1.

0 INTRODUCTION

Space frame is a truss-like, lightweight rigid structure which 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; flexible loads (bending moments) are
transmitted as tension and compression loads along the length of each strut.
Space frame is a three-dimensional structural framework which is designed to
behave as an integral unit and to withstand loads applied at any point. Some of
the advantages of space frame are it systems are lighter than traditional steel and
reinforced concrete structures thus economy in foundation costs, useful for the
earthquake areas, good aesthetic appearance, provides various alternative
solutions in architectural areas for complex geometrical shapes and so on.

2.0 OBJECTIVE
To varift member forces obtain from experiment with tension coefficient
method

3.0 LEARNING OUTCOME

3.1 Application of theoretical engineering knowledge through practical
application
3.2 To enhance the technical competency in structural engineering through
laboratory application.
3.3 Communicate effectively in group.
3.4 To identify problem, solving and finding out appropriate solution through
laboratory application.
4.0 THEORY

If the members of a truss system is situated not in a two dimensional plane,

then the truss is defined as a space frame truss. In other words, space truss
has components in three axis i.e. x, y and z.

Consider a member with nodeA (xA,yA) and B (xB,yB).

B(xB,yB)

TAB Ө

A(xA,yA

Assume the force in the member is TAB (+ve tension) and length LAB

Definition of tension coefficient (t), tAB = TAB / LAB

At A, the horizontal component TAB is:

TABcosӨ = tABLABcosӨ / LAB = tABLAB (xB-XA)

= tAB (xB-xA)

Used the same method, the vertical component at A is:

= tAB(yB – yA)

At B, the horizontal component TAB = tAB(xA-xB)

Vertical component TAB=tAB(yA-yB)

Using statics, write the equation for each joint using the coordinate value and
solve for t. Convert it into force using:

TAB= tABLAB = tAB √ (xB-xA)2 + (yB-yA)2

5.0 APPARATUS
5.1 Space Frame Apparatus
5.2 Load hanger
5.3 Weight (5N each)
5.4 Dynamometer
5.5 Steel ruler

6.0 PROCEDURE

Part 1:

1. A weight of 15N was selected from the weight between 10

to 50 N.
2. The distance a = 500mm was ensured and the load hanger
was placed on D.
3. The distance b,c dan d were measured and recorded in Table
1.
4. The dynamometer readings for members S1, S2 dan S3 were
recorded.
5. The selected load was put on the hanger at D and the
dynamometer readings for members S1, S2 dan S3 were
recorded.
6. Steps (2) to (4) were repeated with different value of a.
7. The theoretical member forces were calculated and recorded in
Table 1
 z
y
S2
x
S1
a D

w
S3
c

Part 2:

1. For part 2, a distance of 350 mm for a was used.

2. The hanger was placed on D.
3. The distance b, c and d were measured. The dynamometer
readings for member S1, S2 and S3 were recorded in Table 2.
4. A load of 5N was put on the hanger and the dynamometer
readings were recorded.
5. Steps (2) to (4) were repeated using different load.
6. Table 2 was completed by calculating the theoretical member
value.

The graph of force against load for the theoretical and experimental results was plotted.
7.0 CALCULATION

i. Experimental Calculation
For a = 500
S = loaded – unloaded

S1 = 4.3 – 0.7
= 3.6

S2 = 5.3 – 1.2
= 3.3

S3 = 7.2 – 1.7
= 6.0
ii. Theoretical Calculation

Lx = b
Ly = d/2 (for s1 and s2)
Lz = a – c (for s1 and s2)
F=Lxt
L = √Lx2 + Ly2 + Lz2

Part 1: Load = 5N (constant)

1. a = 500mm, b = 419mm, c = 337mm, d = 367mm
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) t Force(N) Remark
S1 419 184 163 485.78 0.014 6.8 Tension
S2 419 -184 163 485.78 0.014 6.8 Tension
S3 419 0 337 537.71 -0.029 -15.59 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 419ts1 + 419ts2 + 419ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 - 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 163ts1 + 163ts2 + 337ts3 = -5

