Model test study on static performance of rib-patterned small rise-span ratio suspend-dome structure

Abstract

To investigate the distribution characteristics of prestressing force and static characteristics of the rib-patterned small rise-span ratio suspend-dome structure, a 1:20 scaled model of the Lanzhou Olympic Gymnasium roof structure was established. During to the small-scale ratio model with dense nodes, according to the principle of constant structural stiffness, a multi-node synchronous loading device was designed. The construction tensile loading test and multi-stage static loading test were carried out. The axial force of rods, vertical displacement of nodes, and radial displacement of supports for the model with initial geometric imperfection under 11 load cases were tested. Test results were used to validate and then refine the numerical simulation using ABAQUS. The study shows that a multi-node synchronous loading device dramatically improved the loading efficiency and satisfied the accuracy requirement of the test. The test results were in good agreement with the simulated results, which verified the correctness of the finite element modelling method, the accuracy of the test method, and the rationality of the measuring point arrangement. The small rise-span ratio suspend-dome structure with a rib-patterned has good elasticity at a low load level. The full-span arrangement of the live load is the most unfavorable load case of the structure. The outer loop cable bearing capacity exhibited a higher proportion. The third ring rod was found to sustain the highest load, the outer ring rod is more sensitive to load, and the fourth circle node was found to have the largest vertical displacement in the model. The change of support displacement in practical engineering should not be neglected.