIFICATION BY THE ARRANGMENT OF ITS
ELEMENTS
1.SINGLE LAYER GRID
ALL ELEMENTS ARE LOCATED ON THE SURFACE
APPROXIMATELY.
CLASSIFICATION BY THE ARRANGMENT OF ITS ELEMENTS
2.DOUBLE LAYER GRID
COMMONLY USED SPACEFRAMES ARE DOUBLE LAYERED AND FLAT.
ELEMENTS ARE ORGANIZED IN TWO PARALLEL LAYERS WITH EACH OTHER AT A
CERTAIN DISTANCE APART.
EACH OF THE LAYERS FORM A LATTICE OF TRIANGLES, SQUARES OR HEXAGONS
IN WHICH THE PROJECTION OF THE NODES IN A LAYER MAY OVERLAP OR BE
DISPLACED RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER.
CLASSIFICATION BY THE ARRANGMENT OF ITS ELEMENTS
3.TRIPLE LAYER GRID
ELEMENTS ARE PLACED IN THREE PARALLEL LAYERS, LINKED
BY THE DIAGONALS.
THEY ARE ALMOST ALWAYS FLAT.
PRACTICALLY USED FOR A LARGER SPAN BUILDING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9Owxk5nuV0
