Clear span structures are a revolution in the industry. They provide durable spaces with unobstructed interiors, allowing for more movement and more versatility, and being able to meet a diverse range of needs. This article will guide you through the concept of clear span structures, exploring their definition, the different types, and their benefits.
What are Clear Span Structures?
The term, “span,” as it’s used in engineering, is the distance between structural supports. “Clear span,” specifically, refers to the distance from the surface of one structural support to the surface of another.
Clear span structures are revolutionary in that they are designed with no load-bearing supports within. Instead of using internal columns like traditional structures do, clear span structures use trusses, arches, cables, and strong frames to keep them standing. They can be made with steel, engineered wood, aluminum alloys and covered in metal paneling or tension fabric. The unobstructed interior allows for a spacious venue, ideal for numerous uses, such as warehouses, sports facilities, events venues, etc.
6 Types of Clear Span Structures
There are many different types of clear span structures, each with distinct features that are ideal for different applications and industries. Here are six of the most popular clear span fabric structures offered by Shelter Structures.
Arcum Clear Span Tent
With its unique arched roof, the arcum clear span tent is an eye-catching option that adds aesthetic appeal to your event. Its frame is made with aluminum alloy, which is lightweight for easy transport and set up, but also durable enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. This goes the same with its PVC tarpaulin covering, which is durable, flame-retardant, and 100% waterproof, guaranteeing shelter from the elements.
Its modular design allows for flexibility and scalability, and it can be customized with colors and accessories to fit your exact needs. The unobstructed interior gives organizers the freedom to fill the space. The arcum clear span tent is a great option for outdoor events that demand a large capacity venue, such as weddings, festivals, and corporate gatherings. Its classic design also adds elegance and an upscale aesthetic to events.
A-Frame Clear Span Tent
The a-frame clear span tent has a traditional peaked roof, making the structure design simple and straight to the point. This gives it a high ceiling that lends itself well to a variety of different set-ups, enhanced by its spacious, unobstructed interior. The modular design makes the installation simple and quick, and can be completed within a few days. This structure is made with aluminum alloys and PVC tarpaulin—durable materials that can withstand strong winds, rain, and intense heat.
It’s a very versatile option, with many different customization possibilities. Aside from the size and colors, you can add walls, windows, and doors. You can even opt for a transparent roof instead of an opaque one. And you can add in ramps, flooring, and canopies, as well. A-frame clear span tents are flexible in their use. They’re perfect for everything from weddings and parties to product launches and company conferences. They’re also a great choice for temporary warehouses, as the open interior makes storing and hauling large equipment hassle-free.
TFS Clear Span Tent
TFS means “tension fabric structures,” and is named so for the high-quality fabric that is stretched over a durable aluminum alloy frame in a unique shape. TFS clear span structures have sturdy and robust support but are made with lightweight materials that allow for easy transportation and set-up. They are waterproof, fire-retardant, and can withstand winds at 120km/h. These structures have an efficient design, perfect for short- or long-term purposes in varying weather conditions and climates.
TFS clear span tents can be tailored to your specific needs. For events such as exhibitions, parties, and corporate launches, they’re able to accommodate stages and large dance floors, as well as tables, chairs, and lighting and sound systems. You can also add decorative linings, wooden floors, and your brand or company logo. These structures are also ideal as temporary warehouses, recreational facilities, and aircraft hangars. This is due to their large and unobstructed interior with high ceilings—perfect to store large items and equipment, as well as hold spaces for offices.
Polygon Clear Span Tent
Standing out with its geometric shape, the polygon clear span tent is an eye-catching structure, offering a modern appeal to traditional designs. The arching roof is comprised of multiple angles—a departure from the usual structure of event tents. This can allow organizers to decorate the interior of the tent in unique ways.
Polygon clear span tents are easy to install and easy to transport, saving you both time and money. They can be tailored to your needs, with customization options like doors, windows, canopies, floors, size, and design. These tents are ideal for both industrial and recreational use. They can be turned into temporary warehouses to hold inventory, for corporate team-building events, or romantic outdoor weddings.
Mixed Party Clear Span Tent
Living up to its name, the mixed party clear span tent is a versatile structure, able to adjust to a good variety of industry needs. It boasts a modular design that makes it easy to designate separate spaces, allowing you to plan your event better. Highly customizable, they can be made with a combination of different tent styles and can be designed with different colors and accessories that fit the theme of your event.
The natural partitions of this tent provide a level of versatility and compartmentalization that is generally not possible in open-plan setups. This efficient use of space makes it ideal for events and conventions where multiple activities are happening at once.
Two-Story Clear Span Tent
The ideal choice when you need to maximize a small area is to go up, not out. The two-story clear span tent allows you to make use of vertical space, making use of the height to make up for a smaller setup area.
These tents can be customized with lighting, sound, and HVAC systems, flooring, doors and windows, and decks with railings. Two-story clear span tents are the best option for any event that requires additional space, such as sports events, festivals, corporate functions, parties, and other celebratory occasions. Most often, they are used for sports events and festivals because the high vantage point provided by a second story is perfect for viewing.
5 Benefits of Choosing Clear Span Structures
Clear span structures come in different types and fit different uses. These structures offer plenty of advantages over traditional buildings, such as:
Unobstructed Interior Space
The number one advantage that clear span structures have is their lack of inner support poles, offering an unobstructed interior space. The spacious area allows for more flexibility and creativity in layout design. This makes it an ideal choice for warehouses, event venues where flowing space is important, and sports facilities with large courts and play areas.
Quick Installation and Relocation
Traditional buildings are, consequently, made with traditional materials, such as brick and cement. This means they take more time to complete, and they become permanent and immovable structures. Clear span structures, on the other hand, boast a modular design made with sturdy but lightweight materials. This allows them to be assembled and disassembled with ease and efficiency, lending themselves well to frequent relocation and temporary solutions.
Flexibility
Its modular design gives clear span structures an immense adaptability that traditional structures do not have. Their layouts are customizable and able to be tailored to a variety of needs, such as events and equipment storage. You can add as many doors and windows as you want, and you can customize the flooring and the type of walls you use. They can accommodate multiple changes without needing any major structural alterations, as traditional structures would require.
Durability
Clear span structures, despite their temporary and efficient nature, are built to last. They are made with high-quality materials, such as aluminum alloy, galvanized steel, and PVC tarpaulin—all incredibly durable materials. These structures will stay stable and standing even in harsh weather conditions like strong storms, intense heat, or heavy snow.
Cost-Effectiveness
The size and specifications of a clear span structure usually dictate how much the initial investment will be, but in general, these structures prove to be cost-effective. Clear span structures are easy to transport and assemble, requiring less labor and time. Each material in these structures has specific and efficient uses, contributing to overall savings. And in the long run, clear span structures require less maintenance, as there are fewer materials to maintain.
Upgrade Your Venue With Quality Clear Span Structures
There are plenty of unique advantages and benefits that clear span structures offer that make them a great choice for a wide variety of applications. From the unobstructed interior space to the flexibility and ease of installation, these structures enhance functionality while keeping your budget reasonable. If you’re looking to invest in quality clear span structures, look no further than Shelter Structures. Check out our offerings and discover how we create globally accessible modular spaces.
