Mechanism Research For Strarch Tension Process

Tension structure is one kind of large-span space structure, which combines cable with truss by some way. More and more engineers are paying more attention to tension structure for its well mechanics and seismic performance and great socialand economic benefit. This paper will introduce a new kind of tension structure-STRARCH. During the construction, the steel truss will be assembled at ground level, followed by a post-tensioning process to lift the structure into its final arch configuration. STRARCH can be used for gymnasium, shopping mall, and large storage, especially for hangar because of its many advantages such as long span, simple composition, convenient construction and inexpensive cost.First, this paper makes a detailed introduction of composition and construction of STRARCH. The key part of the paper is the analysis for the tension process during construction. On the basis of the descriptions of the mechanics characteristic of STRARCH, a program is presented which compiled according to the formulation of the geometrical and material nonlinear finite element method. Several examples that calculated by the program are also presented. The paper drew the conclusion of the mode of deformation and the value of internal force and the distribution of plastic zone after processing the data. According to these results, this paper indicates some significant factors that have influence on the tension process of the STRARCH. The value ranges of some important factors are also presented in the following parameter analysis.The conclusion of this paper is the direction to the further research of the STRARCH during the working period, and providing the foundation for commanding the STRARCH. We can foresee that the STRARCH will strut its stuff in the gymnasium and the short term and temporary buildings during the Olympic Game, which will be hold in Beijing in 2008.