Estimation of statically equivalent seismic forces of single layer reticular domes

Abstract

Structural design of space structures in areas under great seismic activities presents problems on how to analyze the dynamic response under earthquake motions. On contrary few results are available in the case of reticular dome form of space structures to estimate seismic forces. In the present paper, dynamic responses on single layer reticular domes subjected to horizontal earthquake motion by using scaled near field earthquake accelerations, different masses, densities and different members of domes have been investigated. The seismic forces on different levels of domes have been obtained. In order to understand the dynamic response of domes under earthquake motions, graphs have been obtained. Finally, relations have been achieved for estimating base shear force and seismic forces in different levels of dome. By using these relations, seismic forces could be estimated accurately without any need to time-consuming dynamic analysis and complicated mathematical calculations.