Space Frame Types

Space frame structures can turn complex buildings into architectural marvels. These structures distribute weight evenly, making them perfect for covering large spaces without bulky middle supports.

Our article will discuss space frame types, their components, advantages, and disadvantages, showing you why they are a preferred choice in modern design.

• What is space frame structure? 

The space frame is a 3-dimensional truss (also called a space truss) that utilizes a network called an isotropic vector matrix fit together that forms interlocking triangles to create lightweight and strong structures. The integrity of this space frame design is due to the geometric pattern strength of the triangular shape, which is considered the strongest shape in structural building. The triangular design spreads the weight across the triangle parts of the framework so it creates space frame structures that defy size, space, gravity, and provides a strong base that supports the building to withstand tremendous pressure.

Space frame structures examples are chosen in buildings that have large areas with few interior supports. Space frames have a wide range of applications, as found in airports, towers, stadiums, and swimming pools.

• Components of the space frame:

Space frames are well-known for their durability and strength due to the interconnected components like puzzle pieces that work together, so they’re suitable for various applications.

Some of these components are:

• • Struts: are straight and powerful bars in the space frames that are connected at different points that distribute the weight equally to all those points.
  • Nodes, or hubs: are the connection points of struts that can be bolted or welded to carry loads.
  • Spherical Balls: these balls help the connection of struts at nodes to get together in a firm way.
  • Chords: the chords spread along the outer edges of space frames to can handle being pulled and pushed as weight moves across the structure.

• Bolts and Connectors: holding all the components tight, and bolting the connectors join struts at nodes securely.

• • Diagonals: they are like rubber bands that keep the components wrapped tightly by going across space frames diagonally.

• Purlins: they are like metal or glass sheets that lie on the top of the structure to give support to all the components that cover it.

• Bracing: helps the parts from twisting out of their shape by giving extra support when facing heavy loads or during bad weather.

• Space frame types:

Space frames are found in various configurations; each design’s scope is capitalizing on the stability of the system’s inherent geometry and accommodating the requirements of diverse architectural.

The types of space frame structure range from expansive plane covers to intricate three-dimensional grids, so they can adapt to multiple uses by altering their spatial composition.

There are the most common 6 types of space frames: 

1. Space Plane Covers:

• Space plane covers have a strong and light design that can handle loads; this type is chosen for creating big spaces without lots of columns or walls in the middle that cover large areas.
• Space Plane Covers are suited for withstand harsh weather like wind and snow.
• These frames can be found on buildings, sports arenas, and museums.

1. Barrel Vaults:

• Barrel vaults are used as stretched arches that connect to each other and create a tunnel shape.
• They are chosen for big spaces that have no middle support due to their strength and ability to control heavy weights well.
• Barrel vaults are used in buildings that last for ages, like old cathedrals and fancy homes.
• Architects are preferring using them because they can alter a simple hallway into an amazing walkway.

1. Spherical Domes:

• Spherical domes are structures that consist of a network of triangles. These triangles form a strong and lightweight dome shape.
• Geodesic domes are a special kind of spherical dome that is known for its strength and is suited for light buildings.
• Architectural applications of this type are used to convert a space frame integrated into a modern building’s design.
• The Eden Project in England is one of the famous buildings that shows spherical dome designs.

1. Single Layer Grid:

• Single-layer grids consist of struts that bind together in shapes to give strength to the structure. This kind of space frame is used for big flat roofs or floors with no need of underneath supports.

1. Double-Layer Grid:

• Double-layer grids show a more complex structure than single-layer grids; they are made up of two parallel layers connected by other elements such as steel tubes or rods that give them strength to cover large spaces with no support in the middle, handle heavy loads, and resist the force of wind or earthquakes.
• Double-layer grids are found in big buildings and roofs.

