Single Layer Shallow Lattice Domes: Analysis,General Behaviour and Collapse

Abstract

This paper discusses some aspects of the pre- and post-collapse analysis and behaviour of shallow lattice (reticulated) domes. Use is made of a nonlinear computer program to study the behaviour associated with changes in both structural geometry and material properties, as well as that associated with bifurcation and limit point buckling. This program has been described in detail elsewhere, and apart from a discussion of the use of static condensation in the nonlinear range, only a brief summary of the theory used in the program is given here. The program is used to predict both the pre- and post-buckling response of a 42-member shallow braced model dome under two types of loading and the numerical results are compared with those of an experimental study. The influence of initial imperfections on the general behaviour is discussed briefly, and some guidelines are set out to aid the numerical determination of the true load-deflection response of shallow lattice domes.

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