Study on prestress distribution and structural performance of pentagonal-type aluminium alloy suspen-dome with three-strut layout and large central opening

A new type of prestressed space structure—pentagonal-type aluminium alloy suspen-dome with three-strut layout and large central opening is proposed, which combines the advantages of aluminium alloy mesh shell and multi-strut-type cable dome structure. It addresses the need for improvement in the economy and environmental performance of traditional suspen-domes, as well as their insufficient structural stability. The composition of the structural system is given, and based on the symmetry and periodicity conditions, the initial prestress distribution of the structure is accurately calculated by the simple calculation method, and the calculation formulae of the geometric parameters of the structural cable-struts are deduced; subsequently, the numerical model of the new type of suspen-dome structure is established by using the finite element software ANSYS 2022 R1, and the force characteristics of the structure under full-span uniform load and half-span uniform live load are investigated. Additionally, the influence of total three categories of six parameters, including structural prestress, overall shape, and support stiffness on structural mechanical properties such as member internal forces, nodal displacements, and support reaction forces is analyzed in detail, and the sensitivity of the parameters was quantitatively evaluated. The results reveal that the overall shape parameters are significant factors affecting mechanical properties. Accordingly, the values of the main design parameters such as thickness-span ratio are suggested, which provides innovative solutions and important support for the selection and design of suspen-dome structures. • A new type of prestressed space structure was proposed. • The prestress distribution and mechanical properties were investigated. • Parametric and sensitivity analysis were conducted. • The rational values were obtained.