Nonlinear analysis and optimum design of cable domes

The cable dome, proposed by Geiger after developing Fuller’s idea of tensegrity, is a new type of space structure. This paper is concerned with the nonlinear analysis and the optimum design of cable domes. In the first part of the paper, a specific equilibrium state named integral feasible prestress is proposed and determined. Then a two-node curved cable element is presented and the nonlinear analysis of the static behaviour of cable domes is performed on the basis of the available integral feasible prestress state. The optimum design of cable domes is studied in the third part. Two optimal variables, including prestress level and cross stress, are considered respectively. And the corresponding algorithms are also developed. The numerical results of illustrative examples show the accuracy and validity of the nonlinear analysis model and the optimum algorithms. The work presented here is very useful for understanding the behaviour of cable domes.