SPACE

FRAMES
BY
SARGAM MAHENDRU
BMSA/15/131
VA N YA J A I N
BMSA/15/138

SPACE

FRAME

ASPACE FRAMEIS ATRUSS-LIKE, LIGHTWEIGHT RIGID STRUCTURE

CONSTRUCTED FROM INTERLOCKING STRUTS IN AGEOMETRICPATTERN.
SPACE FRAMES USUALLY UTILIZE A MULTIDIRECTIONAL SPAN, AND ARE
OFTEN USED TO ACCOMPLISH LONG SPANS WITH FEW SUPPORTS. THEY
DERIVE THEIR STRENGTH FROM THE INHERENT RIGIDITY OF THE
TRIANGULAR FRAME; FLEXINGLOADS(BENDINGMOMENTS) ARE
TRANSMITTED ASTENSIONANDCOMPRESSIONLOADS ALONG THE
LENGTH OF EACH STRUT.

SPACE FRAMES ARE DOUBLE LAYERED GRIDS, EXCELLENT IN

APPEARANCE WITH LARGE COLUMN FREE SPACES. ALL TYPE OF
ELEGANT SHAPE COULD BE MADE BY THESE SYSTEMS USING VARIETY
OF GRIDS . TWO-WAY ACTIONS OF SPACE FRAMES PROVIDE BOTH
ECONOMY AND ENORMOUS SPANNING CAPABILITY.
LARGER PORTABLE STAGES AND LIGHTINGGANTRIESARE ALSO
FREQUENTLY BUILT FROM SPACE FRAMES AND OCTET TRUSSES
APPLICATION
SPACE FRAME IS USED FOR
COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
BUILDINGS, AUDITORIUMS, AIRPORT
HANGERS, SPORT STADIUM, SKY
LIGHTS, MOSQUE, LIGHTING TOWERS,
PETROL PUMPS, CANOPIES,
EXHIBITION HALL, ATRIUM, TOLL
NAKA,
LPGFEATURES
BOTTLING PLANTS.
SALIENT
1)ENORMOUS SPANNING
CAPABILITY.
2)LIGHT WEIGHT
3)HIGH AESTHETICS
4)HIGH RESALE VALUE
5)HIGHER SAFETY FACTOR
6)EXTENSION WITH ADDITIONAL
UNIT

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
PLANE FRAME AND A SPACE
FRAME

Plane Frames & Space Frames :

A PLANE FRAME :
A 2D structure whose all elements lie in the same plane.
Examples :
A Portal Frame
An ordinary Roof Truss

PLANE TRUSS
( All members and All loads lie in the
same Plane )

PLANE FRAMES : PORTAL FRAMES

( All loads and All members in the same
Plane )

PLANE FRAMES :
A Plane Frame can resist loads applied only in its own plane.
A Plane Frame is not stable to forces perpendicular to its
plane.

SPACE FRAMES :
A Space Frame is a Three dimensional assembly.
A Dome is a Typical example of a Space Frame.
A Space structure can resist loads applied at any point, at any
inclination to surface of structure and in any direction.

SPACE

FRAMES :

Thus, for a Space Frame:

( i ). Members of the Space Frame are located in Three
dimensions in space.
( ii ). Loads may be applied on the structure acting in
Any direction in space.

Py

A MULTISTOREYED FRAMED
BUILDING IS A SPACE
STRUCTURE WITH MEMBERS
LOCATED IN SPACE, AND
SUBJECTED TO FORCE IN X,
Y & Z PLANES

Pz
Px

COLUMN
BEAM

Py

BEAM

FORCES
ACTING IN A
TYPICAL FLOOR
IN A
MULTISTOREYE
D BLDG.

Py

Px
Z

Pz

Y
A MULTISTOREYED FRAMED BUILDING IS A SPACE STRUCTURE WITH
MEMBERS LOCATED IN SPACE, AND SUBJECTED TO FORCES IN X, Y & Z
PLANES

Advantages of Space Frames :

A Space Frame can :
(i).

Gives greater freedom of design.

(ii). Span larger col. free areas.

(iii). Give pleasing appearance.
(iv). May lead to lower cost.
However, Analysis of Space Structures is more complex and
generally needs computer analysis.

