They differ as follows: The members in a space frame are rigidly connected, so axial, shear and bending forces can resist the load. In addition, the loads can be applied to the joints or distributed along the members. The members in a space truss are fixed at their ends and resist the load only by axial response.
A space truss is a three-dimensional structure in which the longitudinal members are connected at their ends by hinges assumed to be frictionless. Loads on a spatial truss are applied only at the nodes or nodes, thus assigning self-weight to each unit at the ends connecting the other units of the truss.
In architectural and structural engineering, a space frame or space structure (3D truss) is a rigid, lightweight, truss-like structure consisting of geometrically patterned interlocking struts. Welded space frames can be used to span large areas with little to no internal support.
Space frame chassis. A space frame is a truss - multiple interconnected tubes that provide strength and support for multidirectional forces. Many early cars used trapezoidal chassis, which were strong but would bend when forces were applied from the sides, for example.
The following are the types of trusses.
► Warren Truss.
►Pratt truss.
►K truss.
►Fink truss.
►Gambrel truss.
►Howe truss.
In a nutshell, members are classified as trusses and frames based on the way they are connected at the end, which determines their ability to carry certain types of loads. Truss members are free to rotate and can only carry axial loads, while frame members are rigidly connected and can support all load types.
Both beams and trusses are designed to span a distance, usually in the transverse direction. A beam is more or less an element that is subjected to bending, axial and shear forces, while a truss is a combination of different structural elements, usually only axial forces.
A frame structure of any material is a stable structure made of a skeleton that is capable of standing independently as a rigid structure without relying on the floor or walls to resist deformation. Each upper floor is laid on crossbeams which are supported on the exterior walls by horizontal members.
Space frames can be used to span large areas with little to no internal support. Like trusses, space frames are strong due to the inherent rigidity of the triangles; bending loads (moments) are transmitted as tensile and compressive loads along the length of each stringer.
► Determine if the truss is a static determinant.
►Determine the external forces on the truss.
►Determine the angle of the truss.
►Determine the internal force of the truss.
