Space Frame System – Components, Types, Purpose, Applications, Limitations, Design, Advantages and Disadvantages

Space frames are also known as Structure frames or 3D frames. A Space Frame is a three-dimensional structure. These frames are assembled in linear elements arranged to transfer the structure’s load. These frames are designed with no intermediate columns to create large open spaces.

Space frames are designed typically by using a rigidity matrix. In these frames, if the joints are perfectly rigid, the angular deflection can be neglected for simplifying the calculation.

What is Space Frame?

Space frames are truss like rigid lightweight structures constructed in geometric patterns from interlocking struts. Space frames are used over large spans with less interior supports.

Components of Space Frame System

Main components of Space frames are:

1. Linear member
2. Joints

1. Linear members

These members can resist tension and compression of circular and rectangular sections.

2. Joints

These members are used to connect tube or pipe pieces of the space frames.

Also read : Load Bearing Structure

What is the purpose of a space frame?

Space frames can be used for the long span with less or without interior supports. These structures have the combination of beams, columns and slabs to resist the gravity and lateral loads. Like truss, space frames are also strong due to the intrinsic rigidity of triangle.

Applications of Space Frame Structure

Space frames structures are:

1. Commercial and Industrial Buildings
2. Conference Hall
3. Auditorium
4. Warehouse
5. Skylights
6. Shopping Malls
7. Airports
8. Toll Boots
9. Exhibition Centre
10. Sports Stadium

Advantages of Space Frame Structure

Advantages of Space Frame Structure are as follows:

1. Space frames are light in weight and due to light weight these frames structures provides the most precise load distribution in the structure
2. Space frame building are very manageable and highly portable.
3. Space frames are preferred mostly for large buildings.
4. These frame structures have highest seismicity as compared to other types of truss frames.
5. These frames are very elegant and also very economical.
6. These frames carry load by three dimensional action.
7. Space frames are easy to construct.
8. Space frames saves time and cost both in very effective manner.
9. Services in structure such as electricity, air conditioning, lightings etc. can be integrated with these space frames.
10. These frames have durable structure.
11. These frames also have protective finishing.
12. These frames are easy to install and handle.
13. Space frames connections can be made by welding, bolting or threading.
14. These frames constructions utilize three main methods for erection – Scaffolding method, Block assembly method, Lift up method.

Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure

Disadvantages of Space Frame Structure are as follows:

1. Prefabrication of the these types of frames is very expensive
2. Prefabricated material can get leaks from the joints of the space frames
3. Large and heavy prefabricated parts needs heavy duty cranes, proper handling and measurements.

Design Analysis of a Space Frame Structure

Generally space frames are designed by rigidity matrix. As architectural space frames are independent to the angular factors of the structure. If the joints of the space frames are perfectly rigid then the angular deflection in the structure are neglected for the simplification of the calculations.

The easiest and simplest form of space frames are horizontal slab from tubular steel of interlocking squares. It is connected in such a way that it looks wider and used over the large span.

These frames are commonly used in modern constructions.

Limitations of Space Frame Structure

1. Prefabrication of the these types of frames is very expensive
2. Prefabricated material can get leaks from the joints of the space frames
3. Large and heavy prefabricated parts needs heavy duty cranes, proper handling and measurements.

Types of Space Frame Structure

Spaces frames are different types. Some of them are discussed below:

1. Barrel Vault

These types of space frames does not need any kind of extra support but have interior cross sections as a internal support.

2. Double Layer Grid

In these types of space frames two layers of elements are arranged in such a way that they are parallel to each other and also are diagonally connected to each other.

3. Flat Cover

In these types of space frames multiple planar elements are used as a substructure. Each and every element of the structure is supported diagonally and uniform weight distribution over the horizontal slab.

4. Single layer Grid

In these types of space frames elements are arranged in single layer and are parallel to each other and connected diagonally.

5. Spherical Domes

These types are one of the complex shapes of the space frames. These types of frames requires so many extra support from the outside of the structure or sometimes pyramid shaped modules are used.

6. Triple Layer Grid

These types of frames has three layered elements arranged in such a way that they are parallel to each other . Also these are connected diagonally to each other and the structure created are almost flat.

Space Frame Structure Examples

1. Eden Project – Cornwall, England

Eden Project, Cornwall, England is the example of space frames structure. It is a multiple greenhouse complex. It is located at St. Blazey, Cornwall, England, UK.

This project covers 15 hectares of land. This project was envisaged by Tim Smit and Jonathan Balls and designed by Grimshaw Architects. This projects takes 2.5 years for completion.

2. Sochi International Airport – Sochi, Russia

Sochi Airport’s infrastructure is made up of space frames. It is one of the best and largest airports in Russia. This airport is certified for its best suitability of international flights by the Aviation Register of the MAC.

This airport has two artificial runways with its taxiways network. It’s building has 3 floors with total area of 62,000 squares meter.

3. McCormick Place East – Chicago, US

McCormick Place is the largest conference centre in North America. Many meetings and trade shows are hosted here. It’s building is also constructed by the space frames to get wider area.

4. Arena das Dunas – Natal, Brazil

Arena das Dunas is the football stadium at Natal, Brazil. This building is beautifully designed and constructed by space frames.

Also Read: Tube Frame Structure