A unique feasible mode of prestress design for cable domes

A numerical method is presented for initial prestress design of various cable dome structures with multiple independent prestressed modes. A new and robust approach for the purpose of obtaining a unique feasible prestressed mode is proposed by systematically increasing or decreasing the number of member groups and/or directly assigning some linear relations on the force densities between some specific groups until the unique feasible prestressed mode is found. On the other hand, these manually assigned linear relations can allow designers more control over the prestress design. Evaluation of the stability for the structure is also considered. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and robustness in obtaining a unique feasible prestressed mode for various cable domes.

► A new and robust approach for the aim of obtaining a unique feasible prestressed mode is proposed.
► The manually assigned constraints on the force densities between some specific groups are included.
► Designers have more control over the prestress design for cable domes with multiple prestressed modes.
► The stability of the structure is taken into account.