Double Layer Grid Space Frame Buckling

Abstract

The general problem of the buckling of space frames has been simplified for the case of double layer grid space frames making assumptions regarding the mode of buckling. These assumptions allow simple single joint equivalent substructures to be used and solved using stability functions with a single equation for each mode each involving only one variable, the load level. Typical cases are examined. In addition, the method is applied to existing experimental results and shows very good agreement. The method can be applied to the practical design of double layer grid space frame members. In addition, this method could be combined with a nonlinear space truss analysis to determine the member capacities as nonlinear behaviour develops.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Schmidt

L.C.

Morgan

P.R.

, and Clarkson

J.A.

, Space Trusses with Brittle-Type Strut Buckling. Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, 102, No. ST7. Proc. Paper 12274, July, 1976, pp. 1479–1492.

Schmidt

L.C.

, Ultimate Load Behaviour of a Full Scale Space Truss, Proc. of Institute of Civil Engineers, Part 2, 69, March, 1980, pp. 97–109.

Schmidt

L.C.

Morgan

P.R.

, and Stevens

L.K.

, The Influence of Imperfections on the Behavior of a Space Truss, in Space Structures, Univ. of Surrey, Guildford, 1975, pp. 55–64.

Murtha-Smith

Hwang

S.H.

, Space Frame Experimental Behavior, Proceedings of the ASCE Structures Congress, San Francisco, USA, May, 1989.

Heki

, The Effective Strength of Rigidly Connected Lattice Structures, in Nooshin, H. Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Space Structures, Univ. of Surrey, Guildford, 1984, pp. 436–441.

Smith

E.A.

, Space Truss Non Linear Analysis, Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, 110, No. 4, Proc. Paper 18763, April, 1984, pp. 688–705.

Hanaor

, Analysis of Double Layer Grids with Material Nonlinearities – A Practical Approach. Space Structures, 1, No. 1, 1985, pp. 33–40.