Space Frame Grids

A space frame is a three-dimensional framework for enclosing spaces in which all members are interconnected and act as a single entity. A benefit of this type of structure is that very large spaces can be covered, uninterrupted by support from the ground. John Chilton's book provides an up-to-date assessment of the use of space grid structures in buildings by reviewing methods of construction, various systems available and detailed studies of the use of space grids in modern buildings. The technical level is aimed at professional and student architects and engineers worldwide and it also serves as a useful construction manual. John Chilton is an engineer, currently teaching architectural students at Nottingham University where he is a senior lecturer. He has also undertaken considerable research in this field.

The remarkable rigidity and economy of three-dimensional space structures have long been realized, but only during the last decade have they begun to come into widespread architectural use. In an age of standardization and prefabrication, their simplicity of manufacture, ease of transportation, and speed of erection are sufficient recommendation. Even more important, however, the ratio of weight to area covered can be greatly reduced through their use, and they allow the construction of long-span structures with a far smaller number of intermediate supports.

A space frame is a three-dimensional framework for enclosing spaces in which all members are interconnected and act as a single entity. A benefit of this type of structure is that very large spaces can be covered, uninterrupted by support from the ground. John Chilton's book provides an up-to-date assessment of the use of space grid structures in buildings by reviewing methods of construction, various systems available and detailed studies of the use of space grids in modern buildings. The technical level is aimed at professional and student architects and engineers worldwide and it also serves as a useful construction manual. John Chilton is an engineer, currently teaching architectural students at Nottingham University where he is a senior lecturer. He has also undertaken considerable research in this field.

Space frames provide a lightweight solution to the problem of creating large span enclosures free from obstructions. They are employed in many major construction projects across the world, as documented in this authoritatively written volume. This is the first in-depth book to present all instances and applications of space frames in various engineering schemes. It uses case studies and numerous illustrations to examine steel space frames from their design to their structural engineering performance. Analysis, Design and Construction of Steel Space Frames will be of particular use to practitioners through its use of various leading design codes, including the Eurocodes. Boasting an international authorship with wide experience in the research, development and manufacture of space frames, this book also draws contributions from leading practitioners and academics specialising in this area from across the globe.

Prepared by the Task Committee on Double-Layer Grids of the Committee on Special Structures of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE. This report provides guidelines for the design of double-layer grids, a type of space frame. Space frames are three-dimensional, lattice-type structures that provide great rigidity and inherent redundancy. Space frames are one of the more efficient uses of structural materials, and they satisfy demand for large column-free areas. The most common example of a space frame is the double-layer grid, which consists of two parallel layers of top and bottom cords interconnected by inclined and/or vertical web members. This report provides an overview of double-layer grids and discusses their structural behavior. Various methods to analyze these structures?including static analysis, dynamic analysis, thermal analysis, and optimization analysis?are explored. This guide concludes with experimental studies involving double-layer grids and implications for design.