STRUCTURAL GLASS FACADES - USC School of Architecture

Glass system interface: Any glass system type can be supported from the node on the
space truss grid. Veneer systems will require a special outer chord to provide continuous
support.
Durability and Maintenance: Space trusses and space frames are durable structures
requiring low maintenance under normal circumstances. The typical space truss is
comprised of many pieces, each pre-finished in the factory. This is superior to field painting.
In the event that the finish is compromised for any reason, it can be extremely difficult and
costly to repair. Also, the configuration and constant depth of the structures combined with
the large number of parts can make cleaning of the structure difficult if required, and
furthermore can effectively block access from the structure side to the glass for cleaning
purposes. The simple truss systems can provide significant advantages here.
Sustainability: General parity with other systems.
Structural Performance
Spanning capacity: Space frames and space trusses are multidirectional spanning systems
capable of long spans. Spanning capacity can be compromised by plan geometry that
effectively limits the spanning action to a single direction. For example, a square grid
structural system built to a rectangular plan of 50 ft by 100 ft (15m by 30m), will effectively
span only in the 50 ft direction.
Span/Depth (L/d) characteristics: Span to depth ration is high, in the 15 to 20 range, but the
minimum depth of a space truss is typically about one half of its largest grid dimension, to
provide for connection geometry. Space frames are not necessarily subject to this constraint,
but the structures will become less efficient as depth decreases.
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