Horizontal Earthquake Loading and Linear/Nonlinear Seismic Behaviour of Double Layer Barrel Vaults

Abstract

Lattice space structures are one of the most common choices for covering large areas. These structures are also used as temporary shelters after strong and destructive earthquakes. Nevertheless, there are not enough available research results on the seismic behaviour of these structures. In the current work, the dynamic characteristics of the double layer barrel vaults are studied. Linear and nonlinear behaviour of the barrel vaults are investigated. It is shown that the barrel vaults are vulnerable to earthquakes and show brittle behaviour and therefore need to be designed carefully. For simplifying the assessment procedure of the earthquake equivalent loading on the barrel vaults some formulae are presented.