Advantages and forms of space frame structure

OVERVIEW

Used primarily in structural engineering or architecture, space frames (also known as 3D trusses or space structures) are rigid structures with a truss-like composition consisting of several columns interlocked in a geometric pattern.

One of the greatest advantages of the space structure is its strength, which allows the creation of large areas – industrial buildings, stadiums, airports, etc. – with little or no internal support structure. This is possible thanks to the inherent stiffness of the spaceframe as a whole – it is somewhat similar to a regular truss.

Spaceframe components and use cases

A classic space frame structure usually consists of several different elements, depending on its type. The most important components of a space frame structure are the axial members or tubes. These tubes can also have hollow sections that are used to connect the tubes to each other.

There are also joints or connectors that serve as a means of forming a space frame structure from a single element. There are four main types of connectors- hemispherical domes, tubular nodes, triodes, and nodules.

Although they are not as widely used and popular as regular steel frames, there are still many different use cases for space frame structures (mainly for large buildings without columns on the inside), such as: museums; atriums; factories; warehouses; shopping centers; conference halls; stadiums; auditoriums; swimming pools; airports; etc.

Advantages and Problems of Space Frames

As a structural type, spaceframe is surprisingly effective in its own niche, offering a number of different advantages, such as: relatively low weight; because spaceframe members are easy to stack, the transportation costs for this structural type are quite low, and the overall transportation process is relatively easy; as a whole, it is probably the most suitable framing type for frames with unusual or unusual shapes in their design; it also has the highest seismic mobility compared to other frame types; the structure as a whole also has the highest seismic activity; the overall weight of the structure is evenly distributed, and there is generally no single weak link; this is the preferred structure type for most large buildings, as we have mentioned before; it offers an unprecedented ability to cover a large amount of ground under one structure, with no internal bracing and a relatively low height; and the monolithic nature of prefabrication and spaceframe nature makes it easy to install once all elements are on site.

However, it is fair to note that there are also some drawbacks to the use of spaceframe structures – most notably:

The level of precision required when assembling a space frame structure is quite high and sometimes requires special machinery to perform it completely, such as a heavy duty crane;

There is a limit to the height of a space frame structure without proper reinforcement and external bracing, and even the presence of reinforced concrete as a datum places a 40-foot limit on the height of a space frame structure.

Conclusion.

While spaceframe is not a new version of architectural structure, it has its own use cases and tons of advantages. It’s true that it’s hard to imagine spaceframe being used for something more mundane, such as a residential structure, but that’s one of the biggest advantages of spaceframe as a whole – more freedom for architects to think creatively and express themselves artistically.