1

SPACE FRAMES

Sheryl Susan, SEM VI student, KMEA College of Architecture

Abstract over the last half-century, there is a growing
interest in the space frame structures. The need for a
structure to accommodate large unobstructed areas resulted
in the development of space frame structures. Also it satisfies
the requirements of lightness, economy and speedy
construction. There was significant progress in its
development due to its great structural potential and visual
beauty.
I.

INTRODUCTION

Many extraordinary projects have been designed and

constructed all over the world using a variety of
configurations. The need for large indoor space for public
interaction, human activities is one of the reason. Therefore,
sport tournaments, cultural performances, mass assemblies,
and exhibitions could be held under one roof by means of
space frames. There is also demand for a space that has
minimum interference from internal supports.
They are highly statically indeterminate, but due to its
complicated analysis, it is been limited. The space frame has
large number of members connected together at different
angles at a single point. But due to several connecting
methods, it has greater efficiency.
Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone, was
one of the first to appreciate the merits of space frames and
apply them in actual construction. In fact, he built one of the
early versions of a flying machine using a multi-layered space
frame concept. Also due to its lightness and structural
efficiency that would add as an advantage in aircraft structures
than in buildings.
II.

HISTORY

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 realized. Buckminster Fuller's focus
was architectural structures; his work had greater influence.
Introduction of the first space grid system called MERO in
1943 in Germany initiated the use of space trusses in
architecture.

III.

DEFINING SPACE FRAME STRUCTURES

A Space frame is a structural system, assembled of linear

elements so arranged that the loads are transferred in a threedimensional manner. In some cases, the constituent elements
may be two-dimensional. Macroscopically, a space frame
often takes the form of a flat or curved surface.
A space frame is usually arranged in an array of single,
double, or multiple layers of intersecting members. A singlelayer space frame that has the form of a curved surface is
termed as braced vault, braced dome, or latticed shell.

Figure 1: Grid pattern

A. Basic concept
The space frame can be formed on either a flat or a curved
surface. The earliest form is single-layer grid, which is formed
by adding intermediate grids and including rigid connection to
the joist and girder framing system. The main characteristic of
grid construction is the omnidirectional spread of the load as
opposed to the linear transfer of the load in an ordinary
framing system. Since such load transfer is mainly by bending,
for larger spans the bending stiffness is increased most
efficiently by changing to a double-layer system. The load
transfer mechanism of a curved surface space frame is
essentially different from the grid system that is primarily
membrane-like action.

IV.

ADVANTAGE OF SPACE FRAMES

The space frames are light, structural efficient and use

materials optimally. They are an elegant and economical
means of covering large column-free spaces of hangars and
assembly halls. They carry loads by three-dimensional action.
Deflections are small because of the high inherent stiffness.
Space frame are joined using precise, factory-made
components, unskilled labour is adequate for their assembly

2
and action. Services such as lighting and air conditioning can
be integrated with space frames. Also these save construction
time. They are light which facilitates transportation. Dead
loads are very much less and there are consequent savings in
columns and substructures.
V.

COMPONENTS OF A SPACE FRAME

A space frame consists of axial members, which are preferably

tubes, also known as circular hollow sections or rectangular
hollow sections and connectors, which join the members
together.

Figure 2: different connections

A. Members
The members of a space frame are either of aluminium or
steel. Aluminium members are of light weight but are more
expensive. The large majority of space frames use members of
steel with a yield strength ranging from 210 to 450 MPa. The
tubes may be electrically resistance welded or seamless.
B. Node connectors

Figure 3: Mero

C. Mero
The Mero connector, introduced some 50 years ago, proved to
be extremely popular and has been used for numerous
temporary and permanent buildings. Its joint consists of a
node that is a spherical hot-pressed steel forging with flat
facets and tapped holes. Members are circular hollow sections
with cone-shaped steel forgings welded at the ends, which
accommodate connecting bolts. Upto 18 members can be
connected at a joint with no eccentricity.
VI.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPACE FRAMES

A. Flat covers
These spatial structures are composed of planar substructures.
Their behaviour is similar to that of a plate in which the
deflections in the plane are channeled through the horizontal
bars and the shear forces are supported by the diagonals.
B. Barrel vaults
This type of vault has a cross section of a simple arch. Usually
this type of space frame does not need to use tetrahedral
modules or pyramids as a part of its backing.

3
C. Spherical domes
Usually require the use of tetrahedral modules or pyramids
and additional support from a skin.

B. Double layer
The elements are organized in two parallel layers with each
other at a certain distance apart. Each of the layers form a
lattice of triangles, squares or hexagons in which the
projection of the nodes in a layer may overlap or be displaced
relative to each other. The diagonal bars connecting the nodes
of both layers in different directions in space.
C. Triple layer
Elements are placed in three parallel layers, linked by the
diagonals. They are almost always flat.
VIII. TYPES OF ERECTION

Figure 4: Plane covers

A. Scaffold method
Individual elements are assembled in place at actual elevations
Members and joints or prefab subassembly elements are
assembled on their final position. Full scaffoldings usually.
Sometimes partial scaffolding are used if cantilever erection.
Elements fabricated at the shop. Transported to the
construction site, and no heavy lifting equipment is required.
B. Block assembly method
Divided on its plan into individual strips or blocks. These units
fabricated on the ground level. Then hoisted upon into its final
position and assembled on the temporary supports. Suitable
for double layer grids.

Figure 5: Barrel vault

C. Lift up method
The whole space frame is assembled at the ground level so
that most of the work can be done before hoisting. Increased
efficiency and better quality.

Figure 6: Spherical dome

VII. DIFFERENT TYPES OF SPACE FRAMES ACCORDING TO

THE NUMBER OF LAYERS

A. Single layer
All elements are located on the surface to be approximated.