Time-dependent analysis of cable domes using a modified dynamic relaxation method and creep theory

The stiffness of cable domes is conditioned by their states of prestress. The decrease of prestress due to creep of cables determines the serviceability and load bearing capacity of the cable dome. In this paper, a modified dynamic relaxation method for a time-dependent non-linear static analysis of cable domes based on the application of creep theory is presented. Creep constitutive equations in logarithmic forms are directly used for the adjustment of cable lengths. The applicability of the modified dynamic relaxation method to this type of structures composed of steel and synthetic cables and struts with a finite element idealisation is demonstrated.