A Comparative Analysis on Wide Span Structures

In the historical process of passing openness, mankind has taken giant steps. While the stone pillar ranges in the first temple structures of human history were at most 1–2 meters, today technology and materials have been developed to pass distances of more than 100 meters. Although there are different ways to cross a span, the optimum solution varies depending on economic possibilities, the capacity of transporting large-sized elements, zoning regulations, and the conditions of the land where the project is located. The aim of this study is to reveal the optimal solutions with different materials used to pass wide openings and to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of large openings to space and building through the created models. The computer generated models were compared with each other according to six criteria and it was concluded that the lightest structure is formed by timber systems, arch and dome systems are more advantageous in terms of roof ceiling height, the most costly system is the timber grid beam system, and the reinforced concrete cassette and ribbed slab systems have the largest floor area in terms of column area.