Progressive Collapse of Single-Layer Braced Domes

Abstract

Progressive collapse may be defined as the “widespread propagation of instability following damage to a portion of a structure”. In this paper, the dynamic propagation of local snap-through in single-layer braced domes is discussed. Dynamic snap-through and simultaneous multi-snap-through are described. Loading conditions for the occurrence of local snap-through have also been presented and a procedure for modelling this phenomenon using finite element analysis is developed. The central point in the proposed procedure is that the effect of dynamic snap-through is represented by providing appropriate initial velocities at the nodes in which snap-through as occurred. Using this procedure, the likelihood of progressive collapse is evaluated. In addition, some numerical investigations have also been presented.