long-span building

Long-span buildings are designed to create large, unobstructed interior spaces, typically exceeding 30 meters (100 feet) without internal columns. These structures are essential for venues requiring good visibility for large audiences, such as stadiums and auditoriums, or for flexible spaces like exhibition halls and aircraft hangars.123

The structural systems used in long-span buildings are a critical concern. They can be broadly categorized into those that experience bending (with both tensile and compressive forces) and funicular structures, which are shaped to handle either pure tension or pure compression.23

Examples of bending structures include girders, two-way grids, and various types of trusses. Funicular structures encompass arches, vaults, domes, cable-stayed roofs, and tension surfaces. Materials like glue-laminated timber, steel, and concrete are commonly employed, with innovations like geodesic domes and air-supported membranes also contributing to achieving significant spans.3214