Before introducing what clear span construction is, let’s imagine this: Have you ever experienced the spacious, accessible interior of a stadium, exhibition hall, or large warehouse? How is this large spatial span achieved without the need for internal support structures? That’s what we’re going to look at – clearing span construction. In this article, we will introduce the following information to guide you find the best one, including definition, key features, construction process, advantages, and so on.
Introduction to Clear Span Construction
Clear span construction is a method of architectural design and engineering construction. It achieves the span of large spaces by eliminating internal support structures so that it can create spacious interior spaces without the interference of columns or other structures.
This design is often used in buildings that require large, accessible interior spaces, such as stadiums, exhibition halls, warehouses, aerospace facilities, etc. Clear-span buildings typically use high-strength materials and engineering designs to support large spans and ensure structural stability and safety.
Key Features of Clear Span Construction
Clear Span Construction has several features. Let’s explore these key features in more detail.
Materials Uesd
The materials used by clear span construction typically include steel, aluminum alloys, premium fabrics, composites, and glass.
Our main structural material is 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The general characteristics of 6061 include excellent interface characteristics, easy to coat, high strength, good serviceability and corrosion resistance. Besies, T6 state refers to the aluminum alloy after solid solution heat treatment and artificial aging to obtain. So it has excellent strength, processability and corrosion resistance. Moreover, the surface is anodized to make it have better corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and decoration.
Moreover, the top cloth is made of white light-shielding double-sided PVC synthetic fiber cloth, which can provide a good light-shielding effect and is waterproof, moisture-proof, durable, wear-resistant, and easy to clean. To be specific, our fire-resistance reaches B1/M2 and wind-resistance reaches 100km/h.
No Intermediate Support Columns
In traditional building design, the structures typically require intermediate columns or beams to support the roof or floors to distribute the weight and ensure the stability of the structure. However, clear span construction eliminates these intermediate support columns, allowing the interior space to be unobstructed. And the design remains open, free from the interference of vertical supports.
Large Span Area
Clear span construction can cover a large area, with spans ranging from a few meters to dozens of meters, making the interior of the building more spacious and suitable for various places, such as exhibition halls, sports venues, conference centers, etc.
Adaptability to Various Environments
With its column-free structural design, clear span construction is suitable for a variety of environments, and can be used in any weather condition. It provides comfort for all types of activities, such as stadiums and sports venues, exhibition centers and conference halls, concert and performance venues, etc.
Different Types of Industries Benefit From Clear Span Construction
The applications for clear span structure are versatile, involving different types of industries.
Industry
Clear span construction keeps the interior open and accessible. The design is flexible, making it easy to configure equipment, machinery, and storage space as needed. This open space layout promotes efficient operations and workflow, making production, logistics, and operations smoother.
- Distribution centers
- Warehouses
- Small manufacturing plants
Agriculture
Clear span construction uses aluminum alloy as the main material. It has a stable structure, corrosion resistance, and spacious space. Thus, it can protect hay, livestock, machinery, or vehicles against various harsh weather conditions
- Barn
- Hayloft
- Stable
Aviation
Clear Span Construction provides spacious, flexible, and efficient construction solutions for the aviation industry. The absence of internal struts allows large components to be moved and maneuvered smoothly, meeting the special space and flexibility needs of spacecraft operations.
- Aircraft hangar
- Aircraft awning
- Aviation office
Commerce
Clear span construction has a wide range of commercial applicability, allowing spaces to be resized and laid out as needed. Moreover, it also can be customized and adapted to meet specific commercial needs
- Office space
- Shop
- Auto repair shop
Sport and Entertainment
Clear span construction’s unobstructed views ensured spectators had the best possible view during the event. Not only can it easily accommodate large crowds, but also provides a comfortable experience for both participants and spectators.
- Gym
- Performing arts hall
- Swimming venue
Education and Research
Clear span construction can serve as a school, university, or research laboratory. It can provide flexible teaching and experimental space and support a variety of teaching and research activities.
- School
- Research laboratory
Advantages of Clear Span Structures
Clear span structures don’t have any pillars or support beams. It may accommodate a wide range of architectural solutions for changing business needs. Benefits include:
- Pre-fabricated: Clear span structures can often be prefabricated in a factory. It means that components can be precisely manufactured in a controlled environment. Therefore, it can reduce the time and effort required for on-site assembly. Precast elements gnerally have higher quality and consistency, which can improve overall constriction efficiency.
- Unique Design: Clear span structure differs from traditional structural buildings, it has no internal support columns or beams. And it is very difficult to implement this design and requires specialized companies, such as Shelter.
- Safety: Clear span structure is usually designed with safety factors in mind, including seismic performance and fire resistance. The structural material is aluminum alloy, and it is mechanically certified to ensure that wind-resistance reaches 100km/h and snow-resistance reaches 0.5kn/M². Therefore, it has high strength and hardness. The top cover is made of PVC synthetic fabric, which can withstand flame，and fire-resistance reaches B1/M2. Moreover, since the interior spaces are more open, allowing for better escape routes and disaster risk management.
- Ease of Construction: Clear span structures are generally easier to construct than traditional structural buildings because they reduce the complexity of on-site assembly. Prefabricated elements can be manufactured in factories and quickly assembled on site, reducing construction time and labor costs. Additionally, the absence of internal support structures allows construction crews to more easily access and operate the interior spaces of the building.
Clear Span Structure Recommendation
At Shelter Structure, we are not only a tent company, but also an internationally successful specialist in mobile and modular space solutions. We are recognized for our quality and effective construction techniques on a wide range of projects. And I’d like to recommend a clear span structure to you, which is popular in the market.
Arcum Clear Span Tents
Arcum Clearspan tent, with its innovative curved roof design and sturdy structure, is the first choice for hosting trade shows, festivals, sports venues, and other events, providing a sophisticated and modern environment for these events.
Features：
- The main structural material is aluminum alloy and the surface is anodized. And the node connection components are Q235 steel, with hot-dip galvanizing treatment on the surface. And the wind-resistance reaches 100km/h, snow-resistance reaches 0.5kn/M². Therefore, this structure is stable, strong in wind and snow resistant, and resistant to corrosion and wear.
- The roof steel cable is a general-purpose galvanized steel wire rope covered with PE rubber. It has excellent anti-corrosion performance and wear resistance, strong load-bearing capacity, easy installation, low maintenance cost, and can remain stable for a long time even in harsh outdoor environments.
- The top cloth is made of PVC synthetic fiber cloth, which has strong light shielding and weather resistance. Moreover, it can be used from -30 to +70 degrees Celsius, has strong temperature resistance, and is suitable for a variety of environmental conditions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, clear span construction offers a versatile and efficient solution for creating large, open interior spaces across various industries and applications. By eliminating support columns and maximizing usable space, clear span structures provide flexibility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
In addition, clear span construction makes them ideal for a wide range of projects. Whether for industrial, commercial, agricultural, or recreational purposes, clear span construction offers numerous benefits and opportunities for innovation and growth.
If you have any questions about clear span construction, please contact us.
