Finite element analysis of the elastic static properties and stability of pretensioned cylindrical reticulated mega-structures

For the cylindrical reticulated mega-structure, two types of cable-strut arrangements are presented. The basic static properties of the pretensioned reticulated mega-structures with different types of cable-strut arrangements are compared and the optimal one is then selected. The elastic static property and stability of the structure with the optimal cable-strut arrangement is comprehensively analyzed. And the indexes including the decrease in structural displacement, reduction in horizontal support reactions, uniformity of distribution of member forces, and the improvement of structural stability are compared with those of the corresponding non-pretensioned reticulated mega-structure. Also. the effect of values and distribution of the cable pretensions on structural stability is studied, and the influence of half-span loading on structural stability is investigated. Results indicate that the static properties and stability of the structure can be most effectively improved for adoption of the crossover arrangement of the cables and struts according to the buckling shape of the non-pretensioned structure. Additionally, the ultimate load-carrying capacity of the structure with small ratio of rise to span can be more effectively improved when the pretension of the cables set in the mid-span is larger than that of the cables set on both sides of the structure. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.