Illustration of the difference between truss and space frame

Truss structure and space frame are both common forms of building structure. From a layman’s point of view, both of them have the same point, both of them are connected by metal materials, how to distinguish truss and space frame? How to distinguish between truss and space frame? When to use space frame and when to use truss?

Common forms of truss structure and space frame

◆The common shapes of space frame are triangular cone, triangular body, square body, truncated quadrangular cone, etc. Generally, there are bolted ball nodes, welded ball nodes, etc. It is a kind of space architecture.

space frame

◆Trusses generally have single row truss, triangle truss, quadrilateral truss, we often say truss is quadrilateral truss, is also the most used kind of truss. Commonly used are steel truss and aluminum alloy truss.

truss

Force of truss structure and space frame

◆Truss structure is a kind of plane structure we often say, which needs to be supported by external force such as base in order to form a stable structure, and it is a one-way force system.

◆space frame can be peripherally supported, multi-point supported, with large rigidity in the face, and belongs to two-way stress system.

Characteristics of Joist Structure and space frame

◆The advantage of truss is that the rods mainly bear tension or pressure, which can give full play to the role of materials, save materials and reduce the weight of structure. The truss structure is developed on the basis of space frame structure, which has its unique superiority and practicability compared with the space frame structure, and the amount of steel used in the structure is also more economical.

◆Space frame has the features of space force, light weight, high stiffness, good seismic performance, etc. The disadvantage is that the number of rods intersecting at the nodes is more, and the fabrication and installation is more complicated than that of plane structure.

Application of truss structure and space frame

◆The truss structure mainly bears axial tension or pressure, so it is suitable for stage construction, advertisement frame, background frame, sound and light frame, truss tent, roof frame, bridge, crane frame and so on. It is used for outdoor performance, exhibition and fair construction, bridge loading and decoration. Due to the service of truss customization, special specification and arc truss can be customized by truss manufacturers.

◆Space frame is mostly used in curved structure and top with its characteristic of nodes, which can be used as roof cover of gymnasium, theater, waiting hall and other buildings.