ARC5305 Long-Span & Special

Structures

Chapter
Two
Long span structures

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structures
 Outlines
Introduction
Classification of structural systems for long span
structures
Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

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 Introduction
What is Long span structures?
A long-span structure refers to a type of structural
design that is capable of spanning large distances
without the need for intermediate supports or
columns.
Quantitatively, this long span structures create
unobstructed, column-free spaces greater than (60
feet) for a variety of functions.
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 Introduction
 Qualitatively can be defined as situations beyond
standard beam theory.
When is a span a long span?
 Before going further details into the Long span
structures, let us starting with Galileo square-cube
law.
 Galileo square-cube law states that “objects cannot
just be scaled up and retain their proportions.”
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 Introduction

Scale up

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 Introduction
When an object is scaled up its area increases by
the square of the multiplier while the volume
increases by the cube of the multiplier.
Since the ratio between the area and the volume is
changing with size, the properties of the object are
changing with size.

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 Introduction
But, the long-span structures aim to maximize
structural efficiency by minimizing the amount of
material used while achieving the required strength
and stability.
This concept involves optimizing the structural
system, selecting appropriate materials and utilizing
efficient construction techniques to achieve the
desired span with minimal weight.
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 Introduction
 The spanning capability of horizontal elements
determines the spacing of their vertical supports.
 This fundamental relationship between the span and
spacing of structural elements influences the
dimensions and scale of the spaces defined the
structural system of a building.
 The dimensions and proportions of structural bays in
turn should be related to requirements of the spaces.
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 Introduction

Required space

This technical problem (required spacing) posed

by the long span is that of maintaining a
reasonable balance between the load carried and
the self-weight of the structure.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

One-way Versus Two-way structural systems

Resistance Resistance through Resistance through
through section surface & Form Vectors & Form
arrangement
Optimized
Modified
developable
Extruded

planar
Structural
Elements
Basic

Section: Beam Form: Arch Vector: Truss

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Structural
Elements
Basic

Section: Beam Form: Arch Vector: Truss

Arrayed or
Rotated
stacked curved
geometry
Modified

Resistance with Resistance through Resistance through

Frames Surface Vectors & Form

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

One-way systems
The majority of long span structures are one-way
systems because of simple to arrange, arrayed in
linear manner, easier erect (fewer connections) and
easier to trace loading paths.
Depth can be adjusted by varying span of secondary
members.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
One-way structural systems: Potential spans

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Two-way systems
Two-systems are more efficient in use of materials,
span farther and carry heavier loads than a one-way
system.
If you get the shape /form right, it is an efficient
system that equally distribute loads (no wasted
material thickness).

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Two-systems are usually more complicated to

design, analyze and build because of it has certain
level of redundancy (indeterminacy).
Most two-way systems have a large number of
pieces and connections which adds to fabrication
and erection time.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

The Millennium Egg, London

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Two-way structural systems: Potential spans

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Based on structural activeness long span structures is

as follows:
i. Form active structural systems
ii. Section active structural systems
iii. Surface active structural systems
iv. Vector active structural systems

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

i. Form active structural systems

 are systems of flexible and non-rigid matter in which
the redirection of forces is effected by particular
form.
 Represented by arches that carry only direct stress
and no bending take place.
Examples: Cable structures, Tent structures,
Pneumatic structures, Arch structures
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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Cable structures
Flexible structural component that offers no
resistance when compressed or bent in a curved
shape.
By varying the profile of end members cables can
be made to follow several varieties of curves
Supports tensile load.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Cable structures
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tw Long span 22
 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Umakana Yokana stadium, Japan

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Tent structures
Constitute membranes stretched in frames rigid in
bending or rings rigid in compression.
The flexibility can result in large column-free spans,
unlike conventional roofing systems that require
rigid immediate support.
Subjected to tensile load.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
High points with different heights

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
A tent-structure pavilion in an
open square in Science Park,
Hong Kong

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Pneumatic structures
Air is provided as the bearing systems.
Membrane can support both tension and
compression and thus withstand bending moment.
The possibility of the structures collapsing as a
result of mechanical failure in inflation equipment
or as a result of tears in cover.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Metro Dome, Minnesota, USA

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

National Aquatic Center Water Cube, Beijing, China

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Arch structures
Transfers load around the curved structural form.
Large span will lead to increase in height of the
structure as the ratio of span.

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

ii. Section active structural systems

are systems of rigid, solid and linear elements in
which redirection of forces is effected by
mobilization of sectional forces.
Subjected to bending moment.

Examples
Beam structures, Framed structures, Slab structures

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Slab structures

Beam structures

Frame structures

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

iii. Surface active structural systems

are systems of flexible or rigid planes able to resist
tension, compression or shear in which the
redirection of forces is effected by mobilization of
sectional forces.
Examples: Plate Structures, Folded Structures, Shell
structures and Domes

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Shell structures

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

The Louisiana Superdome, USA – a 580m clear span

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Folded plate structures

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

iv. Vector active structural systems

are systems of short, solid and straight lineal
members in which the redirection of forces is
effected by vector partition i.e. by multi-directional
splitting of single force simply to tension or
compressive elements.
Examples: Flat Trusses, Curved Trusses, Space
Trusses
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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Curved truss systems

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

The Hamburg Airport, UK

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 Classification of Structural systems for long span structures

Bole international Airport, Ethiopia

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Long Span Beams
Beams greater than in span are said to be long span
beams.
Many long span solutions are also well adapted to
facilitate the integration of services without
increasing the overall floor depth.

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Because of the square-cube law, long spans must be
lighter and thus more efficient in shape
(longitudinal) and cross-section (section modulus).
It must be strong enough to carry large loads and
deflection is the controlling design factor.

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 Rectangular beam

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W-shape beam

Long
Castellated beam

Truss

span
Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

King Post truss

44
 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Types of Long Span Beams
 Most common type of long span beams used today
are plate girders and beams with web openings.
 The plate girder (made of welded steel plates to
produce beams deeper than standard rolled shapes
span up to ).
 The popular construction methodology is pre-stressed
concrete structures.
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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Parallel beam

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Castellated beam

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Tapered Girders

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Pre-cast concrete beam

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Long Span Trusses
Truss is a structure that includes one or multiple
triangular units that include straight slender
members with their ends connected via nodes.
Truss members are subjected to essentially axial
forces due to externally applied load.

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Queen post truss

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Queen post truss

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Portal Frames
Portal frames are commonly used to create wide-span
enclosures where a clear space is required
uninterrupted by intermediary columns.
They were originally used because of their structural
efficiency, meaning that large spaces could be
enclosed with little use of materials and for a low
cost.
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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Duo-pitch portal frame

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Portal frame with crane

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses

Multi-span Portal frame

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 Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses


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