Abstract
When we planned to solve a great roof with a tubular grid by means of rigid joints instead of pinned connections we thought that the main problem could be local tension concentrations and then proposed detailed analysis as well as model test to determine if the plastic concentration around the welded joints was dangerous. The model never was constructed but the considerations achieved by means of the analysis resulted in a new design that represents advances in the state of the art.
In this paper we discuss the problems found in the construction, welding and stress distribution studied by different methods, mainly by Finite Element Method and full scale tests.
Finally the constructed grid structure confirmed our suppositions and we arrived at the conclusion of the good behaviour of the selected mesh. In addition we show the complete process of works from the beginning to the final finished roof.
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