Configurations of double-layer space trusses

Space truss structures may be fabricated in any of several common grid configurations. With different configurations, the truss performance varies considerably affecting both its competitiveness and suitability for specific applications. The work presented in this paper is an assessment of the most commonly adopted truss configurations and their effect on truss characteristics such as the stiffness/weight value, member stress distribution, number of joints and members, degree of redundancy and cost. The study is parametric and covers wide variations of truss aspect ratios, boundary conditions and span/depth ratios. The results of this study could be of significant value to the design of space truss structures.