Some people may already be familiar with the term “long-span building.” If you look at a school, you will see a large sports hall, or in a factory, you will see a spacious storage room. Both are long-span buildings.
The distinctive feature of this type of building construction is a spacious horizontal room in the middle without any supporting columns. Curious to know more? Read the full article below!
What Are Long-Span Buildings?
Long-span buildings are structures designed to create spacious rooms without the obstruction of supporting columns. These types of buildings are usually constructed for sports fields, factories, warehouses, exhibition halls, or auditoriums.
The concept of long-span buildings dates back to ancient architecture, which featured arches, domes, and curved roofs. The development of this architectural model accelerated rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, with the discovery of steel and reinforced concrete.
The discovery of steel and reinforced concrete enabled architects to create large, open spaces without central concrete support columns. Long-span building models are used for various activities, including field sports, performances, exhibitions, and industrial activities.
Types of Long-Span Buildings
When viewed from their shape and complexity during the construction phase, long-span buildings can be divided into two main types, namely:
1. Simple Long-Span Buildings
This type of construction has a wide span with a primary focus on functionality. The construction process for simple long-span buildings is faster than complex long-span constructions.
2. Complex Long-Span Buildings
On the other hand, complex long-span buildings are constructions that focus on function and aesthetics. These buildings feature more complicated designs to achieve a high level of aesthetic appeal. Obviously, the construction process for these buildings will be longer and more time-consuming.
Long-Span Building Structures
Since long-span buildings have a spacious design without pillars, their structural systems differ somewhat from those of ordinary buildings. Here are some categories of long-span building structure systems that are commonly used:
1. Cable Structures
In cable structure construction systems, the structure is built using steel cables that are pulled tightly to support the load. The main principle of cable structures is tensile force. Some examples are suspension bridges or stadium roofs.
2. Arch Structure
The arch structure system utilizes arches or curves to distribute loads at the edges of the supports. Arches can withstand compressive forces, which makes them stable and sturdy.
3. Dome Structure
A dome is a half-spherical shape that can distribute loads across its entire surface. Domes can cover large areas without requiring central pillars, and they also offer excellent structural strength.
4. Shell Structure
A shell structure is a reinforced concrete construction that is curved to withstand loads. Examples include swimming pool roofs and sports buildings.
5. Spaceframe Structure
A space frame structure is a three-dimensional structure formed from interconnected rods that form a geometric pattern. This structure is capable of distributing loads evenly throughout the frame.
6. Folded Plate Structure
As the name suggests, a folded plate structure consists of flat sheets that are folded and arranged at certain angles. This structural form is strong enough to withstand loads without the supporting columns.
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Examples of Long-Span Buildings
After learning about the types and structures used for long-span buildings, you may be curious to see what long-span buildings actually look like. This type of building design is usually found in large buildings that accommodate many people.
Each long-span building has distinct characteristics and construction techniques tailored to its needs and environmental conditions. The following are some examples of buildings with long spans:
1. Sydney Opera House
One of the most iconic wide-span buildings in the world is the Sydney Opera House in Australia. This building features a unique roof type with a precast concrete shell.
Due to this shell roof, the interior does not require any supporting pillars. The Sydney Opera House serves as a large performance venue, offering unobstructed views.
2. Beijing National Stadium
Another example of a long-span building is the Beijing National Stadium, commonly known as the “Bird's Nest.” This modern building has a steel structure that spans over 80 meters. The steel structure crosses to form a pattern like a bird's nest, supporting the roof and covering an area of over 330 meters.
3. Kyiv Olympic Stadium
Kyiv Olympic Stadium in Ukraine is one of the largest stadiums in Eastern Europe and is also an example of a long-span structure. The stadium has a circular roof with a steel cable structure system, eliminating the need for support pillars in the center.
4. IMAX Keong Emas
IMAX Keong Emas is one of the wide-span buildings in Indonesia, constructed using a shell structure. This building is used to hold theater performances and film screenings.
The roof of IMAX Keong Emas is shaped like a rigid, thin, curved, and iconic three-dimensional golden shell. The design was inspired by the shape of a golden snail in Indonesian folklore.
5. Gelora Bung Karno Stadium
Who does not know the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium? This stadium is one of the iconic buildings in Central Jakarta. It can accommodate around 80,000 spectators, with a large steel roof resembling a giant ring.
The main Gelora Bung Karno Stadium was built with piles and reinforced concrete structures. The primary purpose of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is to host sporting events such as soccer, athletics, or opening ceremonies.
As a long-span building, the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium is also used as a venue for art performances, music events, and state events.
This concludes the explanation of long-span buildings, starting from the definition, types, structure, and examples. Long-span buildings are needed to support various special activities such as sports, performances, or exhibitions.
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