Dynamic Stability and Ultimate Capacity of Suspended Dome under Earthquakes

Abstract

Suspended dome is a reasonable and novel type of long-span hybrid spatial structures based upon single-layer spherical lattice shell and tensegrity system. Based upon the structural force-bearing characteristics, the combined finite element model of beam elements, truss elements and cable elements is set up. A method taking the maximum displacement on nodes under earthquake acceleration of each level as dynamic response representative parameter is proposed to study the dynamic stable ultimate capacity of suspended dome by application of the incremental dynamic analysis in combination with B-R kinetic criterion. Furthermore, considering suspended dome has the clear advantage over Single-Layer Spherical Lattice Shell for a structure with a long span and a small ratio of rise to span, the influences of factors such as structural parameters, geometric parameters, and different earthquake input are investigated on dynamic stability for a kiewitt-type suspended dome with a long span and a small ratio of rise to span. Finally of suspended dome some conclusions are obtained such as the initial defects can clearly reduce dynamic stable ultimate capacity, and since the rise-span ratio, pre-stressing level and cross section area are not monotonous as variety to the structural dynamic stability, they should be optimized to enhance or improve the structural dynamic stability, which can be rules for engineering design.