Sensitivity of Space Trusses to Sudden Member Loss

Abstract

Space trusses typically contain a large number of members, and possess a high degree of statical indeterminacy. However, a number of members have been identified as critical to truss integrity, with the loss of any of them likely to produce serious strength reductions. Furthermore, when these members are lost suddenly, e.g. due to the failure of a faulty connection or the buckling of a slender member, their forces are shed into the structure in a dynamic manner, leading to yet more severe damage. This paper presents a numerical study on the sensitivity of space trusses to both gradual and sudden member losses. The effect of composite action between a top concrete slab and a space truss in reducing this sensitivity is assessed. Other factors that are also considered in this work include the truss aspect ratio and supporting condition.