Space frames have gained unprecedented popularity as durable and reliable construction units suitable for a wide range of structures. Today these units are being increasingly used to erect column free structures that offer the advantage of efficient utilization of space besides being economical.

1. Various Aspects Of Space Frames And Their Erection
Using Sliding Method
Space frames have gained unprecedented popularity as durable and reliable
construction units suitable for a wide range of structures. Today these units
are being increasingly used to erect column free structures that offer the
advantage of efficient utilization of space besides being economical. The
popularity of space frame units, understanding their various aspects is of
utmost importance.
Structural Details Of Space Frames
Space frames are basically long spanning, three-dimensional late like
structures that are made up of linear elements. These structures are based on

2. the rigidity of the triangle with the elements exposed only to linear tension
and compression even when they are connected by relatively rigid joints. This
not only minimizes the influence of bending and torsion movement but also
enhances the sturdiness of the units.
Different Types Of Space Frames
A space frame manufacturer generally classifies these units into two main
categories as discussed below.
On The Basis Of Curvature: As the name suggested this category includes the
space frame units that have different curvatures. This category is further
divided into following three subcategories.
 Flat Covers: These space frames are made up of planar substructures
with the planes channeled through horizontal bars while the diagonals
support the shear forces.
 Barrel Vaults: These vaults are comprised of a cross section of a simple
arch. These space frames generally do not require to be backed by
tetrahedral modules or pyramids.
 Spherical Domes: As the name suggests, these Space frame units are
spherical in shape and hence require the backing of tetrahedral modules
and pyramids along with additional support from a skin.
On The Basis Of Grid Layers: These types of space frame units are
categorized according to the number of layers that comprise the unit. This
category consists of the following three subcategories.
 Single Layer: In this type of structural units all the elements are located
in a single layer on the surface that is to be approximated.
 Double Layer: As the name suggests, these space frame units consists
of two parallel layers located a specific distance. All the elements are
organized along these two layers, while diagonal bars are used to
connect the nodes of the two layers in different directions in space.
 Triple Layer: These are three layered space frame units that are
generally flat except in some rare cases. The three layers are connected
by diagonal bars, which are greater in number in units that are not flat.

3. Main Components Of Space Frames
The space frames are comprised of two main components namely the
members and the joints, each of which is described in brief as follows.
 Members: These axial elements feature circular or rectangular sections
and are designed to only tension or compression. A space grid generally
comprises of long tension members and short compression members.
 Joints: Joints are the most important component of space frames both in
terms of functionality and aesthetic appeal. They comprise of a total of
20 to 30% of the weight of space frames and have a deep impact on the
strength, stiffness, safety and economy of the structure, which is why
the joints needs to be designed with great care and after considering a
variety of factors.
Sliding Method Of Erection
Another factor that plays a critical role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal and
long life of a structure is the method of erection used for establishing the
space frames. For large span structures using the sliding method of space
frame erection is generally preferred as it simplifies the process of setting the
roof in its final place in an accurate and perfect manner.
The assembling of the roof structure is done temporarily on a stage, after
which the roof is slid into its position by sliding it over a rail. The rail is settled
into the temporary supports or perimeter beams, while the roofing units are
slid with the help of oil jacks and winches. The multiple roofing units are thus
slid into position one by one and are assembled successively as each unit
slides in. Alternatively, the engineers might choose to assemble the entire roof
together, once all the roofing units have been put in their proper place.
Using the sliding method for erecting roofing structure space frames brings
down the construction time and cost as the setting up of the roof can be
carried out simultaneously with the building construction going underneath.
Using this technique is extremely simple and does not require the use of any
special lifting or erecting machinery or equipments, such as cranes, hydraulic
lifts or other such equipments.

4. However, in order to ensure perfect accuracy and precision in setting the
roofing structure, the engineers need to first study the process through
computer simulation. It is also important to monitor the entire process quite
closely to attain a perfect setting. In this respect the sliding method can be
quite demanding and might even require reinforcement to attain the required
accuracy desired for the structure.