Design of Bolted Ball Space Frame Structure Main Dimensions of Space Frame Structure

The main dimensions of the bolted ball space frame structure are the space frame size (referring to the top chord space frame size) and the height of the space frame. When determining these dimensions, factors such as span size, column mesh size, roofing materials, as well as construction requirements and building functions should be considered.

Bolted ball space frame height, the greater the force on the chord is smaller, the chord with a reduced amount of steel; but at this time the length of the web increases, the amount of steel used in the web increases. Conversely, the smaller the height of the frame, the smaller the amount of steel used in the web, the amount of steel used in the stringers increased. Therefore, the space  frame needs to choose a reasonable height, so that the amount of steel to reach the minimum, but also should consider the stiffness requirements.

Determine the height of the bolt ball space frame should be considered when the main factors:

(1) building requirements and stiffness requirements. When the roof load is large, the height of the space frame should be selected higher, and vice versa can be shorter. When the space frame must be through the ventilation pipe, the height of the space  frame must meet this height. But when the span is large, the height of the frame is mainly determined by the relative deflection requirements. Generally speaking, when the span is large, the height ratio of the space frame can be chosen to be larger.

(2) The plane shape of bolted ball space frame. When the plane shape is round, square or close to the square rectangle, the height of the frame can be made smaller. When the rectangular plane space  frame narrow, unidirectional role is obvious, the smaller its stiffness, so this time the height of the space frame should be made larger.

(3) Bolted ball space frame support conditions. Peripheral support, the height of the frame can be small: point support, the height of the frame should be larger.

(4) Node structure form. Bolted ball space frame node structure form many, commonly used in China have welded hollow ball node and bolt ball node. Compared with the two, the former installation deformation is less than the latter. Therefore, the use of welded hollow ball nodes, the height of the frame can be made smaller: the use of bolted ball nodes, the height of the frame should be made larger.

In addition, when the bolted ball frame has arching, the height of the frame can be smaller.