S PA C E F R A M E

STRUCTURE
G R O U P A 1

S H A L I N

A J A Y

V A I S H N A V I

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 INTRODUCTION

SPACE FRAME STRUCTURE

• A space frame is a truss-like, trivial stuff structure built
from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. They are a
common feature in modern building construction.
• The main advantage of Space Frames over PEB is that it
uses a multi-span and is often used to meet a longer
span with few supports.
• They are strong due to the characteristic rigidity of the
triangular frame; Flexing loads (bending moments) are
transmitted along the length of each strut in the form
of tension and compression loads.
• Space Frames are built from correlated members and nodes.
The members and nodes are connected by bolts.The size of
the members, nodes, and high tensile bolts are determined
by the structural design. Space frame building is a new
alternative to pre-engineered building systems. 
• SFBS are extremely rigid and stable compared to any other
existing structural systems. It is widely used in all
international air terminals.

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COMPONENTS

• Axial members known as tubes form the key Me

mb
components of this type of structure. ers
• These tubes can have circular hollow sections or
rectangular hollow sections which can be connected to each
other using connectors.
• There are four main types of connectors, namely tubal node
connectors, nodus connectors, triode tic
connectors, and hemispherical dome connectors.
• The type of connecter used in this type of structure depends
on the type of tubes as well as the total design
and robustness requirements of the structure. J o i n t s

• All of the above features combine to make space frame

structures extremely lightweight, elegant, and economical.
They offer greater flexibility in terms of integrating various
lifestyle features within the structure in a highly intuitive,
smart, and hassle-free manner.

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CONNECTIONS

• Space frames are typically designed

using a rigidity matrix. The special
characteristic of the stiffness
matrix in an architectural space
frame is the independence of the
angular factors.
• If the joints are sufficiently rigid,
the angular deflections can be
neglected, simplifying the
calculations.
• The simplest form of the space
frame is a horizontal slab of
interlocking square pyramids and
tetrahedra built from aluminum or
tubular steel struts.

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CONNECTIONS

Geometrical Analysis

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TUBES AND CONNECTORS

Connectors
Tubal Node Connector
• A hollow sphere made of spheroidal
graphite.
• The end of the circular hollow section
member to be connected is fitted at its
ends by welding.
Rectangular Hollow Sections • Connection from inside the cup is using
bolt and nut.

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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CONNECTORS

Connectors
Triodetic Connector
• It consists of a hub, usually an aluminium
extrusion, that has slots or key-ways, which
the ends of members are pressed or coined to
match the slot.
Hemispherical Dome
• Connector Usually use for double layer
domes.
• Has a span more than 40m. More economical
for long span.
• The jointing is connected by sliting the end of
the tube or rod with the joint fin.
Triodetic Connector
• There are 2 types of joint, pentagonal joint
and hexagonal joint.

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TYPES OF FRAME STRUCTURE

Types of Space Frame Structure

There are various types of space frames classified into different types

According to Curvature According to Numbers of Grid Layers

 Flat Covers  Single Layer

 Barrel Vaults  Double Layer

 Spherical Domes  Triple Layer

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TYPES OF FRAME STRUCTURE

According to Curvature

1. Flat Covers
• Spatial Structures Made of Planar Substructures
• The planes are transmitted through the horizontal
bars and The shear forces are supported by the
diagonals.
• 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.

2. Barrel Vaults
• It has a cross section of simple arc
• 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.

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TYPES OF FRAME STRUCTURE

3. Spherical Domes
• Spherical domes are
made of an intricate
network of steel
sections.
• Typically, the use
of tetrahedral
modules or pyramids a
nd additional supports
are required from the
skin.
• All elements are in
one single layer.
Require the use of
tetrahedral modules or
pyramids and additional
support from a skin.

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TYPES OF FRAME STRUCTURE

According to Numbers of Grid Layers
1. Single Layer
• All elements are in one single layer and All elements are
located on the surface approximately.
2. Triple layer
• Placed in three parallel lines connected by diagonals. They are
mostly used for large spans.
• Elements are placed in three parallel layers, linked by the
diagonals. They are almost always flat. Practically used for a
larger span building
3. Double Layer
• They usually use space frames. The elements are arranged in
two parallel layers at a fixed distance from each other.
• Diagonal bars linking nodes of both layers in different
directions. Commonly used spaceframes are double layered and
flat.
• Elements are organized in two parallel layers with each other at
a certain distance apart.

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APPLICATIONS

Following are some listed applications of space Frame Structure,

• Space frames are a common feature in current construction often found in

large commercial and industrial buildings with modern roofs with minimal support.

• They are commonly used for the construction of aircraft hangars, factories, cinema balls, exhibition
halls, airports, and umbrellas.

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ADVANTAGES
• Space frame structures are easy for transportation, handle, and stack.

• It offers adjustable cambering features.

• Very easy to install on-site due to fast installation or prefabricated components.

• It does not require purlins and more suitable for structures that have irregular plan shapes and sites.Also,
suitable for a structure that has a large span.

• It provides a column-free explicit word. It provides a big spawn at low altitudes. It provides minimum
deflection.

• The space frame structure also has maximum seismicity. It has an excellent span-to-depth ratio. It
provides low transportation costs.

• It is lightweight and structurally effective.Concentrated loads are distributed evenly throughout the

structure.It has very good acoustic properties.

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DISADVANTAGES

• When reinforced concrete has used the construction of a space frame structure is limited to 40 feet.

• Space frames that span a three-dimensional plate structure are based on the rigidity of the triangle and are
composed of linear elements that are usually only subjected to axial tension or compression.

• Even though there are some connections that are comparatively rigid joints due to bending or torsion effects
that is insignificant.

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