A structural design that covers a large open area using specialized trusses, rigid frames, or tension structures to eliminate the need for intermediate load-bearing columns. These designs are common in warehouses, aircraft hangars, and sports arenas where unobstructed floor space is mandatory. Achieving this requires massive steel members and precise engineering to handle the increased dead and live loads across the void.
Heard on the job
We're using a widespan truss system for the warehouse addition to keep the forklift lanes completely clear of columns.
Do not mix it up with
- Clearspan: Clearspan implies absolutely no interior columns, while widespan just indicates a very large distance between any supports.