Optimization of domes against instability

Jihong Ye , Mingfei Lu

Abstract

Static stability is a decisive factor in the design of domes. Stability-related external factors, such as load and supports, are incorporated into structural vulnerability theory by the definition of a relative rate of joint well-formedness (rr). Hence, the instability mechanism of domes can be revealed. To improve stability, an optimization model against instability, which takes the maximization of the lowest rr (rr,min) as the objective and the discrete member sections as the variables, is established with constraints on the design requirements and steel consumption. Optimizations are performed on two real-life Kiewitt-6 model domes with a span of 23.4 m and rise of 11.7 m, which are initially constructed for shaking table collapse test. Well-formedness analyses and stability calculation (via arc-length method) of the models throughout the optimization history demonstrate that this proposed method can effectively enhance rr,min

Key Words

domes; optimization; instability mechanism; well-formedness; shaking table collapse test

Address

(1) Jihong Ye — The State Key Laboratory for GeoMechanics & Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
(2) Mingfei Lu — Key Laboratory of Concrete and Prestressed Concrete Structures of the Ministry of Education, Southeast University, Nanjing 210018, China.

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