The latest architectural trends are towards diversity in the appearance and spaces of buildings. A free-form structure is the most appropriate structure for creative and unique buildings. It can be designed without columns, for economical usage of space.
The free-form structure is categorized into double-layer and single-layer types. Because of the freedom of design and the transparency of the buildings’ appearance, application of the single-layer free-form structure is being preferred. In free-form structural systems, especially single-layer free form structures, the node has an axial load, as well as moment. In addition, it is important to have an accommodation for horizontal, vertical and twist angles. Various types of nodes for single-layer structure have been developed.
Splice type connections are connected by one or several bolts and have to bear axial force by the shearing force of the bolt. Therefore, adjustment of the horizontal, vertical, and twist angles can be very restricted.
End-face type connections are characterized by the surface of the node and the structural member being put into contact by bolts or by welding. Mostly, end-face type connections have better performance in transferring axial force and bending moment than splice type connections. However, all conditions of transferability of different force, and accommodation for various types of angles are still difficult points.

The FREE (Flexible, Resilient, Efficient, and Economic) node was proposed with FE analysis and experiment. FE analysis and experiment processes to find the optimal shape of the FREE node with various parameters, and the performance of the FREE node Subject to moment and axial load. Using FREE node, 7m X 20m roof structure was designed and constructed. Through these roof structure, we studied shape resistance mechanism and FREE node performance of single layer structure.