Space Frame Experimental Behavior

by Erling Murtha-Smith, Univ of Connecticut, United States,
Sun-Hee Hwang, Univ of Connecticut, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Building Code Requirements for Masonry Structures (ACI 530-88/ASCE 5-88) and Specifications for Masonry Structures (ACI 530.1-88/ASCE 6-88) (ACI 530.1-88/ASCE 6-88)

Abstract:

Previous tests on double layer grid space frames have shown that, in some cases, significant initial forces exist. In addition, for externally determinate symmetrical tests, there was significant variation of member forces between nominally identical members, but that there was even greater variation for externally indeterminate space frames. Linear analysis was a reasonable predictor of member forces in many cases, although variability due to different degrees of slip, mechanical tolerances and boundary support flexibility can cause poor predictions. For systems able to develop continuity, the effective length factor determined accounting for the effect of the diagonals gives a good prediction of the force in the first member to buckle.

Subject Headings: Space frames | Structural behavior | Structural analysis | Steel structures | Steel frames | Linear analysis | Trusses

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