Novel soft members in double-layer space trusses

Abstract

Progressive collapse of space structures has received much attention in recent years due to the recent failure of a double-layer space truss (DLST) stadium in Terengganu, Malaysia which collapse twice in Year 2009 and 2013. There is a considerable interest in understanding the collapse behaviour of space structures and possibility of improving its collapse behaviour. This phenomenon was demonstrated by earlier researchers, such as Collins (1981) and Parke (1988) which investigated the collapse behaviour both theoretically and experimentally. In their study a carefully designed DLST structure may possess reserve of strength in excess of their elastic capacity. Although DLST have a high degree of statically degree of statically indeterminacy, not all of them are robust, as it has been found a loss of one critical member could trigger the collapse of the entire structure. Usually the collapse of the DLST is influenced by the ductility behaviour of the compression members. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of novel soft member to reduce the catastrophic progressive collapse behaviour of DLSTs. A novel soft member was constructed to measure its behaviour under tensile and compressive loads. The term novel soft member used in this study is referred to a combination of three circular tubes which is made into one component and is used to support compressive load. It was found that using a blend of three circular tubes significantly increase the ductility behaviour of the member. These test illustrates that while the inner and outer tube experience compressive forces, the middle tube will continue to increase linearly. This indicates that there is a possibility of improving the collapse behaviour of DLST by incorporating the novel soft member.