long-span roof

Long-span buildings are structures designed to create large, unobstructed interior spaces, typically exceeding 30 meters (100 feet) without internal columns. These spaces are crucial for various functions, including auditoriums, covered stadiums, exhibition halls, and aircraft hangars, where visibility, flexibility, or housing large objects is essential.12

The primary materials used for long-span structures are steel and concrete. Structural systems can be broadly categorized into two types: bending structures and funicular structures.132

• Bending Structures: These experience both tensile and compressive forces. Examples include plate girders, trusses, and space trusses. Trusses, in particular, are highly efficient and can span up to 190 meters (623 feet).12
• Funicular Structures: These experience either pure tension or pure compression. Examples include arches, vaults, domes, and cable-stayed roofs. Domes, especially steel truss domes, have achieved spans of over 200 meters (670 feet). Cable-stayed roofs and air-supported membranes also utilize tension to create vast, column-free areas.132

The development of long-span construction has seen innovations like the geodesic dome and the lamella dome, alongside advancements in concrete shell structures and cable-supported roofs.3