Application of space frame structure in large buildings

Space frame structure is a kind of space structure form made of rods connected by nodes, which has the advantages of light weight, high strength and large span, so it is widely used in large buildings. The following are the main application fields and technical advantages of space frame structure in large buildings:

Application fields of space frame structure

Stadium

1.Characteristics: Stadiums need column-free space with large span, and space frame structure can provide large internal space and flexible design form.

2.Cases: Olympic venues, soccer stadiums, swimming centers, etc.

3.Advantages: light weight and good seismic performance of space frame structure, meeting the needs of building shape and function.

Transportation Hub

1.Characteristics: including railway stations, airport terminals and bus stations, etc., requiring open public areas and complex building forms.

2.Cases: Beijing Capital International Airport T3 Terminal, Frankfurt Airport Hall in Germany.

3.Advantage: The modular design of the space frame structure allows for fast construction, while it can be combined with glass, aluminum panels and other materials to create a modern building appearance.

Industrial plants and logistics centers

1.Characteristics: A large-span column network layout is required in order to meet the needs of machinery and equipment operation and cargo storage.

2.Cases: Large-scale steel factory buildings, logistics and distribution centers.

3.Advantage: The large span and low cost of the space frame structure is suitable for the roof structure of large-area factory buildings.

Exhibition Center and Convention Venue

1.Characteristics: flexible space, usually with streamlined or shaped design.

2.Cases: Shanghai World Expo Pavilion, Guangzhou Pazhou Convention and Exhibition Center.

3.Advantages: lightweight and diversified forms of space frame structure facilitate the construction of complex building forms.

Religious and Cultural Buildings

1.Characteristics: large-span dome and open space, commonly used in mosques, theaters, concert halls and other buildings.

2.Cases: Mosque dome and large opera house in UAE.

3.Advantage: able to realize the dome design of complex shape and show cultural characteristics.

The technical characteristics of space frame structure:

Large span

The space rigid frame composed of rods can realize large span of more than 50-100 meters, reduce the internal support columns and improve the space utilization rate.

Light weight and high strength

Rods are usually made of high-strength steel, which is light in weight but strong in load-bearing capacity, and easy to be transported and lifted.

Excellent seismic performance

The structure has good rigidity and integrity, and can absorb and disperse seismic energy when the nodes are properly designed, which is suitable for high seismic intensity areas.

Diversified design

The space frame structure can be designed into plane space frame, spherical space frame, column surface space frame and other forms to meet the architect’s creative demand for modeling.

Economical and Efficient

High degree of standardization of space frame members, capable of mass production, fast construction speed and low comprehensive cost.

Construction Technology of Space Frame Structure:

Prefabrication and modularization

Rods and nodes are prefabricated in the factory, and efficient assembly process is adopted on site, with short construction period.

Lifting and overall lifting technology

For large-span space frame structure, segmental lifting or overall lifting technology can be adopted to reduce the difficulty of overhead work.

Splicing and welding technology

Adopt bolt ball node or welding node connection to improve construction quality and safety.

The future development direction of space frame structure:

Material innovation

Apply new composite materials (such as glass fiber reinforced plastic) to further reduce weight and improve corrosion resistance.

Intelligent construction

Combine with BIM (Building Information Modeling) technology to realize digital management of the whole process of design, production and construction of space frame.

Green Building

Introducing renewable energy equipment (e.g. solar panels) into the grid structure to realize the sustainable use of energy.

Due to its large span, light weight and high strength, space frame structure has become an important structural form for large buildings. Whether it is a sports stadium, a transportation hub or an industrial plant, space frame structure can satisfy the diversified needs of modern buildings by virtue of its economy, functionality and aesthetics. In the future, with the innovation of materials and technology, the application scope and performance of space frame structure will be further expanded and improved.