SPACE STRUCTURES :
Steel Space
RCC Space Frames
Frames
(i). Single layered
Example : Hall of
Space Structures :
Nations
(Derive strength due
to curvature)
Example : Retreading
Factory, Jabbalpur.
(ii). Double Layered
Space Frames :
(Double layered
space structures)
Example : Hall of 14,

HALL OF NATIONS, PRAGATI MAIDAN,

NEW DELHI AN EXAMPLE OF

HALL OF NATIONS, PRAGATI

MAIDAN, NEW DELHI AN EXAMPLE

31035.6

39014.4

3448.4
54 44 24

LVL 0

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

73152

(b) HALF ELEVATION

HALF SECTION

48
76
.8

LVL .5

LVL .4

(c) PART PLAN;

LEVELS 4 & 5

CL

4876.8

48

6.8

(d) PYRAMID
GEOMETRY

CONCRETE SPACE FRAME FOR HALL OF NATIONS, NEW DELHI (INDIA)

39014

73152

HALL OF NATIONA, PRAGATI MAIDAN, NEW DELHI- TOP

PLAN

SPACE STRUCTURES TYPES

1. SINGLE LAYERED
2. DOUBLE/MULTILAYERED

STEEL SPACE FRAMES :

Span Range :
(i). Single layered = 20 30 m
(ii). Double layered = 50 80 m
Uses :
(i). Industrial Bldgs.
(ii). Exhibition Halls
(iii). Sports pavallions
(iv). Gymnasiums
etc.

SINGLE LAYERED SPACE

STRUCTURES SALIENT POINTS :
(i). Single layer of Triangular network of members.
(ii). Curved, Shaped like shells to obtain space

geometry.

(iii). Derive strength through space geometry (curved shape).

(iv). Joints hinged and members subjected to Axial Forces
(Axial compression/axial tension).
(v). Similar to shell behavior.

SINGLE LAYERED SPACE

STRUCTURES Examples :
1. Hall of Technology at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
2. Roof of Talkatora Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

STEEL DOME
AN EXAMPLE OF
A SINGLE
LAYERED SPACE
STRUCTURE

STEEL DOME AN
EXAMPLE OF A
SINGLE LAYERED
SPACE
STRUCTURE

ELEVATION

PLAN

TRUSSED
TRIANGULAT
ED SINGLE
LAYERED
ROOF

ELEVATION

SIDE
VIEW

PLAN

A
TAPEZDOIDAL
TRIANGULATE
D SINGLE
LAYERED
ROOF

ELEVATION

PLAN

A TRIANGULATED
STEEL DOME
ROOF- AN XAMPL
OF A SINGLE
LAYERED SPACE
STRUCTURE

196 m Dia ( 50000 seating Capacity) Steel

Dome Roof for Haris County Sports

DOUBLE LAYERED SPACE

STRUCTURES
SAILIENT FEATURES :
1.Visualised as a 2D surface layers, (Top + Bottom),
connected by verticals and diagonals.
2.Derive Plate Behavior ( Two way slab actions).
3.Derive bending strength due to depth of system.
4.Unlike single layered systems, Double layered
systems need not be curved in shape.

Example: HALL NO 14, PRAGATI MAIDAN, NEW

DELHI

DOUBLE LAYERED SPACE STRUCTURES SAILIENT

FEATURES (CONTD.) :

5. The surface grids could be Square or Equilateral Triangles.

6. Web members are diagonals or a combination of verticals
and diagonals.

Advantages of Two layered systems :

1. greater rigidity :
(i).

Hence can have larger spans.

(ii). In Double layered grid systems, there is more

flexibility in positioning of column supports. Supports may
be widely spaced and may be ,if necessary, irregular.
(iii). High rigidity of double layered grids reduces the
deflection of the structure.

2. Higher
Indeterminancy :
Due to high level of indeterminancy, overstressing
or buckling of any individual member under any
concentrated load may not lead to collapse of the
structure.
The load will get distributed to other adjoining
members leading to even distribution of stress
under concentrated loads in several directions.

3. Space for accomodating

Electric and Service conduits :
Services/AC ducts may conveniently be
accomodated within the double layered grid.

4. Feasibility of using standard

modules and mass production :
Double layered grids are usually built from simple
prefabricated standard units, which can be mass
produced in a factory and can be easily and rapidly
assembled at site.

