Thermal behavior of beam string structure: Experimental study and numerical analysis

Abstract

Due to the dynamic coupling effects of solar radiation, wind, atmospheric temperature and other environmental factors, the temperature field and its effects on a beam string structure under construction or lighting roofs are generally non-uniform and vary significantly. This can affect the structural performance and even lead to potential safety hazards. In order to determine the non-uniform temperature distribution of beam string structure and further analyze the relationship between the temperature field and thermal effects, experiments were designed and conducted on a commonly used one-way beam string to measure the temperature field, cable force and deformation. Based on the test data, the non-uniform features and the time-variation of beam string temperature field was analyzed, and laws for the long-term variations in the cable force and deformation were summarized. The influence of temperature field on thermal effect was also evaluated. Numerical methods for computing the temperature field of beam string structure were proposed considering multiple environmental factors, and the temperature effects were simulated in detail. The experimental study revealed a conspicuously non-uniform temperature distribution and significant thermal effects, and verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the numerical methods. The research methods and conclusions of the present study can provide valuable references for thermal design, monitoring and control of beam string structures.