Effect of flexibility of substructures upon thermal behaviour of spherical double layer space truss domes. Part II: Gradient & partial loading

This paper presents the second part of a study on the influence of the type and properties of support conditions on the thermal behaviour of spherical double layer space truss roofs. Whereas the first part focused on the consequences of uniform thermal loadings, this paper studies the effects of support flexibilities on the behaviour of such structures subjected to gradient and partial loadings. It is observed that the thermal forces are very high and depend on the magnitude of temperature and the dome size. It is also pointed that the important point in partial loading is the unsymmetrical deformation and behaviour of the dome, while in gradient loading it is the rotational deformations. Finally, it is concluded that the use of rigid supports should be carefully examined.