Experimental Study and Numerical Simulation of the Progressive Collapse Resistance of Single-Layer Latticed Domes

Abstract

Progressive collapse accidents of single-layer latticed domes seriously threaten public safety and social security. Structural integrity and progressive collapse–resisting capacity are gradually becoming essential requirements in structural design. The Kiewitt Lamella and geodesic single-layer latticed domes are typical of domes used in large-scale public facilities. In this paper, an experimental study and a numerical simulation were carried out to understand the mechanism of internal force redistribution in the progressive collapse of domes. Three effective methods to evaluate progressive collapse resistance and critical displacement were determined and verified. The results indicate that both the Kiewitt Lamella dome and the geodesic dome exhibit undergo snap-through collapse. The collapse of the Kiewitt Lamella dome was induced by unexpected local instability around the initial failure members, whereas that of the geodesic dome was the result of a rapid change in nodal displacement and a sharp decline in structural stiffness.