Buckling Load Evaluation Method for Single Layer Cylindrical Lattice Shells

A rational design evaluation procedure is investigated for the elastic overall buckling load carrying capacity of single layer cylindrical lattice shell roof structures. The nature of the imperfection sensitivity of these structures is for the first time reviewed in this paper. This allows the development of the reduced stiffness buckling analytical concept for the lattice shells based upon the introduction of a simple lower bound estimation equation through the use of the so-called continuum shell analogy theory. The linear and nonlinear buckling loads found from conventional finite element analyses are compared with the present estimations. Finally, the elastic-plastic load carrying capacity estimation method through the use of the present elastic lower bound criteria is also proposed.