LONG SPAN STRUCTURES

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN-V

GROUP MEMBERS:
MUHAMMAD HAMZA
HUZAIFA YAQOOB
IQRA ASGHAR
MUBEEN SHEHZADI
SAAD SOHAIL

PRESENTED TO: AR. ALINA HAIDER & AR. IZZA DANISH

 INTRODUCTION, TIMELINE &
CHARACTERISTICS

TYEPS OF LONG SPAN STRUCTURES

CONTENTS:
MATERIALS USED

DESIGN PRINCIPLES AND

INNOVATIONS

EXAMPLES
INTRODUCTION, TIMELINE
& CHARACTERISTICS
MUHAMMAD HAMZA
 INTRODUCTION:

LONG SPAN STRUCTURES:

- Large Spans: Structures having spans more than 20 meters (65 feet) are
considered long-span structures and they cover vast distances without
numerous supports.
- Advanced Materials: Use steel, reinforced concrete, and lightweight
composites(fiberglass, foam core) for strength and flexibility.
- Applications: Found in stadiums, exhibition halls, airports, & industrial
spaces.
- Architectural Significance: Allow creative and aesthetically pleasing
designs.
- Functionality: Provide open areas without obstructions for various
activities and events.
 Historical Significance:

First Long Span Structure:

 The Pantheon in Rome, built around 125 AD, is considered one of

the earliest examples of a long span structure.
 It features a massive dome with an oculus at the top, showcasing
ancient engineering ingenuity.
 The enormous dome stretches 142 feet in diameter
 The dome rising to a height of 71 feet
TIMELINE: MEDIEVAL ERA:
Use of pendentives, pointed arches
and flying buttresses, enabling the
ANICIENT CIVILIZATIONS: construction of large cathedrals
Romans & Greeks used arches,
vaults, classical orders in
aqueducts & amphitheaters.

18TH TO EARLY 20TH

CENTURY:
Use of iron and steel & reinforced
concrete
Houston Astrodome (1965)

Mid to Late 20th Century: Sydney 21st Century:

Opera House (1973) Parametric Design and Digital
Fabrication
Bird's Nest Stadium (2008)
 TIMELINE:

MEDIEVAL ERA :​ 18TH TO EARLY 20TH CENTURY: MID TO LATE 20TH CENTURY: 21st Century:
ANICIENT CIVILIZATIONS:
Use of pendentives, pointed arches Use of iron and steel & Sydney Opera House (1973) Parametric Designs
Romans & Greeks used arches, vaults, reinforced concrete Bird's Nest Stadium, Beijing (2008)
classical orders in aqueducts &
and flying buttresses, enabling the (long span shell structure)
construction of large cathedrals Houston Astrodome (1965)
amphitheaters.
 Advantages & Characteristics of Long
Span Structures:
Importance and Applications:
 Long span structures are crucial for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces
in modern architecture.
 They are widely used in arenas, exhibition halls, airports, transportation hubs, and
industrial facilities, allowing for unobstructed, flexible.

Architectural Freedom and Creativity:

 Long span structures provide architects with the freedom to design innovative and
creative spaces without the limitations of intermediate supports.
 Their ability to cover vast areas allows for the realization of architecturally
ambitious and visually striking designs.
 Structural Safety:
 Long span structures are engineered with a strong emphasis on safety and stability.
 Modern engineering practices, advanced materials, and computer simulations ensure
that these structures meet strict safety standards and can withstand various
environmental loads, including wind, snow, and seismic forces.

Construction Techniques:
 Building long span structures involves careful planning, precise engineering, and
careful construction techniques.
 These structures are often prefabricated, allowing for efficient assembly on-site.
Advanced construction equipment and methods, including cranes and scaffolding, are
used to ensure the accurate placement of structural components.

