Study on the mechanical performances of single-layer latticed domes with SLO joints based on beam elements FE model

Single-Layer ORTZ (SLO) joint, as a kind of assembled joint, has been widely adopted in single-layer latticed shells. However, previous research on this subject has primarily focused on the mechanical properties of joint, and the mechanical performances of single-layer latticed shells with SLO joints have not been systematically studied. In this work, a modeling method based on beam elements is proposed to simulate the SLO joint, and the key parameters of the model is studied. According to the modeling method, a series of nonlinear stability analyses is performed to investigate the mechanical performances including static stabilities of single-layer latticed domes with different typical geometrical parameters, and the instability mechanisms and modes are found. The stability capacities of the structures with SLO joints are compared with those with rigid nodes. The results prove that the proposed beam elements FE model can well simulate the SLO joint, and the stability analyses results show the instability modes and stability capacities of single-layer latticed domes with SLO joint in different parameters. The results presented in this article can be used to aid engineers in the design of single-layer latticed shells with SLO joints.