Desing of latticed shell structures

Although the primary forms of lattice shell structures (grid shell or single-layer space frame) appeared 2000 years before with the aim of sheltering, the main development occured after the second half of 19th century by the successful and economical transition from iron to steel and the development of laminated composite timber instead of massive wood. Nowadays, the developed forms together with enhanced connections are used in wide span areas like sport center, cultural center, conference hall or in aesthetic roof systems. Double-layer space frame presents economical solutions as well as high analysis and construction rate for moderate span areas. But the single-layer space frame became a more important alternative to produce economical and aesthetic solutions in wide span areas. Development of technology enables the new forms of barrel vault, dome, hyperbolic paraboloid and freeform systems by using steel, timber and aluminium.The purpose of thesis is to demonstrate the lattice shell structures with their historical development, materials, forms, connection details and construction techniques. In addition; a lattice shell structure project is analysed via SAP 2000 and internal forces, displacements, sizes of structural elements and weights are determined for two different forms and height to span ratios. The form is illustrated by 3D modelling.The First Chapter presents the purpose and scope of this study.In the Second Chapter; general features of space frames are emphasized; common and different features of single and double layer space frame systems are compared.The development, forms (cylindrical vault, dome, free forms, hyperboloid paraboloid) and technical properties of lattice shell structures are discussed in the Third Chapter.Through the Fourth Chapter; from iron to steel development and utilization in lattice shells in the past are investigated. The developed connections as well as experimental and theorical studies on two connection types are emphasized by using 3D modelling. The stability of forms are examined. A lattice shell structure project is also analysed via SAP2000 for two different forms and height to span ratios. In addition 3D modelling of this project is applied.In the Fifth Chapter; the development of laminated composites, properties and usage in lattice shell structures are explained and some sample buildings are focused.The Sixth Chapter accounts for the development and technical properties of aluminium compared with steel and the utilization in lattice shell structures. Connection details are given in detail.Seventh Chapter covers the roofing materials and their properties of wide-span areas.In the Appendices; system and connection types of double-layer space frame systems are indicated.