Sustainability and Efficiency:

 Long span structures are increasingly designed with sustainability in mind,
incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient features.
TYPES OF LONG SPAN
STRUCUTRES
HUZAIFA YAQOOB
TRUSSES
• Triangular Members
• Connected Ends By Joints
• Support Roofs And Bridges
• Distribute Loads Along The Members

COMPONENTS:

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 TYPES OF TRUSSES

KING POST QUEEN POST FINK HOWE

- Simple truss with a single vertical - Similar to king post truss but - Triangular truss with diagonal - Similar to Pratt truss but with
post (king post) and two inclined with two vertical posts (queen members slanting towards the center. vertical members interrupted by
beams. Typically used in small to posts) and additional horizontal Versatile and cost-effective for various diagonal members. Offers variation
medium-sized buildings. beams. Suitable for larger building types. in design.
- Residential roof trusses Porch roofs. buildings. - Residential roof trusses Industrial - Similar to Pratt truss uses When
- Larger residential roof trusses buildings Agricultural structures variation in aesthetics and design is
Some bridges desired

PRATT WARREN BALTIMORE K

- Diagonal members slope towards the
- Diagonal members form equilateral Similar to Pratt truss but with additional Diagonal members form multiple K shapes
center, while vertical members connect
triangles and connect directly to the top vertical and diagonal members between the within the truss. - Specialized design for unique
the top and bottom chords. -Common
and bottom chords. Simple and main vertical members. Provides added engineering applications.
and cost-effective design. Bridges with
lightweight design. Bridges and support for heavy loads. Railway and Aerospace structures - Transmission and
moderate to long spans Building
buildings with shorter spans Truss highway bridges requiring added support - antenna towers - Custom engineering solutions
structures Covered bridges.
bridges in rural areas. Some industrial structures
 FOLDED PLATES
Folded plate structures are architectural and structural
elements that consist of flat plates or slabs, which are folded
to create a series of interconnected, rigid planes. These
structures are known for their geometric elegance and load-
bearing efficiency.

BASIC ELEMENTS:
• The inclined plates
• Edge plates which must be used to stiffen the wide plates.
• Stiffeners to carry load to the supports and hold the plate in
line.
• Columns to support the structure in the air.

• Reinforcement concrete
• Metal folded
• Wood
MATERIALS: • Glass
• Plastic
• Combination of different
materials

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 TYPES OF FOLDED PLATES

SINGLE FOLD
MULTI-FOLD BARREL VAULT
- - Consist of a single fold in a flat plate, - Involve multiple folds in a flat plate, creating complex shapes - Formed by curving a flat plate along a single axis to create a
creating a V-shape or triangular profile. - and structural stability. - Can form zigzag, wavy, or polygonal barrel-like shape. - Offers structural stability and spans long
Often used for decorative elements and patterns. distances.
canopies. - Roofs of large-span buildings, including sports arenas and - Used in the construction of long-span roofs, tunnels, and
- Architectural elements like decorative
exhibition halls. - Industrial buildings requiring large, open underground structures.
canopies and facades. spaces.

DOUBLE CURVED HYPERBOLIC GEODESIC DOMES

- Feature two curved surfaces and are created PARABOLOID
Consist of interconnected triangles forming a spherical
by bending a flat plate in two directions. - Shaped like a saddle with a hyperbolic paraboloid
or partially spherical shape. - Lightweight and
Offer aesthetically pleasing shapes and can profile. - Provide both structural strength and unique
structurally efficient.
span large areas. geometric patterns.
- - Architectural elements in modern and Planetariums, observatories, and exhibition pavilions. -
Roofs of sports stadiums and arenas. Architectural focal
Architectural landmarks and iconic structures.
innovative buildings. - Sculptural and artistic points in public spaces.
installations.
AIR FORCE ACADEMY
USA
LENGTH 280FT HEIGHT 150FT WIDTH 84 FT
Tubular steel frame of tetrahedrons enclosed with
aluminum panels.
Framework filled with 1 inch thick glass.
TENSILE STRUCUTRES
Structure carrying tension or bending.
A tensile structure used as a roofs.

COMPONENTS:
BASE PLATE:
CONNECTION TO CONCRETE
FOUNDATION PILLAR.

MEMBRANES:
ENCLOSURE OF THE STRUCTURE.
PVC COATED
SILICON COATED GLASS
TEFLON COATED GLASS

MEMBRANE PLATE
LINK BETWEEN MEMBRANE AND
STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS.