SKELTEL SPACE
STRUCTURE :
Most common form of Space structures are the
Skeltel Space Structures consisting of a . network
of interconnected members.
Such structures are appreciated due to their visual
beauty and impressive simplicity.
Accordingly, there is a trend to leave structural
grid members exposed as part of the Architectural
expression.

Advantages of Skeltel Space Frames :

1. Less self weight ( Light weight system)
( i ) Feasibility of Large Spans.
( ii ). Reduction in Cost.
( iii ). Reduced loading on Supporting Columns and
Foundations.
( iv ). Less Earth quake forces.
2. . Visual beauty and ex pressive simplicity.
3 . Structural efficiency.
4. Efficient for loads acting in Any plane.

1. Less self weight ( Light weight

system) :
Skeltel Space Frames have :
light sheeting roofing which normally does not
require any terracing for drainage of rain water.
Self wt of such systems is about 1 to 2 KN/m 2
against self wt of 10 to 12 KN/m2 for tradition RCC
roofs with Beam and slab systems.

Table : Approx. weights

of Space Structures

Type of
Structure

1.
Convention
al Trusses
2.
Domes
3.
Double
layered
Grids

Span
Range
(m)
20 - 30

Weight Range
(Kgs/m2 )

60 - 80

32 - 45

20 - 30

15 - 20

20 - 26

( i ) Feasility of
Large Spans :
Space frames of about 80m X 80 m and Steel
Domes over 100 m Dia have been planned using
the concepts of Skeltel Space Structures.

( ii ). Reduction in
Cost :
Cost of roofing with such systems is less than cost
of traditional RCC systems.

( iii ). Reduced loading on

Supporting Columns and
Foundations :
Due to less self weight, loads on the supporting
columns and foundations is reduced leading to
Economy in design of these structural elements.

( iv ). Less E Q
forces :
E Q force acting on a structure is a function of
mass of the structure. As Mass of such systems is
comparatively small, E Q force on such structure
is also small.
Due to smaller overall wt. E Q forces normally are
NOT critical for their design. Such strctures are
more critical for wind loads and not for E Q loads.

2. Visual beauty and expressive

simplicity:
Due its form, such structures are visually beautiful
and have bold e x pression, which is generally
integrated into Architectural aesthetics and, as
such, structural members are normally left e x
posed for bold Architectural e x pression.

( 3 ). Structural
efficiency :
Due to its interconnected members in space, any
load applied at any point gets distributed to other
distant members leading to a leading to reduction
of stresses in members directly under the load and
a fairly even distribution of the stresses throught
the structure. This results in more efficient and
economical Structural design.

(4). Efficient for loads acting in

Any plane :
Space structures are efficient to resist loads
acting in any plane.

STRUCTURAL PROPORTIONING
OF DOUBLE LAYERED GRID
SPACE SYSTEMS :
EMPIRICAL RULES FOR FIXING UP THE DOUBLE LAYERED
GRID SPACE STRUCTURES ARE DISCUSSED.

STRUCTURES OVERALL
STRUCTURAL PROPORTIONING :
1.
Typical (Span/Depth) ratios :
(i). Simply supported spans :
d/L = 1/18 to 1/25
(ii). Cantilevered spans :
d/L = 1/9
where :
d = Depth of system
L = span
2.
Optimum bay dimensions :
a = 1.2d to 2.5d

STRUCTURES - OVERALL
PROPORTIONG (CONTD.) :
Bay dimensions : are restricted to about 3 to 4m
due to Buckling of compression members.
Individual members: Hollow circular Tube
sections are preferred due to uniform structural
strength/Buckling Strength along all axis.

DOUBLE LAYERED GRIDS

ROOF COVERINGS :
Roof claddings suitable for Space grid roofs are :
( i ). AC Sheets
( ii ). Aluminium corrugated sheets
( iii ). Precast ferrocement slabs

DOUBLE LAYERED GRIDSMETHOD OF ANALYSIS :

Computer based Analysis adopted. Stiffness

Matrix method of Analysis is used as basis for most
of the computer programmes available for analysis
of Space Structures.

