STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

trusses are most efficient in the range of an 8 to 10 ft grid (2.5 to 3 meters), and are
generally suitable for mirroring the glazing grid. For reasons of connection geometry, a
rectangular grid space truss will typically be at least as deep as half the dimension of its
longest chord member.
Form-finding: not required.
Glass system interface: Space trusses and space frames are best loaded at the node, so
any glazing system capable of spanning node-to-node can be used, including point-fixed
systems. Veneer systems are also possible with a special chord design to receive the
glazing system.
Resources and Technology
Maturity: Space frame is a mature technology, but a languishing on as well. Thousands of
space truss structures have been built since the 1970’s, but architectural interest in the
building form peaked in the 1980’s.
Materials and Processes: Most systems are comprised of steel hollow section tube struts
with some kind of node connector. The most common system utilizes a forged and machined
steel ball as the node piece. All components and hardware are galvanized and painted.
Material suppliers and subcontractors: Space frame fabrication is a specialty; the local steel
fabricator will not be able to provide a componentized space frame system under normal
circumstances. The services of a specialty fabricator or design/builder will have to be
acquired. A potential problem is that there are currently very few to select from in the
marketplace.
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