ABSTRACT
Because triangles are stable structural forms, there is no need for the joints to be rigid - they can all be of the simpler and cheaper pinned variety. While the potential of the space frame was at that time already becoming known through Alexander Graham Bell's experiments (Section 8.8), it was Wachsmann who first used the system extensively in an architectural setting. The logistical problem that he faced in applying the space frame system to the scale of building structures, though, was in finding an effective connection joint that was relatively simple and chea p - obviously a critica I factor given the number of joints in such a system. The solution that he devised was to use a spherical joint made of chromium steel that could connect up to 20 steel tube members coming in at different angles; a simple wedge principle was used to hold the ends of these members in place.
