In architecture and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure is a truss-like, lightweight

rigid structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used to
span large areas with few interior supports. Like the truss, a space frame is strong because of the
inherent rigidity of the triangle; flexing loads (bending moments) are transmitted as
tension and compression loads along the length of each strut.
Space frames were independently developed by Alexander Graham Bell around 1900
and Buckminster Fuller in the 1950s. Bell's interest was primarily in using them to make rigid frames
for nautical and aeronautical engineering, with the tetrahedral truss being one of his inventions.
However few of his designs were realised. Buckminster Fuller's focus was architectural structures;
his work had greater influence.
A tetrahedral kite is a multicelled rigid box kite composed of tetrahedrally shaped cells to
create a kind of tetrahedral truss. The cells are usually arranged in such a way that the entire
kite is also a regular tetrahedron. The kite can be described as a compound dihedral kite as
well.
Fuller was most famous for his lattice shell structures geodesic domes, which have been
used as parts of military radar stations, civic buildings, environmental protest camps and
exhibition attractions. An examination of the geodesic design by Walther Bauersfeld for
theZeiss-Planetarium, built some 20 years prior to Fuller's work, reveals that Fuller's
Geodesic Dome patent (U.S. 2,682,235; awarded in 1954), follows the same design as
Bauersfeld's.

Application
Aircraft hangers
Factories
Cinema halls
Exhibition halls
Airports
Canopies
Industrial Buildings
Types
1 SKELETON FRAMEWORKS
Number of bars interconnected at the nodes
2. STRESSED SKIN SYSTEMS
Using a composition of thin sheet material and ribs is a total structural system called STRESSED
SKIN. It is the structural system used in aircraft, the space shuttle, unit body automobiles
3. SUSPENDED STRUCTURES
Form of long-span structure that is subject to tension and uses suspension cables for support
Advantages
Large Spans can be achieved
Concentrated loads are evenly distributed on the entire structure
Pleasing and airy decorative appearance
Fast installation at site due to pre fab components
Very good acoustical properties