SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

BACHELOR OF QUANTITY SURVEYING (HONS)

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY III

[BLD 60304]

STEEL SPACE FRAME ROOF

DOUBLE/ TRIPLE LAYERS

NAME STUDENT I.D

Eric Wee Hiong Kiet 0329601

Lim Xiao Shi 0324410

Loh Wei Ting 0328314

Melvin Tan Teng Hung 0324938

LECTURER: Ir Chai Voon Chiet

Word count: 2344

Content

1.0 Introduction ……………………………………………………….. 2–5

2.0 Erection Method …………………………………………………... 6–7

3.0 Advantages ………………………………………………………… 8

4.0 Disadvantages ……………………………………………………... 9

5.0 Overseas Case Study: Eden Project ……………………………... 10 – 17

6.0 Local Case Study: Shah Alam Sports Complex …………………. 18 – 21

7.0 Reference ……………………………………………………………. 22 – 23

1.0 Introduction
Referring to the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS), a space frame is
defined as a structural system, where linear elements are assembled in a way that loads are transferred in a
three-dimensional manner. Space frame, a truss-like, lightweight yet rigid structure, in its simplest form, is
constructed with interlocking struts, arranged geometrically.

Space frame is strong, inheriting the rigidity that a triangle provides. Flexing loads, also known as
bending moments are transmitted as tension and compression loads along the length of each strut of this
tetrahedron unit. This triangular unit, when joints are rigidly connecter, bending moment and shear forces
are transferred in addition to axial forces. Upper chords supports compression while the lower chord holds
the tension.

1.1 Types
Generally, steel space frame roof can be classified according to its curvature and number of grid
layers.

CURVATURE

FLAT COVERS BARREL VAULTS SPEHERICAL DOMES

Figure 1: Industria de Figure 2: Tirumailai MRTS station, Figure 3: Exhibition hall at Pragati
Turbopropulsores (ITP), Spain India Maidan, India

Planes are channelled through Has a cross section of a simple Requires the use of tetrahedral
the horizontal bars and the shear arch modules or pyramids and additional
forces are supported by the support from skin
diagonals
 LAYERS

SINGLE LAYER DOUBLE LAYER TRIPLE LAYER

All elements are arranged Two parallel layers are connected at a Three parallel layers are
and located on the single certain distance. connected at certain
surface. Diagonal bars are present to connect distance.
the nodes of both layers in different
direction, creating space in between.

1.2 Frame Components

1.2.1 Members
Axial elements of circular or rectangular sections. Space grid built of long tension members and
short compression members and is usually left exposed as part of architecture expression.

Figure 4: Circular Hollow Figure 5: Rectangular

Section (CHS) Hollow Section (RHS)
1.2.2 Nodes/ Connectors

Tuball Nodal Connector, a hollow

sphere to be connected

Octatube node connector, octagonal

base plate welded to two semi-octagonal
plates at 90 degree

Triodetic connector, usually of

aluminium extrusion hub

Hemispherical Dome connector, for

double layer dome by silting end of tube
with joint fit.
 1.3 Uses of Application (Building examples)

Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre, Houston Astrodome, Stadium Negara,

Baku Texas Kuala Lumpur

ShenZhen International Airport London Stansted Airport Rogers Centre, Toronto

Biosphere 2, Arizona Eden Project, Cornwall Shah Alam Sports Complex

2.0 Erection Method

2.1 Element and Block Erection

Element erection involved division into individual strips, acting as single unit members that are assembled
individually. Block erection divides space frame into blocks, employing sub-assemblies of large blocks
connected by a crane which will later hoist them up into their final position.
Fabricated on the ground level, scaffold or temporary supports is required in order to assemble them
on their actual elevation. Adjacent blocks are attached by construction workers on suitable scaffolding or
temporary supports, and the process will be carrying out in this way until the space frame is in position.

Figure 6: Block erection Figure 7: Large block lifted by

method crane

2.2 Lift-up Method

The whole roof structure is being assembled completely at ground level before being lifted up to the desired
level, usually by a hydraulic jack. Short and medium span space frame can be hoisted up by several cranes
while large span structures require temporary posts as the supports and electric winches as the lifting power.

In case of working near runways where aviation code makes use of cranes and winches are limited,
lift-up would be associated with temporary wires, set-up between edges of structure and wires pulled by
winches to control roof deformation.

Figure 8: Lift-up method Figure 9: Lift up by crane

 2.3 Scaffold Method

Fixed scaffoldings which cover the entire area are usually required as individual elements, members and joints
or prefabricated subassemblies are assembled in place directly on their final position. Sometimes if the
cantilever erection of space frame can be executed, partial scaffoldings will be involved. In this case, the
elements are fabricated at the shop and transported to construction site, and no heavy lifting equipment is
required.

Movable scaffold in the form of tower is usually laden with a number of wheels and motors which
enable them moving on rails, changing position according to the progress of the job. It minimizes the amount
of scaffold used for large roof structures. However, studies including computer simulations need to be carried
out to study the location of temporary supports and the amounts and size of movable scaffold to be used.

Figure 10: Scaffold Method (fixed scaffold)

3.0 Advantages

1. Resistant to fire
Able to resist extreme heat. As steel is a non-combustible and fire-resistant material, it retains its
strength at a much higher temperature than a timber frame.

2. Wide, clear column-free space

Ideal for column-free spans, long cantilever and irregular support spacing. The economy of this
system arises from its ability to optimize the member sizes to suit the structural requirements.

3. Capacity for any loading

Its framing is custom designed to support any specific distributed, concentrated or unbalanced
loading.

4. Economical enhancement
Office buildings at industrial complex have been visually enhanced and increases its capital value
through relatively low-cost addition of decorative and functional entrance canopy. Useful floor space
can be added to existing building by enclosing areas between buildings.

5. Services contained within frame

Allows ducting, fire water supply, lighting and all building service line to be supported and located
within frame.

6. Versatility & flexibility

Increasing or decreasing the surface area of an implemented space structure from any side while
keeping former structure and following design tips is possible with minimal cost.

7. Aesthetic value
Architecturally attractive and unique simplicity making it suitable for wide variety of applications,
even in building facades.
4.0 Disadvantages

1. Heavy and difficult to move

It is a heavy material, thus when it is pre-fabricated off-site in large size, long trailer or truck is
needed for transportation. Heavy machinery is needed to lift the structure members for installation.

2. Difficult and complicated manufacture

Steel manufacturing involves chemical processes and quality control is needed to ensure steel is
produced within required quality.

3. Details in designing member structure

Difficulty in engineering the design of frame components. It could not be straightforwardly
determined on how the force distributes the loads throughout the structure that has a lot of redundant
pieces.