Parametric Studies of the Factors Affecting the Stability of Segmental Dome Structures

Abstract

This paper presents a parametric study of the buckling behaviour of fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) segmental tank covers. These covers generally consist of pie-shaped segments with a central ring of high stiffness. Segmental domes differ from ordinary domes because of the lack of continuity between segments except at the crown. In this study, the critically loaded pair of segments and the central ring are modelled as an arch. The restraint of the other segments, which has been neglected in past design practice, is modelled by linear springs located at the crown. Four models of different stiffness and loading conditions are studied. The effects on the buckling behaviour and the critical buckling load of vertical, horizontal, and/or rotational springs, of imperfection, and of discretization are presented.