5 Primary Benefits of Spaceframe Structures

Space frames have become more popular nowadays because of its structural potential and aesthetics. It also offers various advantages; some of them are explained in this article.

A spaceframe is a lightweight, rigid, and 3D trust-like structure. It's crafted from interlocking struts and can be shaped in different geometrical shapes and profiles. Additionally, it can either be dismantled or fixed depending on your preference. Engineers like spaceframes because they are lightweight, easy to build, cost effective and can be shipped easily. While Architects appreciate how spaceframes make their designs stand out, due to the unique arches they put into a building. Indeed the organic structures constructed through a spaceframe, make it so that buildings look cooler than ever. All the while, providing a safer environment, for the individuals who construct them.

Space frames have become more and more popular nowadays, because of their structural potential and aesthetics. It is robust even with minimum interior supports. This makes it a perfect choice for those who want to cover huge areas. While at the same time helping avoid the nuisances of massive interior supports. Space frames are used for short, medium, and long-span roofs and canopies. Often you'll find them on sports stadiums, airplane hangars, exhibition pavilion, auditoriums, assembly halls, and other huge industrial structures.

Advantages of space frame

A space frame offers various advantages. Some of its advantages are:

· Lightweight

· Cost-saving

· Faster to build

· High-quality and sturdy

· Sustainable

Lightweight

Most space frame structures are made from steel and therefore inherit the benefits of the steel as well. A steel I-beam is significantly lighter than the wood beam. Although a 2x4 steel initially weighs more than a 2x4 wood, when used as a beam or for framing, the previous becomes lighter than the latter. It even becomes lighter than parallam beams, LVL, and glulams. This is primarily because of the design and the lesser number of steel needed to construct the beam or frame.

Cost-saving

In constructing structures, time always equals to money. A space frame structure offers cost-saving benefits through various first time and lifetime savings. For this reason, space frame structures have become one of the most affordable building products on the market today. There are different ways you can save on a steel space frame. Among these are:

· Save on labor cost - A steel space frame can be built faster than any other material and therefore requires less labor for its construction. Therefore, you save money on labor costs.

· Save on shipping costs- The lighter-weight advantage of the materials used in constructing a space frame helps you save on material shipping costs.

· Save on material costs- The design of the space frame can be simplified. As a result, it can also simplify the structural support system and the foundation of the building. Thus helping greatly reduce project budgets.

· Save on maintenance fees, replacements, and repairs - A steel space frame is known for its durability. Not only that, but it can also withstand extreme conditions like fire, heavy snow loads, strong winds, and seismic activities. Space frames are also resistant to pests and decay, making it one of the most economical choices for building owners. Needless to say, with these characteristics, you can keep the maintenance fees, replacements, and repairs at a minimum. Which will allow you to save thousands of dollars throughout the lifetime of the structure.

· Save on insurance premiums- Premiums on policies underwritten for structural buildings made with steel, tend to be lower than those made with other materials.

· Save by recycling- A steel space frame structure is highly recyclable. Instead of paying landfill fees whenever you want to replace certain parts, you can try to recycle its building components. Additionally, you can think about saving those parts to use for another purpose. Not only will you save money, but you can also aid in the government's effort to minimize unnecessary construction waste materials.

Faster to build

A space frame requires less time to construct than any other option. The steel-parts of the structural space frame are pre-fabricated and mass-produced. Furthermore, they are made based on specific designs inside the manufacturing plant. Afterwards, they are shipped out to their customers and retail shops, ready to be immediately erected or assembled on site. This makes it possible to finish large-scale projects in just a few weeks.

High-quality and sturdy

The steel parts undergo a fabrication process that is high-quality controlled. Steel is one of the most durable and sturdy construction materials available today. Each of the components of the space frame is pre-cut into standard size and shape inside the factory. This means that you do not need to measure and cut the parts on site anymore. Not only does this help speed up the construction, but also eliminates the element of human error.

Sustainable

Space frames made from steel are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Aside from the fact that it is primarily made from recycled materials, steel can be recycled again at the end of its lifespan. If you plan to build a structure and to get a green building certification, using a space frame for roofing or canopy will help you earn some points.

These are just among the primary advantages of space frames. These advantages, however, depends on the experience and skill of the builder as well as the quality of the materials used in constructing the space frame.