ARC5305 Long-Span & Special Structures
Chapter Two
Long span structures
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Outlines
Introduction
Classification of structural systems for long span
structures
Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
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Introduction
What is Long span structures?
A long-span structure refers to a type of structural
design that is capable of spanning large distances
without the need for intermediate supports or
columns.
Quantitatively, this long span structures create
unobstructed, column-free spaces greater than
𝟐𝟎𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 (60 feet) for a variety of functions.
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Introduction
Qualitatively can be defined as situations beyond
standard beam theory.
When is a span a long span?
Before going further details into the Long span
structures, let us starting with Galileo square-cube law.
Galileo square-cube law states that “objects cannot just
be scaled up and retain their proportions.”
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Introduction
Scale up
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Introduction
When an object is scaled up its area increases by
the square of the multiplier while the volume
increases by the cube of the multiplier.
Since the ratio between the area and the volume is
changing with size, the properties of the object are
changing with size.
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Introduction
But, the long-span structures aim to maximize
structural efficiency by minimizing the amount of
material used while achieving the required strength
and stability.
This concept involves optimizing the structural
system, selecting appropriate materials and utilizing
efficient construction techniques to achieve the
desired span with minimal weight.
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Introduction
The spanning capability of horizontal elements
determines the spacing of their vertical supports.
This fundamental relationship between the span and
spacing of structural elements influences the
dimensions and scale of the spaces defined the
structural system of a building.
The dimensions and proportions of structural bays in
turn should be related to requirements of the spaces.
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Introduction
Required space
This technical problem (required spacing) posed
by the long span is that of maintaining a
reasonable balance between the load carried and
the self-weight of the structure.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
One-way Versus Two-way structural systems
Resistance Resistance through Resistance through
through section surface & Form Vectors & Form
arrangement
Optimized
Modified
developable
Extruded
planar
Structural
Elements
Basic
Section: Beam Form: Arch Vector: Truss
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Structural
Elements
Basic
Section: Beam Form: Arch Vector: Truss
Arrayed or
Rotated
stacked curved
geometry
Modified
Resistance with Resistance through Resistance through
Frames Surface Vectors & Form
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
One-way systems
The majority of long span structures are one-way
systems because of simple to arrange, arrayed in
linear manner, easier erect (fewer connections) and
easier to trace loading paths.
Depth can be adjusted by varying span of secondary
members.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
One-way structural systems: Potential spans
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Two-way systems
Two-systems are more efficient in use of materials,
span farther and carry heavier loads than a one-way
system.
If you get the shape /form right, it is an efficient
system that equally distribute loads (no wasted
material thickness).
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Two-systems are usually more complicated to
design, analyze and build because of it has certain
level of redundancy (indeterminacy).
Most two-way systems have a large number of
pieces and connections which adds to fabrication
and erection time.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
The Millennium Egg, London
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Two-way structural systems: Potential spans
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Based on structural activeness long span structures is
as follows:
i. Form active structural systems
ii. Section active structural systems
iii. Surface active structural systems
iv. Vector active structural systems
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
i. Form active structural systems
are systems of flexible and non-rigid matter in which
the redirection of forces is effected by particular form.
Represented by arches that carry only direct stress and
no bending take place.
Examples: Cable structures, Tent structures, Pneumatic
structures, Arch structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Cable structures
Flexible structural component that offers no
resistance when compressed or bent in a curved
shape.
By varying the profile of end members cables can
be made to follow several varieties of curves
Supports tensile load.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Cable structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Umakana Yokana stadium, Japan
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Tent structures
Constitute membranes stretched in frames rigid in
bending or rings rigid in compression.
The flexibility can result in large column-free spans,
unlike conventional roofing systems that require
rigid immediate support.
Subjected to tensile load.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
High points with different heights
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
A tent-structure pavilion in an
open square in Science Park,
Hong Kong
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Pneumatic structures
Air is provided as the bearing systems.
Membrane can support both tension and
compression and thus withstand bending moment.
The possibility of the structures collapsing as a
result of mechanical failure in inflation equipment
or as a result of tears in cover.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Metro Dome, Minnesota, USA
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
National Aquatic Center Water Cube, Beijing, China
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Arch structures
Transfers load around the curved structural form.
Large span will lead to increase in height of the
structure as the ratio of span.
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
ii. Section active structural systems
are systems of rigid, solid and linear elements in
which redirection of forces is effected by
mobilization of sectional forces.
Subjected to bending moment.
Examples
Beam structures, Framed structures, Slab structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Slab structures
Beam structures
Frame structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
iii. Surface active structural systems
are systems of flexible or rigid planes able to resist
tension, compression or shear in which the
redirection of forces is effected by mobilization of
sectional forces.
Examples: Plate Structures, Folded Structures, Shell
structures and Domes
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Shell structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
The Louisiana Superdome, USA – a 580m clear span
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Folded plate structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
iv. Vector active structural systems
are systems of short, solid and straight lineal
members in which the redirection of forces is
effected by vector partition i.e. by multi-directional
splitting of single force simply to tension or
compressive elements.
Examples: Flat Trusses, Curved Trusses, Space
Trusses
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Curved truss systems
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
The Hamburg Airport, UK
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Classification of Structural systems for long span structures
Bole international Airport, Ethiopia
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Long Span Beams
Beams greater than 𝟑𝟎𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 in span are said to
be long span beams.
Many long span solutions are also well adapted to
facilitate the integration of services without
increasing the overall floor depth.
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Because of the square-cube law, long spans must be
lighter and thus more efficient in shape
(longitudinal) and cross-section (section modulus).
It must be strong enough to carry large loads and
deflection is the controlling design factor.
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Rectangular beam
W-shape beam
Castellated beam
King Post truss
Truss
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Types of Long Span Beams
Most common type of long span beams used today are
plate girders and beams with web openings.
The plate girder (made of welded steel plates to
produce beams deeper than standard rolled shapes span
up to 60𝑚).
The popular construction methodology is pre-stressed
concrete structures.
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Parallel beam
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Castellated beam
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Tapered Girders
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Pre-cast concrete beam
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Long Span Trusses
Truss is a structure that includes one or multiple
triangular units that include straight slender
members with their ends connected via nodes.
Truss members are subjected to essentially axial
forces due to externally applied load.
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Queen post truss
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Queen post truss
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Portal Frames
Portal frames are commonly used to create wide-
span enclosures where a clear space is required
uninterrupted by intermediary columns.
They were originally used because of their
structural efficiency, meaning that large spaces
could be enclosed with little use of materials and for
a low cost.
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Duo-pitch portal frame
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Portal frame with crane
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
Multi-span Portal frame
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Long Span Beams, Frames and Trusses
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