Research on stability of single-layer inverted catenary cylindrical reticulated shells

• The single-layer inverted catenary cylindrical reticulated shell is studied.
• Structural configuration and method of analysis of the structure are introduced.
• Elastic and elastic–plastic stability of the reticulated shell is investigated.
• Parametric analyses on ultimate load-carrying capacity are carried out in detail.
• Fitting formula of the structural ultimate load is presented.

The structural configuration and method of analysis of the single-layer inverted catenary cylindrical reticulated shell are introduced in this paper, and the elastic as well as elastic–plastic stability of this kind of reticulated shell is then investigated. The stability of the structures with different types of grid patterns is compared, and the reasonable grid pattern is hence recommended. The structural buckling mode and ultimate load-carrying capacity are studied in detail by parametric analysis. Influence of various factors on structural ultimate load is investigated, and the fitting formula of ultimate load is thus presented. Comparison analysis between the inverted catenary and circular cylindrical reticulated shells is also carried out. The work will provide guidance in theory for practical applications of this kind of structure.