Bolted-ball space frames work like building blocks. All components are pre-drilled in factories and assembled on-site with bolts, enabling fast construction. They are ideal for standard factories, gymnasiums and similar projects. Welded-ball space frames adopt hollow steel spherical joints welded on-site, delivering superior structural rigidity. They are suitable for airports, high-rise buildings and other projects with complex load conditions. Choose bolted-ball frames if you have tight budgets and construction schedules; opt for welded-ball frames for irregular shapes and heavy loads.

Single-layer space frames normally cover spans of 40–60 meters, while double-layer space frames can reach over 120 meters. Provided the design complies with relevant codes and load calculations are accurate, space frames come with high safety factors and dedicated verification standards, eliminating collapse risks under normal service conditions.

The upper chord members of the space frame act as the primary skeleton. Purlins are mounted on top of the chords, followed by color steel plates, aluminum-magnesium-manganese alloy panels or daylighting sheets as the roof covering. This process is similar to fitting a cover onto a frame, delivering lightweight and waterproof roofing solutions.

For coastal projects designed per Chinese standards, space frames are engineered to withstand Category 12 typhoons, with wind speed around 35 m/s. Wind resistance can be upgraded to Category 14–17 for high-risk regions. As long as anchorages and foundations are fully reinforced, space frames perform reliably under typhoon conditions. Standard space frames adopt low-temperature resistant steel grades such as Q355B with qualified impact energy values, which remain intact at -40°C. For projects located in frigid zones, we specially select steel with excellent low-temperature impact toughness and complete corresponding technical procedure assessments.

Surface oxidation of steel is inevitable, yet we adopt a three-layer anti-corrosion protection system: shot blasting rust removal + anti-rust primer + topcoat. Indoor space frames require no major refurbishment for 30–50 years; outdoor frames only need repainting every 15–20 years. The standard design lifespan of a space frame structure exceeds 50 years. Annual visual inspection is recommended to check coating peeling, loose bolts and water accumulation. Regular cleaning of drainage outlets and dust buildup enables nearly maintenance-free operation.

In most cases, space frames are delivered as disassembled components. Rods and bolted balls are pre-processed, numbered and packaged in factories for on-site assembly. Integral transportation and hoisting are only applied to extra-small spans or special modular sections.

Not necessarily. The high-altitude bulk assembly method only requires small cranes or winches. For long-span projects, ground assembly followed by integral jacking or sliding is widely adopted; cranes are merely used for unloading, cutting costs and improving safety.