1. Triple Layer Grid:

• Triple-layer grids are forming as double-layer grids, but the difference is having three sets of parallel bars that form a strong pattern like a sandwich with one grid on top, bottom, and the third in the middle.
• These layers are connected by other bars going up and down to handle loads from many directions to give the buildings stability without internal supports like columns or walls.
• Triple-layer grids let architects use it in complex shapes and big roofs.

Frame structure:

What is frame structure?

A framed structure is consisting of several interconnected elements, columns, and beams, repeated both horizontally and vertically to play a crucial role in ensuring the overall stability and functionality of the system.

• The column, defined as a vertical load-bearing element, distributes loads from the superstructure to the foundation, facing vertical and horizontal loads, normal stress, deflection, or bending compression.
• The beam, similar to the column but with larger dimensions, is geometrically defined as horizontal plane or inclined structural elements that transfer loads onto columns; beams can be primary or secondary, with different lightweight sections such as box beams and lattice beams (rectangular or I, T, L, C, H profiles, etc.), in order to reduce weight and optimize material usage according to the stresses.

• Space frame advantages:

• Space frames are like a super-strong web that can adapt with weight, even with their lightweight nature.
• They have strength parts that withstand when heavy loads are on top, so they’re great for large buildings.
• Adaptability according to different design requirements by adjusting the size, shape, and material of the components.
• Flexibility that gives the structures many shapes, not just squares and rectangles.
• Providing faster construction times because it’s building with putting blocks together as they come prefabricated.
• Easier to be moved around if needed due to their small parts, so it can be easily disassembled and reassembled, which is conducive to later maintenance, upgrading, and remodeling.
• Their good bending supports design freedom and helps in making curvy shapes or arches.
• Using less concrete or steel versus traditional buildings provides lower carbon waste, which helps Earth breathe easier.

• Space frame disadvantages:

However, the structure of the space frame also faces a number of challenges, such as:

• High machining accuracy requirements: as it is necessary to have high precision machining, especially in large buildings and bridges, to ensure the stability and safety of the structure.
• High technical requirements: it requires a certain level of skill and experience as in the processes of cutting, bending, and welding of steel pipes, as well as structural analysis, design, and testing capabilities, to handle a wide range of complex structural and design requirements and to ensure the safety and stability of space frame structures.
• Higher costs: it has higher material costs compared to traditional concrete structures. the overall cost will be higher. steel and other metal materials, the processing and manufacturing process, and the and the installation and construction processes are relatively complex and require more investment in manpower and mechanical equipment.
• Anti-corrosion and difficult maintenance: as it is usually facing open-air environments, it is more susceptible to oxidation and corrosion. Therefore, anti-corrosion measures such as coating treatment and anti-rust treatment for space frame structures are very important. In addition, space frame structures are hollow inside; the hidden parts are difficult to maintain, so maintenance and inspection are needed regularly to ensure the safety and reliability of the structure.

• FAQs

• What are the differences between a space frame and a space structure?

Space frame and space structure have the same design. The space frame design utilizes the strength of triangle design in spread loads to create space frame structures.

1. Why do engineers prefer using space trusses?

Engineers prefer space trusses due to their ability to handle loads from different directions.

This gives the structure the stability and strength it needed.

1. Can you mention famous case studies and models of space frames?

• Airports and sports stadiums where a lot of open space under the roof were found.
• The Stansted Airport, its roof seems to float above you.
• Car designs like the Maserati Tipo 61 that was famous for its tubular space frame chassis that made it light and strong.
• Eden Project, Cornwall, England
• Sochi International Airport—Sochi, Russia
• Palau Sant Jordi, Barcelona, Spain
• Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan

1. What are the benefits to using prefabrication with space frames?

Providing faster construction times because it allows parts to be made offsite and then it can fit onsite by putting blocks together easily.

• What materials are commonly used for the space frame system?

Common materials used in space frame systems are steel tubes for rigidity matrix applications or reinforced concrete for tensile strength due to load-bearing requirements.