Space Frame Detailing??

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

I'm currently preparing a hand in for a uni proejct and struggling to find some construction details that I need. The building is mostly earth sheltered; concrete frame, and in one area has a rectangular space frame which will be adjoined to reinforced concrete walls along each edge.... can anyone suggest how the frame is supported by the walls... i.e. what the detail might be like or if theres anywhere online I could find something similar to give me a rough idea... I've been searching but not found anything as yet..

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

That'll be a no then?

[Thomas Holm]

Well, yes. 😉

I guess you by space frame mean something like http://www.geometrica.com/Architectural/SpecsAndDetails/SpaceFrame/SpaceFrame.htm (there are some details there)

My only advice is Google is your friend. Otherwise, this is what structural engineers are for...

But such a space frame has the advantage that all static loads it transfers to the supports are vertical (except for windloads adn such). So you won't need any special reinforcements in its supports, just the usual for it's own weight and payload (snow, equipment etc) and dynamic forces like wind. If the supports are concrete, an experienced architect could dimension by thumb in the initial sketches and then let the structural guys dimension the steel reinforcements within. Your supervisor should be able to guide you.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply and the link! Yeh I know its not technically the architects job... just in uni they ask us to draw up our structure and do some detailing!

[Thomas Holm]

You're welcome! Good luck!