Development and analysis of a long-span retractable roof structure

• A long-span retractable roof based on the BSS and scissor mechanisms was presented.
• The analysis of an integrated model of the unfolded configuration was conducted.
• The structural behavior of a semi-open configuration is also investigated.
• An analytical model for the lateral buckling during the motion is developed.
• Based on the virtual work principle, the critical load is obtained.

A long-span retractable roof structure based on the beam string structure (BSS) and scissor mechanisms was presented in this paper. The BSS are placed parallel to each other and they are connected with the linear scissor mechanism. During the folding or unfolding, the structure just has one degree of freedom. The geometry of the retractable roof structure was firstly given. Then structural analysis of an integrated model of the unfolded configuration was conducted. Furthermore, the structural behavior of the structure in the semi-open configuration is also investigated. Finally, using the translational and rotational springs to model the elastic support of the strut, an analytical model for the lateral buckling of the BSS during the motion is developed. Based on the virtual work principle, the formulation of the critical load is obtained. Then a detailed parameter analysis of the BSS with a straight beam is undertaken.