Characteristics of Space Frame Structure

Space frame is a new type of roof bearing structure, which multiple statically indeterminate spatial structure systems. Space frame structure is a space structure made of multiple rods connected by bolt ball/welded ball according to some regular geometry.It can bear concentrated load, dynamic load and asymmetric load, and has good seismic performance.Widely used in Stadiums Roof, Theaters, Exhibition Halls, Coal Storage shed, Industrial Plant,Shopping Hall Skylight Glass Roof, Stands Awning, Airplane Hangars and other occasions.

Formal characteristics of space frame structure：

1. Divided according to the form of the unit body, can be divided into triangular cone, quadrangular cone (commonly used) and hexagonal cone space frame；
2. Divided according to the number of chords layers, usually divided into single-layer, double-layer, three-layer, multi-layer and evacuated space frame；
3. Divided according to the support situation, there are peripheral support, point support, peripheral support and point support mixed and other forms；
4. Double-layer space frame is a space structure composed of upper chord, lower chord and web, which is the most commonly used form of mesh frame；
5. Three-story space frame is a space structure composed of upper chord, middle chord, lower chord, upper web bar and lower web bar；
6. When the span of space frame is large, the amount of steel used for three-layer mesh frame is less than that of double-layer mesh frame. However, due to the increase in the number of nodes and rods, especially in the middle nodes are connected to more rods, making the structure complex, the cost has increased；
7. The three main parts that affect the project cost are: nodes, cones and grids.

Merits/Advantages

1. Large Span. Span can be more than 100 meters;
2. Standardize. All the components can be mass-produced in the factory, the quality is easy to guarantee;
3. Because of the interaction between the members of the space frame structure, it has good integrality, large space stiffness and a very stable structure.
4. Lightweight. The space frame structure transfers the load by the axial force of the member, the material strength is fully utilized, not only saves the steel but also reduces the self-weight. In a good space frame design, the amount of steel used is close to that of reinforced concrete structures under the same conditions, so it can save a lot of concrete, can reduce the weight by 70-80%, compared with ordinary steel structure, can save 20-50% steel material ;
5. Good earthquake resistance. Because the weight of the space frames is light, the seismic force is small, the steel has good extensibility, can absorb a lot of seismic energy, the space stiffness of space frame is large, the structure is stable and can not collapse, so it has excellent seismic performance;
6. The Height of the space frame structure is small, Space can be used efficiently.The height-span ratio of common steel structure is 1/8 ~ 1/10, while that of space truss structure is 1/14 ~ 1/20, which can reduce the building height
7. Build fast. The components of the space grid structure, with the same size and shape, can be produced in batches in factories, and with good quality, high efficiency, and do not complete site space with the civil construction site, so the site workload is small and the construction period is shortened;
8. Diversified shapes and beautiful appearance/Look great in a variety of ways. It can cover a variety of shapes plane but also can be designed into a variety of body shapes, beautiful shape generous.

DISADVANTAGES

The number of pipes converging on the node is large, and the fabrication and installation are more complicated than the plane structure.

These are the features and advantages and disadvantages of space frame construction. If you have more confusion and questions about steel structure or space frame, you can contact me on the right side. Of course, our professional engineers will also help you with project quotation and guidance.