Choosing the Right Structural System for an Aircraft Hangar: Portal Frame, Long-Span Truss, or Bolted Sphere Structure?
Aircraft hangars are among the most demanding types of large-span buildings. Unlike ordinary industrial warehouses, they must provide sufficient clear space for aircraft parking, maintenance, inspection, and movement. One of the most important decisions during the planning stage is choosing the right structural system. Should you use a rigid portal frame, a long-span steel truss, or a bolted sphere structure? There is no universal answer. Each system has different structural characteristics, construction requirements, and economic considerations. Understanding these differences can help project owners and engineering teams make better decisions before moving into detailed design. 1. Why Structural Selection Matters in Aircraft Hangar Projects An aircraft hangar is not simply a large building with a roof. Its structural system must work together with several important functional requirements. These include: Large unobstructed interior spaces for aircraft operations. Wide hangar do...