Buckling Analysis of Reticulated Shells

The paper presents a comparatively simple method for assessing the global stability of single- and double-layer reticulated shells, assuming rigid connections between the bars. With knowledge of the rigidities of the reticulated shell, a statically equivalent replacement solid shell is established, the buckling of which is extensively treated in the literature. The critical load of this replacement continuum is determined by taking into account the influences of geometric imperfections (eccentricity), plasticity, (local) bar buckling and - in the case of double-layer reticulated shells - of transverse shear deformation. All these are presented in detail for isotropic shells, but the method can also be used for anisotropic ones. Finally, for dimensioning reticulated shells, a unique safety factor based on the theory of probabilities is recommended, which depends on the uncertainties of the vanous effects. Numerical values for the safety factor are also given. The method proposed provides a transition from shells to plane plates, from surface to bar structures, and from reticulated to solid shells, thus ensuring identical safety levels for all these structures.