Some Aspects of Reliability and Safety of Space Frames

Abstract

This article discusses the structural reliability and safety of steel space frames. Since steel space frames are composed of a large number of members of comparatively small size and are covering large areas without any internal supporting columns, the influence of some imperfect boundary conditions as well as differences introduced through lack of fit during the erection process may lead to occasional local overstressing in some members. This overstressing in compressive members may exceed their critical buckling capacity leading to collapse and redistribution of the stresses in the remaining structure. If the members cannot resist the increased stresses then the local collapse may spread to adjacent members and eventually cause overall collapse. The authors wish to put forward some recommendations for prevention of this dangerous phenomenon.