16
 TYPES OF TENSILE

TENSILE MEMBRANE CABLE-NET SUSPENSION BRIDGES

- Flexible membrane materials (fabric or
- Network of tensioned cables forming a three- - Supported by high-strength cables anchored at both ends. -
polymer) stretched over a supporting
dimensional grid. - Adaptable and suitable for irregular Deck suspended from the cables. - Iconic and capable of
framework. - Lightweight, translucent, and
shapes. spanning long distances.
visually appealing. - Sports arenas - Pedestrian bridges - Exhibition halls - - Pedestrian and vehicular bridges - Iconic bridges like the
- Canopies and shade structures Stadium roofs
Large-span roofs Golden Gate Bridge
Atrium covers Event tents

TENSILE GRID PNEUMATIC

- Intersecting cables or members under tension create a grid-like shell Air pressure used to inflate and stabilize flexible membranes. -
structure. Lightweight and adaptable for various applications. Lightweight, portable, and quick to assemble.
- Exhibition pavilions Roofing for sports facilities Large-scale Air-supported sports domes Inflatable event pavilions Temporary
architectural projects event structures
TYPES OF LONG SPAN STRUCTURES:
ARCH STRUCTURES: FRAME STRUCTURES: SHELL STRUCTURES:

 Curved shapes providing  Rigid frames support load  Curved, thin-shell geometry
natural strength. without relying on external provides strength.
 Common in bridges and bracing.  Common in roofs of stadiums and
tunnels.  Common in industrial buildings exhibition halls.
 Distribute weight outward, and warehouses.  Lightweight and visually
reducing reliance on vertical  Efficient for rectangular or appealing, allowing for creative
supports. square-shaped spaces. designs.
Factors Influencing Choice of Long Span
Structures:
SPAN LENGTH: LOAD REQUIREMENTS: CONSTRUCTION TIME: CONSULTATION:
Consider the distance that needs Understand the intended use and Evaluate budget constraints and Engage with experienced structural
to be covered. Longer spans the loads the structure needs to construction timelines. Some engineers and architects who can conduct
often require cable-stayed or support. For heavy loads like those structures, like frame structures, feasibility studies and provide insights into
suspension structures, while in stadiums, grid or shell structures can be quicker and more cost- the most suitable long span structure for
shorter spans may utilize arches might be suitable. effective to build the specific project requirements.
or frame structures.
MATERIALS
IQRA ASGHAR
INTRODUCTION
 Long-span structures are designed to cover large
areas without the need for many internal supports or
columns.
 The choice of materials for long-span structures
depends on various factors,
• including the span length
• purpose of the structure
MATERIALS

STEEL CONCRETE WOOD ALUMINUM

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MATERIALS

COMPOSITE MATERIAL BAMBOO GLASS TENSILE FABRICS

23
 STEEL

 ADVANTAGE
• high strength-to-weight ratio.
• Flexibility and Ductility
• Fire Resistance
 It can be used in various forms, such as
• structural steel beams,
• trusses, cables, and arches.
 USE
• Steel is especially suitable for bridges, stadiums, aircraft
hangars, and industrial facilities.
 CONCRETE
 Reinforced concrete can be used for long-span structures, especially
in the form of
• post-tensioned
• prestressed concrete
 Examples include concrete shells and domes.
• ADVANTAGES
• Strength and Durability
• Availability
• Thermal Mass
• Design Flexibility
• DISADVANTAGES
• Cracking
• Limited Tensile Strength
• Weight
 WOOD
 Timber is a renewable and environmentally friendly material
that can be used for long-span structures like sports arenas and
exhibition halls.
 Engineered wood products, such as glulam (glued laminated
timber) and LVL (laminated veneer lumber), are often used for
added strength and stability.
 ADVANTAGES
• Sustainability
• Lightweight
• Thermal Insulation
• Acoustic Properties
 DISADVANTAGES
• Limited Span Length
• Vulnerability to Moisture
 ALUMINUM
 ADVANTAGES
• Lightweight
• corrosion-resistant,
• High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
• Recyclability
• Versatility
• It's often used in combination with steel or other materials.
 DISADVANTAGES
• Limited Load-Bearing Capacity
• Electrical Conductivity
• Lower Strength than Steel
• Higher Cost
 USE
• Aircraft Hangars
• Auditoriums and Theaters
• Atriums and Skylights
 COMPOSITE MATERIAL