By using calculator, Theoretical forces,

ts1 = 0.014 S1 = 6.8N
ts2 = 0.014 S2 = 6.8N
ts3 = -0.029 S3 = -15.59N
2. a = 400mm, b = 425mm, c = 272mm, d = 367mm
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) t Force(N) Remark
S1 425 183.5 128 480.29 0.017 8.16 Tension
S2 425 -183.5 128 480.29 0.017 8.16 Tension
S3 425 0 272 504.51 -0.035 -17.66 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 425ts1 + 425ts2 + 425ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 183.5ts1 – 183.5ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 128ts1 + 128ts2 + 272ts3 = -5

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.017 S1 = 8.16N
ts2 = 0.017 S2 = 8.16N
ts3 = -0.017 S3 = -17.66N

3. a = 300mm, b = 455mm, c = 246mm, d = 367mm

Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) T Force(N) Remark
S1 455 184 54 493.76 0.013 6.42 Tension
S2 455 -184 54 493.76 0.013 6.42 Tension
S3 455 0 246 517.24 -0.026 -13.44 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 455ts1 + 455ts2 + 455ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 54ts1 + 54ts2 + 246ts3 = -5

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.013 S1 = 6.42
ts2 =0.013 S2 = 6.42
ts3 = 0.026 S3 = -13.44
4. a = 200mm, b = 475mm, c = 236mm, d = 367mm
 Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) t Force(N) Remark
S1 475 184 -36 510.66 0.009 4.6 Tension
S2 475 -184 -36 510.66 0.009 4.6 Tension
S3 475 0 236 530.40 -0.018 -0.018 compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 475ts1 + 475ts2 + 475ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, -36ts1 - 36ts2 + 236ts3 = -5

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.009 S1 = 4.6
ts2 = 0.009 S2 = 4.6
ts3 =-0.018 S3 = -36

Part 2:
Dimension a = 350mm, b = 455mm, c = 274mm, d = 367mm
1. Load = 5N
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) T Force(N) Remark
S1 455 184 76 496.49 0.013 6.45 Tension
S2 455 -184 76 496.49 0.013 6.45 Tension
S3 455 0 274 531.13 -0.025 -13.28 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 455ts1 + 455ts2 + 455ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 76ts1 + 76ts2 + 274ts3 = -5

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.013 S1 = 6.45
ts2 = 0.013 S2 = 6.45
ts3 =-0.025 S3 = -13.28
2. Load = 10N
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) T Force(N) Remark
S1 455 184 76 496.49 0.025 12.41 Tension
S2 455 -184 76 496.49 0.025 12.41 Tension
S3 455 0 274 531.13 -0.051 -27.09 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 455ts1 + 455ts2 + 455ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 76ts1 + 76ts2 + 274ts3 = -10

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.025 S1 = 12.41
ts2 = 0.025 S2 = 12.41
ts3 =-0.051 S3 = -27.09

3. Load = 15N
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) T Force(N) Remark
S1 455 184 76 496.49 0.038 18.87 Tension
S2 455 -184 76 496.49 0.038 18.87 Tension
S3 455 0 274 531.13 -0.076 -40.37 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 455ts1 + 455ts2 + 455ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 76ts1 + 76ts2 + 274ts3 = -15

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.038 S1 = 18.87
ts2 = 0.038 S2 = 18.87
ts3 =-0.076 S3 = -40.37
4. Load = 20N
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) t Force(N) Remark
S1 455 184 76 496.49 0.050 24.83 Tension
S2 455 -184 76 496.49 0.050 24.83 Tension
S3 455 0 274 531.13 -0.101 -53.64 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 455ts1 + 455ts2 + 455ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 76ts1 + 76ts2 + 274ts3 = -20

