Illustration of the difference between truss and space frame

Common forms of truss structure and space frame

◆ Common space frame include triangular pyramids, triangular prisms, cubes, truncated quadrangular pyramids, etc., generally with bolt ball nodes, welded ball nodes, etc., which are a kind of space structure.

◆ Trusses generally have single-row trusses, triangular trusses, and quadrilateral trusses. The trusses we often talk about are quadrilateral trusses, which are also the most used trusses. Commonly used ones are Steel Trusses and aluminum alloy trusses.

 Force of truss structure and space frame

◆ Truss structure is a kind of plane structure we often talk about. It needs the support of external forces such as bases to form a stable structure. It is a unidirectional force system.

◆ Space frame can be supported by the periphery and multiple points, with large in-plane stiffness, and belong to a bidirectional force system.

Characteristics of truss 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 the structure. Truss structure is developed on the basis of grid structure. Compared with grid structure, it has its unique advantages and practicality, and the amount of structural steel is also more economical.

◆Space frame has the characteristics of spatial force, light weight, high rigidity and good seismic performance. The disadvantage is that there are more rods converging on the nodes, and the production and installation are more complicated than the plane structure.

Application of truss structure and space frame

◆Truss structure mainly bears axial tension or pressure, so it is suitable for stage construction, advertising frame, background frame, sound and lighting frame, truss tent, roof frame, bridge, crane frame, etc. It is used for outdoor performances, exhibition construction, bridge load-bearing and decoration. Due to the factory service of truss customization, special specifications and arc-shaped trusses can be specially customized by truss manufacturers. 

◆Space frame is mostly used for arc structure and top due to its node characteristics, and can be used as the roof of buildings such as gymnasiums, theaters, and waiting halls.