Geometric Nonlinearity

The nonlinear behavior or structures has attracted considerable attention in the last decade. This paper is specifically concerned with three-dimensional skeletal structures wherein nonlinearities are attributable to change of geometry. The frameworks that are considered possess particular relevance to roofing systems.

The outline theoretical analysis incorporates: (a) effects of finite joint deformation; (b) change of member lateral stiffness; (c) change of member length due to bowing. Cable systems are discussed simply as a particular case of the more general solution.

Theoretical and experimental results are compared for a relatively complex rigid jointed structure.

An example of a shallow dome is presented in which the salient design considerations that must be made for this form of structure are clearly demonstrated.