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.050 S1 = 24.83
ts2 = 0.050 S2 = 24.83
ts3 =-0.101 S3 = -53.64

5. Load = 25N
Member Lx Ly Lz L(mm) t Force(N) Remark
S1 455 184 76 496.49 0.063 31.28 Tension
S2 455 -184 76 496.49 0.063 31.28 Tension
S3 455 0 274 531.13 -0.126 -66.92 Compression
Force(N) 0 0 -5 - - - -

∑Fx = 0, 455ts1 + 455ts2 + 455ts3 = 0

∑Fy = 0, 184ts1 – 184ts2 = 0
∑Fz = 0, 76ts1 + 76ts2 + 274ts3 = -25

By using calculator, Theoritical forces,

ts1 = 0.063 S1 = 31.28
ts2 = 0.063 S2 = 31.28
ts3 =-0.126 S3 = -66.9
8.0 RESULT

Dimension (mm) Dynamometer Reading Force (N)

a b c d S1 S2 S3 Experimental Theory
Unloaded Loaded Unloaded Loaded unloaded Loaded S1 S2 S3 S1 S2 S3
500 430 292 420 0.4 -7.8 -7.4 -16.1 9.1 24.5 -8.2 -8.7 15.4 46.44 46.44 -93.04
400 460 252 420 0 -10.6 -7.9 -18.5 10.1 29.6 -10.6 -10.6 19.5 37.94 37.94 -75.53
300 480 185 420 -0.9 -15.4 -8.7 -23.1 12.0 38.5 -14.5 -14.4 26.5 57.39 57.39 -110.09
200 497 136 420 -3.2 -26.0 -10.6 -33.0 16.1 57.8 -22.8 -22.4 41.7 56.51 56.51 -107.18

Load = 15N
 Dynamometer Reading Force (N)
Load
S1 S2 S3 Experimental Theory
(N)
Unloaded Loaded Unloaded Loaded Unloaded Loaded S1 S2 S3 S1 S2 S3
5 -0.4 -5 -8.2 -12.8 10.9 19.4 -4.6 -4.6 8.5 12.16 12.16 -23.55
10 -0.4 -8.9 -8.2 -16.6 10.9 26.4 -8.5 -8.4 15.5 11.64 11.64 -23.05
15 -0.4 -12.7 -8.2 -20.5 10.9 33.4 -12.3 -12.3 22.5 35.94 35.94 -71.16
20 -0.4 -16.6 -8.2 -24.4 10.9 40.5 -16.2 -16.2 29.6 48.10 48.10 -95.23
25 -0.4 -20.4 -8.2 -28.2 10.9 47.4 -20 -20 36.5 60.26 60.26 -119.83

Dimension a = 350 mm

Dimension b = 470 mm

Dimension c = 230 mm

Dimension d = 420 mm
9.0 DISCUSSION

According to the graphs, the result in graph 1 and graph 2 are almost the same where there is just a little difference in the experimental values.
Meanwhile, the theory forces for S3 are in negative values which indicate that the forces are compression force and the negative sign is ignored
when plotting the graph. Based on the three graphs that been plotted, we can observe that the force is directly proportional to the applied load.
When the load increased, the force in each member also increased.

The discrepancy in the results might due to mistakes and errors such as parallax errors and carelessness during the experiment. Besides that, the
condition of the apparatus also may cause the discrepancy in the results such that the space frame apparatus is used for many times might affects
the accuracy and the dynamometer is not well calibrated.

10.0 CONCLUSION

Based on the results, we are able to verify member forces with tension coefficient method and can conclude that the force in all members is
directly proportional to the applied load. In addition, the accuracy of the results could be improved with better equipment.

11.0 REFERENCE

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_frame

http://www.scribd.com/doc/27381847/Space-Full-Report
http://www.uzkom.com.tr/e_t1.asp

http://citadelarch.com/new%20pdf/Space%20frame-08.pdf