Based on their shapes, space frame structures can be categorized into double-layer plate-type space frames, and single-layer or double-layer shell-type space frames. The members of plate-type and double-layer shell-type space frames include top chords, bottom chords, and web members, primarily bearing tension and compression forces. In single-layer shell-type space frames, the members not only bear tension and compression but also bending moments and shear forces. Currently, the majority of space frame structures in China adopt the plate-type design. Space frame structures

Plate-type space frame structures are mainly divided into three categories based on their composition: the first category consists of planar truss systems, including two-way orthogonal square grids, two-way orthogonal diagonal grids, two-way skew diagonal grids, and three-way grids; the second category is composed of tetrahedral pyramid units