Why are tube trusses so widely used in large-space buildings?

With the rapid development of my country’s economy and construction technology in recent years, various types of steel structures have been widely used in large-space buildings such as stadiums, airports, train stations, equipment production lines, convention centers, and theaters. Tubular trusses are particularly popular. Why are tube trusses so widely used in large-space buildings?

Tubular trusses are primarily favored for their excellent load-bearing and stability.

Tubular truss structures can be categorized by their cross-sectional shape, including triangular space trusses, quadrilateral space trusses, polygonal space trusses, and variable-section space trusses.

Compared to traditional open-plane trusses, tube trusses, with their three chords not lying in the same plane, are three-dimensional structures. This provides greater lateral stiffness and out-of-plane stability, reduces lateral support, and saves steel. Furthermore, the cross-sectional material of a tube truss is evenly distributed around the axis, resulting in excellent axial stability, structural symmetry, a large turning radius, and excellent load-bearing performance. Furthermore, the sealed ends of the steel tubes in a tube truss effectively prevent rust and water accumulation inside the tubes, providing excellent corrosion protection. Compared to grid structures, tube trusses lack the intersecting joints of welded external components. This allows for a variety of structural forms and arbitrary curved shapes, such as arches, creating a smooth and aesthetically pleasing visual effect. They also eliminate areas prone to paint or dust accumulation, making them easier to maintain. Consequently, some grid fabricators prefer tube trusses, offering a lower overall cost compared to grid fabrication. Furthermore, trusses are unidirectional structures, requiring fewer members than grid trusses for most rectangular buildings. This reduces the need for more lightweight structures and saves material.