STATIC STABILITY OF ALUMINIUM SINGLE-LAYER ELLIPTICAL PARABOLIC LATTICED SHELL WITH SEMI-RIGID JOINTS

The joint type used in an aluminum single-layer latticed shell is limited. Therefore, a new type of aluminum joint called Column Plate Joint was developed for single layer latticed shells. The moment-rotation curves about three axes were obtained with ABAQUS. By integrating the moment-rotation curves into the numerical model of reticulated domes with I-shaped bars, the finite element models of aluminum single-layer elliptical parabolic latticed shells with semi-rigid joints were established with ANSYS. The research is carried out on the mechanical behavior of the shells based on different parameters, including the joint bending stiffness, joint torsional rigidity, and the ratio of rise to span. The critical load and the deformation of the structures were investigated in detail. The analytical results show that: i) the Column Plate Joint has good stiffness; ii) all of the Column Plate Joints in the shells are in an elastic state when the shells failed; iii) the aluminum single-layer elliptical paraboloid latticed shells failed because of the local torsional buckling of the members.