A Novel Numerical Method for Considering Friction During Pre-stressing Construction of Cable-Supported Structures

Suspen-dome structures are extensively used due to their superiority over traditional structures. The friction between cable and joints may severely influence the distribution of cable force, especially during the pre-stressing construction period. An accurate and efficient numerical method has not yet been developed that can be used for estimating the influence of friction on cable force distribution. Thus, this study proposes an efficient friction element to simulate friction between cable and joint. A flowchart for estimating the value of friction force is introduced. These novel numerical methods were adopted to estimate the influence of friction on cable force distribution. The accuracy and efficiency of these numerical methods were validated through numerical tests.