Geometrical nonlinear stability analyses of cable-truss domes

Area of Science:

• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Computational Mechanics

Background:

• Cable-truss domes are efficient structures but susceptible to geometric nonlinearities.
• Understanding their stability is crucial for safe and economical design.
• Previous studies often focused on linear analysis or simpler configurations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the geometric nonlinear stability of cable-truss domes with varying cable distributions.
• To analyze the influence of different cable arrangements on critical load.
• To examine the effect of rise-span ratios on buckling behavior.

Main Methods:

• Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) was employed.
• Geometrical nonlinear stability was assessed.
• Various cable distributions and rise-span ratios were simulated.

Main Results:

• The addition of cables, especially diagonal ones, significantly increases the critical buckling load.
• The influence of tensional cables is more pronounced at smaller rise-span ratios.
• Buckling modes vary with the rise-span ratio, including global collapse, torsional buckling, and simultaneous global/lateral buckling.

Conclusions:

• Cable distribution is a key factor in enhancing the stability of cable-truss domes.
• The rise-span ratio critically affects the buckling behavior and failure modes.
• Optimizing cable layout and considering the rise-span ratio are essential for robust dome design.