Architectural structures - Trusses

ARCH262 - STRUCTURES FOR ARCHITECTS II Lecture 6: The Truss and the Space Frame

Prince Sultan University College of Engineering

Department of Interior Design and Architecture

2nd Semester 2015-2016

Dr. Julianna Lipták-Váradi

This lecture is connected to the book Sandaker et al: The Structural Basis of Architecture Chapter 8: The Truss and the Space Frame

Case Studies

Luigi Nervi concrete hangar Orvieto, USA (source: structurae.net) Wachsmann US Air Force research project

Structures for Architects II- Trusses and Space Frames

BMW Welt, Munich, Germany, cross-section (source:bmw-welt.com)

Case Studies


History


Crystal Palace, London, 1851. (source: britannica.com)

Triangulation and Internal Stability

Trusses: series of stable triangles

Triangles are locked into one shape the moment all three sides are linked together (contrary to the case of quadrilateral – rectangle, parallelograms)

Ideal truss:

• Pin connections (idealization)

• No bending moments (idealization)

Calculation methods:

See ARCH216 Structures for Architects I

Vulture`s bone (beta-sheet.org)

Leonhardt House, Long Island, USA (metropolismag.com)

Roof systems

St. Domenico Church, Siena, Italy, roof structure (viaesiena.it)


Traditional Chinese house cross-section (jsah.ucpress.ed)

Different approach between Eastern and Western roof systems

Truss Forms

Hopkins House, Hampstead, UK (architecture.com)


Truss Forms

Xstrata Treetop Walkway, Kew Gardens, London, UK, 2008 (kew.org)


Xstrata Treetop Walkway (dezeen.com)

Joints

Classwork:

Find different types of joints connected to trusses. Each group should introduce two types of joints with photos, sketches and detailed description.

References to use:

• Book: Sandaker et al: The Structural Basis of Architecture

• University library

• Online resources

Thank you for your attention!