Support node construction error analysis of a cable-strut tensile structure based on the reliability theory

Abstract

A support node construction error sensitivity analysis was conducted, and the allowable value of node error was determined in this study based on the reliability theory and using the ANSYS software. First, the node construction error sensitivity analysis method was proposed based on Latin hypercube sampling, and detailed procedures were described. Then, a method for determining an allowable error value with a reliability index not less than 1.5, an internal force deviation of the cable not greater than 10%, and a normal serviceability limit state was presented. An exemplary tensile structure with different error distribution and error values was employed to verify the proposed method. Finally, a cable-strut tensile structure model with a diameter of 5.0 m was designed and fabricated. The research showed that different directions of the node construction error had different error sensitivities, and that each direction of the node error had different error sensitivities for different elements. The allowable node construction error can be obtained using a linear searching method with a reliability index not less than 1.5, an internal force deviation of the cable not greater than 10%, and a normal serviceability limit state. The theoretical results were generally consistent with the experimental results, which indicated that the proposed error sensitivity analysis method was accurate. Thus, this study has value for both theoretical research and engineering applications.