Finite element analysis of the static properties and stability of a 800 m Kiewitt type mega-latticed structure

Abstract

A comparison was made of the static behavior of a double-layer reticulated shell, a local triple-layered reticulated shell, a ribbed type mega-latticed structure and a Kiewitt type mega-latticed structure with the same geometrical parameters and loads. The results show that the Kiewitt type mega-latticed structure has the best structural performance. Then a complex structural configuration was analyzed in detail, using CAD 3D modeling, and a command-flow was developed to create the new structure automatically by ANSYS Parameter Design Language as an innovative structural-programming method. The static analysis and comprehensive stability analysis were conducted. The reasonable values of parameters for the overall buckling mode were summarized and the ultimate bearing capacity was accurately obtained by considering geometrical nonlinear, material nonlinear and initial curvature of the members. The nonlinear equilibrium paths were traced using the Arc-length method. Results indicate that the 800m Kiewitt type mega-latticed structure has a very low sensitivity to geometrical nonlinear and a low sensitivity to initial curvature of members, but a high sensitivity to material nonlinear. Therefore, the Kiewitt type mega-latticed structure could be regarded as a reasonable super-large span structure with several advantages, including reasonable stresses, clear force transmission lines, economic steel consumption, high stiffness and good bearing capacity.