Mixing of two or more material

Glass and steel
Fabrics and steel
 BAMBOO MATERIAL
 In some regions, bamboo is used for long-span structures like
 bridges and roofs.
 ADVANATGES
• It's strong,
• lightweight
• sustainable
• Flexibility
• Low Thermal Conductivity
 DISADVANTAGES
• Limited Load-Bearing Capacity
 TENSILE FABRICS MATERIAL

 High-strength textiles like PTFE or ETFE

membranes are used in tension structures
and canopies to create unique long-span
forms.
 These materials are lightweight and offer
flexibility in design.
DESIGN PRINICPLES
AND INNOVATIONS
MUBEEN SHEHZADI
IMPORTANCE OF STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
Process of performing calculations to help determine the effects of different internal forces and
types of loads on a particular structure, or building.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS METHODS

1. Static Analysis:
Method:
• Foundation of structural analysis
• Calculating the internal forces and deformations in a structure under static loads,
such as gravity loads
Applications:
Used to assess the equilibrium and stability of long-span structures like roofs, stadiums

2. Finite Element Analysis (FEA):

Method:
• FEA divides the complex geometry of long-span structures into smaller,
interconnected elements
• Numerical methods are used to analyze the behavior of each element
Applications: FINITE ELEMENT MODEL
Instrumental in understanding the stress, strain, and deformation distribution in long-
span structures

LONG SPAN STRUCTURES 32

3. Dynamic Analysis:
Method:
• Evaluates long-span structures respond to dynamic forces, such as wind, seismic activity, or
moving loads
Applications:
Essential for designing structures to withstand dynamic loads without excessive vibrations
4. Load Testing:
Method:
• Involves applying controlled loads to the full-scale long-span structure to observe its real-
world behavior
Applications:
Used ensure safety and assess the structure's performance under various load scenarios
5. Buckling Analysis:
Method:
• Investigates the stability of slender structural elements like columns and beams to assess
their susceptibility to buckling under axial loads.
Applications:
Important for designing columns, towers, and other tall elements within long-span structures.

presentation title 33
 INNOVATION IN DESIGN TECHNIQUES
A I
D N
D I
V N
G O
A I
N V
T A MOVABLE STRUCTURES
C A T Enhancing the flexibility of
E S
HIGH STRENGTH STEEL L A BIM (BUILDING
I Y
these spaces;
D N INFORMATION MODELING) Retractable roofs
Reducing weight and material costs
Facilitates multidisciplinary V S
M A collaboration E T
M O L
A E
D Y S M
T E S
E SUSTAINABLE T S
MATERIAL L I R
R Explored for their
I S
I environmental benefits U
N C
A G HYBRID STRUCTURAL
L T
SYSTEMS
S U
CARBON FIBER REINFORCED A For efficient load distribution
POLYMERS (CFRP)
COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSIS R and cost-effective designs
N For more accurate predictions A
High strength-to-weight ratio
and corrosion resistance
D of structural behavior L
INNOVATION IN DESIGN TECHNIQUES R
P A E
3 D S
A
D A P
R
A P O
P T N
M
R I S
E
I V I ACTIVE AND PASSIVE
T 3D PRINTING
N E V DAMPING SYSTEMS
R For creating complex
T structural E Systems help mitigate
I
I A vibrations and improve the
C GENERATIVE performance in windy or
ALGORITHMS
N N S
Grasshopper and G F D T
seismic-prone areas
D Rhinoceros enable to A
E create complex forms R
resulting in efficient and A B U
S visually stunning
N R C
I structures.
D I T
G C
N A U
DIGITAL FABRICATION
T R
CNC (Computer Numerical E
I Control) technology is used to
O fabricate complex structural
S
N elements
 GREEN ROOFS AND
SUSTAINABILITY CONSIDERATION WALLS
• Green Roofs: Implement
green roofs to improve
MATERIAL SELECTION ENERGY EFFICIENCY insulation, manage storm
RENEWABLE ENERGY
water runoff
• Low-Impact Materials: • Passive Design:
INTEGRATION
Choose materials with as optimizing building
lower embodied energy, orientation and maximizing • Solar Panels: Install
such as recycled steel and natural daylight, to reduce photovoltaic solar panels on
concrete energy consumption to generate renewable
energy • Living Walls: Vertical
gardens or living walls can
help with temperature
regulation and air quality
• Energy-Efficient
• Local Sourcing: Use Systems: • Wind Turbines:
locally sourced materials Implement energy-efficient long-span structures can
to reduce transportation- HVAC, lighting, and incorporate small wind turbines
to harness wind energy
LIFE CYCLE
related carbon emissions insulation systems to ASSESSMENT (LCA)
minimize energy use in
• Perform a life cycle assessment to
climate control
evaluate the environmental impact of the
structure from the extraction of raw
materials to construction, operation, and
eventual demolition or recycling.

