Structural Design of the Large-Span Suspen-Dome

Abstract

The suspen-dome structure is a new type of large-span spatial structure which is widely used in the sport building. Several suspen-dome structures have been constructed as the structural roof in the sports arena in China for recent years. However, no provision has been provided by current domestic design codes for the suspen-dome structure. This paper presents the detailed design procedure for the practical sport engineering which is to be built in Jinan City, China. General purpose finite element package ANSYS is used for the analyses. The self-internal-force mode and the prestress ratio among three ring cables are investigated to determine the prestress in the cable. Linear static analyses are then carried out to validate the prestress efficiency. Linear buckling analyses, geometrically nonlinear buckling analyses, modal analyses, response spectrum analyses, time history analyses, wind induced effects analyses, construction analyses, cable failure analyses, and typical node design are then carried out in detail. The results from the study can be applied for direct design use, and also provide a reference for the revision of relevant design codes.