0.866a

a
DOUBLE LAYERED
GRID PLAN
OF GRID

a
ELEVATION OF
GRID

DOUBLE LAYERED GRID : PERSPECTIVE VIEW

a
SQUARE OVER
SQUARE - PLAN
OF GRID

a
ELEVATION OF GRID

BASIC UNIT

PLAN

ELEVATION
(a) TWO-WAY LATTICE GRID

a2/2

(c) TWO-WAY SPACE GRID WITH SQUARE PYRAMIDS (SQUARE ON

SQUARE OFFSET)

TOP GRID
BOTTOM GRID
BRACING

(e) TWO-WAY SPACE GRID WITH SQUARE PYRAMIDS

ADD YOUR TEXT

ADD YOUR TEXT

(a) METHODS OF
SUPPORTING THE GRID

CORNICE

VERTICAL

(b) GRID EDGE PROFILES

MANSARD

(C) LOCATION OF
SUPPORTS

METHODS OF SUPPORTING DOUBLE-LAYERED GRIDS

(C) LOCATION OF
SUPPORTS

(C) METHODS OF SUPPORTING DOUBLE-LAYER GRIDS

LOCATION OF
SUPPORTS

METHODS OF SUPPORTING DOUBLE-LAYERED GRIDS

(C) LOCATION OF
SUPPORTS

(C) METHODS OF SUPPORTING DOUBLE-LAYER GRIDS

A) ONE WAY
ACTION :

PLANAR TRUSSES ON LATTICE GRID

B) TWO WAY
ACTION : ON LATTICE GRID
PLANAR TRUSSES

C) THREE WAY
ACTION
:
PLANAR
TRUSSES
ON LATTICE GRID

MULTILAYER SYSTEMS ( Double layer systems )

11000

4000

500 500 500 500 500 500 500

M.S. COLUMN CAPITAL

M.S. COLUMN 300

BOTTOM CHORD
50 M.S. PIPE

KEY PLAN

INCLINED MEMBER
50 M.S. PIPE

TOP CHORD50
M.S. PIPE

50 M.S. BOTTOM
CHORD

4 MM THICK
M.S. CONNECTING
PLATE

50 M.S.
TOP CHORD

300 M.S.
COLUMN
500X500 M.S.
COLUMN
CAPITAL

PART PLAN AT A

FIBRE GLASS ROOFING

M.S. ANGLE
50X50X6

TOP CHORD
M.S. PIPE 50

CONNECTING PLATE
M.S. 4 MM THICK

INCLINED MEM.
30 M.S. PIPE

M.S. COLUMN CAPITAL

DISTRIBUTERS POINT
LOAD ACTING ON IT

CONNECTING PLATE
M.S. 4 MM THICK

M.S. COLUMN
300

SECTION

AJAY/PENTIUM 4/ D - DRIVE

BOTTOM CHORD
50 M.S. PIPE

CONNECTIONS IN DOUBLE
LAYERED SPACE STRUCTURS :
A No. of members meet at a joint in a Two layered Grid Space
Structures. Accordingly, jointing of these members at a joint
poses problems due to congestion of members. A no. of
standard methods are adopted to provide jointing. Some of
the methods adopted are illustrated in the sketches that
follow.

Mero System - (developed in

Germany in 1940) :
This system consists of prefabricated tubular steel
components screwed into forged spherical steel
connectors known as Mero tubes and Mero balls
respectively. The Mero joint enables upto18
members to be joined together without any
eccentricity. The connectors do not requires any
site welding and are capable of creating any shape
of space structure merely by being screwed
together.

WELDED SEAM

HOLE FOR INSERTION

OF BOLT

DOWEL PIN
NODE

END CONE

TUBE

SLEEVE

THREADED BOLT

KK SYSTEM (MERO)

MERO
JOINTING
SYSTEM
JOINTING
DETAILS AT
BOTTOM
CHORD

PLATE JOINT SYSTEM

WEB MEMBER

TUBE

RETAINING WASHER
TUBE

BOLT

CHORD MEMBER

CHORD MEMBER

BOLT

TUBE
SLOT JOINT

WEB MEMBER

NUT

RETAINING WASHER

TUBE

VIEW B B

SECTION A A

THE TRIODETIC SYSTEM

SLOT JOINT

(1)

(4)

(2)

(5)

(3)

(6)

TYPICAL TRIODIC JOINT CONFIGURATIONS

STEEL SKELTEL DOUBLE GRID SPACE FRAMES

ALTERNAT JOINTING DETAILS