LONG SPAN STRUCTURS 36

EXAMPLES:
SAAD SOHAIL
EXAMPLE 1 steel wires.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Architect: Jahn
Location : San Francisco, California, USA
Span: Approximately 8,981 feet (2,737 meters)
Main Span (distance between towers): 4,200 feet
(1,280 meters)

Steel Wires
Suspension: Steel ropes are suspended from main
cables.
Connection: Ropes connect to the bridge deck.
Gravity Load: Deck is pulled by gravity.
Tension Force: Main cables resist load with tension
force.
EXAMPLE 1
Deck Composition: Steel beams form the
deck of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Support Structure: Trusses support the steel
beams.
Suspension System: The deck is suspended Warren deck truss bridge
using suspender ropes.
Cradle Creation: A cradle is formed by
bolting two pieces of suspender ropes
together.
Hanging Mechanism: The deck is hung from
the main cables through the created cradle.
 Concrete ribs sail-

EXAMPLE 2
shaped shells
steel wires.

OPERA HOUSE
Architect: Jørn Utzon
Location : Sydney, Australia
Sydney Opera House main span: 78 meters (256 feet)
Measured between tips of adjacent shell structures

Material: The ribs are made of precast concrete.

Precast Concrete Sections: The ribs are composed of

precast concrete sections that are interlocked to form
the shell-like structures.
The roof comprises
Shell Structure: The roof of the Sydney Opera House is often 2,194 pre-cast
described as a series of shells or sails, and these shells are concrete sections
supported by the concrete ribs.
EXAMPLE 2
HEAVY
CONCRETE
Structure built below ground level due to the
presence of sea water.
Waterproof reinforced-concrete
compartments used for construction. PRECAST
CONCRETE
RIBS
Laminated glass in concrete ribs
 EXAMPLE 3
Millennium Dome (now The O2 Arena)
Architect: Sir Richard Rogers and others Architects,
Location: United Kingdom
Span: Diameter of about 365 meters (1,200 feet)
Total Area: Approximately 80,000 square meters (861,113 square feet)
Construction Method:
Surface Structure Type: Thin Shell Structure, specifically a "Membrane
Structure."
Homogeneous Entity: The entire roof structure is made up of members
united as one homogeneous entity, creating both the structure and spaces.
Materials: The membrane is constructed using fabric and other tensile
structures, making it lightweight.
Load Resistance: Due to its thin and flexible membrane, the structure can
resist certain loads through tensile stress without compression or bending.
Size: The O2 Arena has the world's largest diameter for this type of
structure at 320 meters (1050 feet).
 EXAMPLE 3
Construction Details:
Steel Stringer
Cables
Support System: The fabric is supported by 72 tensioned steel stringer cables, each paired
with 32mm diameter steel spiral strands for tension.
Concrete
Fabric Material: PTFE-coated fiberglass is used for the fabric.

Support Structure: Radial spacing of 82 FEET to 98 FEET is maintained by upper hanger

and lower tie-down cables around 12 primary steelwork masts.

Stringer Stability: Circumferential cables keep the stringers in place on radial lines.
PTFE-coated
Force Collection: Forces from rain, snow, wind, etc., are collected at the center by a 30m fiberglass
diameter cable ring supported by 12 cables.

Safety Measures: A 30m diameter cable ring with 12 48mm diameter cables provides safety
against cable breakage.

Perimeter: Radial cable forces at the perimeter are collected by 12 curved boundary cables
and taken to 24 anchorage points.

This construction method highlights the innovative use of tensioned steel cables and a PTFE-
coated fiberglass membrane to create a lightweight and flexible yet robust structure for The
O2 Arena.

Steel
THANK YOU