Prestress state, parametric analysis study and genetic algorithm-based tentative design of a novel pentagonal cable dome structure with tri-strut layout

• Published in: Thin-walled structures 2025-03, Vol.208, p.112815, Article 112815
• Main Authors: Lv, Hui, Yi, Lu, Zhu, Zhongyi, Dong, Shilin, Shao, Lian, Wu, Xiaoshun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Genetic algorithm; Optimal design; Parameter sensitivity analysis; Pentagonal cable dome with tri-strut layout and large central opening; Simplified prestress calculation method; Structural morphology; Technical and economic performance
• ISSN: 0263-8231
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tws.2024.112815

•A new structural form of a pentagonal cable dome with a multi-strut layout is proposed.•To analyze the effect of structural parameters of pentagonal cable dome structure with tri-strut layout on its force and economic indices.•Structural optimization of pentagonal cable dome structure with tri-strut layout is investigated.•A method for optimizing the cost of a pentagonal cable dome structure with a tri-strut layout and large central opening using a quantum genetic algorithm is proposed. To improve the structural performance and economy of the large-span roof structure from the structural system level, a novel structural form of pentagonal cable dome with tri-strut layout and large central opening is proposed, which can be applied to the large-span stadium ring canopy structure. Different from Fuller's traditional conception of the tensioning whole, this type of system has three struts intersecting at the same chord node, which reduces the amount of ring and diagonal cables, facilitates tensioning construction, and improves overall stability. For this large-opening cable dome, a general formula for calculating the internal force of prestressed state rods was derived based on the nodal equilibrium equations, and the effects of several parameters on the distribution of pre-tension in the cable dome were analyzed and studied to understand the distribution pattern and characteristics of the cable dome pre-stress. A large-opening stadium canopy with a span of 100 m is taken as an example. The parameter sensitivity and correlation analysis of the structural performance reveals that the main influence of the economy of this cable dome is the pre-tension level. In contrast, the geometric parameter produces a much lower effect on the structural economy. The optimal design and trade-off analysis of this cable dome structure based on two genetic algorithms show that appropriately increasing the structural vector height and decreasing the thickness while satisfying the stability improves the structural stiffness and economy. The analysis results show that this new type of cable dome has superior technical and economic indicators, and the research in this paper provides a new form and new ideas for the analysis and design, optimization research, and modeling of the cable dome.