SPACE FRAMES SYSTEMS
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
SAEED ANISA AZHARUNNISA SEMESTER - VII
SPACE FRAME
• A space frame is a truss-like, lightweight rigid
structure constructed from interlocking
struts in a geometric pattern.
• It is a structure system assembled of linear
elements so arranged that forces are
transferred in a three-dimensional manner.
• Space frames can be used to span large
areas with few interior supports.
space frame
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HISTORY OF SPACE FRAME
• 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.
• BUCKMINSTER FULLER in the 1950s, Fuller’s
focus was architectural structures and his work
had greater influence.
• American engineer, architect, and futurist who
developed the Geodesic Dome —the only large
dome that can be set directly on the ground as
a complete structure and the only practical kind
of building that has no limiting dimensions.
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A space frame is strong because of :
• Inherent rigidity of the triangle.
• Flexing loads (bending moments) are
transmitted as tension and compression loads
along the length of each strut.
LOAD DISTRIBUTION
Horizontal slab of interlocking square, Pyramids and
Tetrahedral built from aluminium or tubular steel struts.
Stronger form is composed of interlocking
tetrahedral in which all the struts have unit length.
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APPLICATION
• Platform or overhead structure that spans large distances without need for
internal load bearings support.
• Space frames are used mainly due to its great structural potential and visual
beauty.
• New and imaginative applications of space frames are being demonstrated in the
total range of building types, such as:
• Sports arenas
• Exhibition pavilions
• Assembly halls/ Auditoriums
• Airplane hangars
• Workshops and warehouses enclosures
• Shopping Malls
• Commercial and Industrial buildings
• Sky lights
• Petrol pumps
• Canopies
• Traffic signs
• Pools
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SALIENT FEATURES
Enormous spanning
capability
Light weight
High aesthetics
High resale value
Higher safety factor
Entrance canopies, Luxury homes, Museums, Theme parks
& in building where visual impact is desired. Extension with additional
unit
Free forms
All service lines run
through frame
Suit irregular support or
plane geometry
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COMPONENTS OF SPACE FRAME
Consists of axial members : Tubes Circular Hollow Sections
Rectangular Hollow Sections
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TYPES OF SPACE FRAME
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TYPES OF SPACE FRAME
ACCORDING TO THE CURVATURE
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TYPES OF SPACE FRAME
FLAT COVER SPHERICAL DOME
SPHERICAL DOME
BARREL VAULT
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CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO NUMBER OF GRID LAYERS
a) Single Layer Grid:
• All Elements are placed on
the surface approximately.
b) Double Layer Grid:
• They are commonly used
space frame.
• Elements are organized in
two parallel layers with
each other at certain
distance apart.
• The diagonals bars
connecting the nodes of
both layers in different
directions.
c) Triple Layer Grid:
• Placed in three parallel lines, linked by the diagonals.
• Almost always flat.
• They are mostly used for larger span building.
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Single Layer Grid
Double Layer Grid
Triple Layer Grid
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CONNECTORS
Members are fixed using connectors different types of connectors are:
NODUS CONNECTOR
TRIODETIC CONNECTOR
TUBALL NODE CONNECTOR
HEMISPHERICAL DOME CONNECTOR
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.
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NODUS CONNECTOR
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TRIODETIC CONNECTOR
Consists of a hub, usually an aluminium extrusion, with slots or key ways.
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TUBALL 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.
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TUBALL NODE CONNECTOR
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HEMISPHERICAL DOME CONNECTOR:
• Usually used for double
layer domes.
• Can be adopted for
spans more than 40m.
• More economical for
long spans.
• The jointing is connect
by slitting the end of
the tube or rod with the
joint fin.
• Two types of joint:
pentagonal joint and
hexagonal joint.
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SPACE FRAME COMPONENTS
CONNECTIONS
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BOLTED CONNECTION
WELDED CONNECTION
THREADED CONNECTION
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CALCULATION OF DEPTH OF SPACE FRAME
For analysis of a double layer grid, it is important to determine the depth and the
module size.
The depth is the distance between the top and bottom layers.
The module is the distance between two joints in the layer of the grid.
It plays an important role on the economy of the roof design.
The factors influencing these parameters are:
• Type of double layer grid
• Span between the supports
• Roof cladding
The depth and module size are
mutually dependent which is
related by the permissible
angle between the centre line
of web members and the
plane of the top and bottom
chord members.
SAEED ANISA AZHARUNNISA SEMESTER - VII
METHOD OF ERECTION OF SPACE FRAME
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METHOD OF ERECTION OF SPACE FRAME
The method chosen for erection of a space frame depends on:
• Its behaviour 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.
METHODS
SCAFFOLD BLOCK ASSEMBLY
METHOD LIFTING METHOD
METHOD
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SCAFFOLD METHOD LIFTING METHOD
BLOCK ASSEMBLY METHOD
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ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Light
• Elegant & Economical • One major disadvantage
• Carry load by three dimensional is that they can be
action difficult to engineer.
• High Inherent Stiffness • It's not straightforward to
• Easy to construct determine how forces will
• Save Construction Time & Cost distribute
• Services (such as lighting and air • throughout a structure
conditioning)can be integrated with that has a lot of
space frames redundant pieces
• Space frames are advantageous
compared to other common
structures by their; light weight,
mass production, stiffness, and
versatility.
• Offer the architect unrestricted
freedom in locating supports and
planning the sub division of the
covered space.
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SAN SIRO STADIUM, MILAN
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PRAGATI MAIDAN- NEW DELHI
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INDIA HABITAT CENTRE - NEW DELHI
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SAEED ANISA AZHARUNNISA SEMESTER - VII
