Improvement of load-bearing performance of lattice shells by torsion-free joints

Lattice shells generated from Edge Offset meshes (EO meshes), referred to as EO lattice shells, possess the property of preventing beam torsion and kinks at the joints. This study investigates the impact of beam torsion and/or joint incompatibility on the load-bearing performance of individual beams and single-layer lattice shells composed of flat steel. First, a single beam is analyzed to assess how the torsional angle at the joint affects axial and bending deformations through geometrically nonlinear analysis. Subsequently, the overall load-bearing performance of a conventional lattice shell including joint torsion (non-EO lattice shell) and an EO lattice shell with torsion-free joints is compared using geometrically nonlinear analysis to evaluate improvement in the load-bearing performance of lattice shells achieved by the properties of EO meshes.