Space frame

A space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used in architecture and structural engineering 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. Chief applications include buildings and vehicles.

A space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure constructed from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space frames can be used in architecture and structural engineering 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. Chief applications include buildings and vehicles. ==History== From 1898 to 1908, Alexander Graham Bell developed space frames based on tetrahedral geometry, primarily for nautical and aeronautical engineering. He invented the tetrahedral truss. Max Mengeringhausen developed the space grid system called MERO (acronym of Mengeringhausen Rohrbauweise) in 1943 in Germany, the first use of space trusses in architecture. The commonly used method, still in use , has individual tubular members connected at node joints (ball shaped) and variations such as the space deck system, octet truss system, and cubic system. Stéphane de Chateau in France invented the tridirectional SDC system (1957), Unibat system (1959), and Pyramitec (1960). A method of tree supports was developed to replace the individual columns. Buckminster Fuller patented the octet truss ( ) in 1961 while focusing on architectural structures. Gilman's tetrahedral truss of 1980 was developed by John J. Gilman, a material scientist known for his work on the molecular matrices of crystalline solids. Gilman was an admirer of Buckminster Fuller's architectural trusses, and developed a stronger matrix, in part by rotating an alignment of tetrahedral nodes in relation to each other. ==Design methods== Space frames are typically designed using a rigidity matrix. The special characteristic of the stiffness matrix in an architectural space frame is the independence of the angular factors. If the joints are sufficiently rigid, then the angular deflections can be neglected, simplifying the calculations. ==Overview== The simplest form of space frame is a horizontal slab of interlocking square pyramids and tetrahedra built from aluminium or tubular steel struts. A stronger form is composed of interlocking tetrahedra in which all the struts have unit length, referred to as an isotropic vector matrix or, in a single unit width, an octet truss. More complex variations change the lengths of the struts to curve the overall structure or may incorporate other geometrical shapes. ==Types== Space frames can be classified in various ways. Curvature classification Space plane covers: These spatial structures are composed of planar substructures. Their behavior 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. structure 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. Spherical domes and other compound curves usually require the use of tetrahedral modules or pyramids and additional support from a skin. Classification by the arrangement of its elements Single-layer grid: All elements are located on the surface to be approximated. Double-layer grid: Elements are organized in two layers parallel to each other at a certain distance apart. Each of the layers forms 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. Diagonal bars connect the nodes of both layers in different directions in space. In this type of meshe, the elements are associated into three groups: upper cordon, cordon, and cordon lower diagonal. Triple-layer grid: Elements are placed in three parallel layers, linked by the diagonals. They are almost always flat. Other examples classifiable as space frames include: Pleated metallic structures: Emerged to try to solve the problems that formwork and pouring concrete had their counterparts. Typically run with welded joint, but may raise prefabricated joints, a fact which makes them space meshes. Hanging covers: Designs on the cable taut, spine, and the catenary arch (inverted funicular) show their ability to channel forces theoretically better than any alternative, and they have an infinite range of possibilities for composition and adaptability to any type of plant cover. However, imprecisions in shape risk having the loaded strand bend to unexpected stresses; mitigation of this problem requires pre-compression and pre-stressing elements. In most cases, they tend to be the cheapest solution that best fits the acoustics and ventilation of the covered enclosure. They are vulnerable to vibration. Pneumatic structures: Closure membranes subjected to a pressurized state may be considered within this group. ==Applications== Buildings Industrial structures: Factories Warehouses, Commercial, entertainment, and service facilities: Sports halls Conference halls, pavilions, and exhibition centers Stadiums Museums and fair houses Shopping malls Airports Vehicles: Aircraft Automobiles Motorcycles Bicycles Spacecraft Architectural design elements Atriums Geodesics ===Construction=== Space frames are a common feature in modern building construction; they are often found in large roof spans in modernist commercial and industrial buildings. Examples of buildings based on space frames include: Stansted Airport, by Foster + Partners Bank of China Tower and the Louvre Pyramid, by I. M. Pei Rogers Centre by Rod Robbie and Michael Allan McCormick Place East in Chicago Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil by Populous Eden Project in Cornwall, England Globen, Sweden - Dome with diameter of 110 m, (1989) Biosphere 2 by John P. Allen, Phil Hawes, Peter Jon Pearce in Oracle, Arizona Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, New York City, New York Palau Sant Jordi in Barcelona, Spain by Arata Isozaki Sochi International Airport in Sochi, Russia Entrance to Six Flags Magic Mountain Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport airport terminal 2 Harbin Opera House in China by Ma Yansong Hedyar Aliyev Centre in Azerbaijan by Zaha Hadid Large portable stages and lighting gantries are also frequently built from space frames and octet trusses. ===Vehicles=== ==See also== Backbone chassis Body-on-frame Exoskeleton car Framing (construction) Monocoque Modular construction system Platonic solid Simplex Stressed skin Superleggera Tensegrity Tessellated roof Tetrahedral-octahedral honeycomb ==References==

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