Parametric Structural Analysis and Design of a Membrane-Stiffened Looped Cable Roof

Abstract

Looped cable roof structures are lightweight, economical and architecturally expressive solutions for covering large-scale sports arenas [1, 2]. Based on the so-called ’spoke wheel’ principle, their structural system consists of a tensile structure formed by an exterior compression and interior tension ring system connected and stiffened by pre-stressed radial cables [2]. To enhance transparency and engineering intuition within the structural design process of such structures dominated by complex form-finding and optimization algorithms, this senior thesis develops simple, predominantly analytical structural analysis and design strategies that both develop adequate conceptual understanding of load paths and efficiency, as well as serve as preliminary design guides. Based on these guides, non-linear finite element analysis is used to parametrically study, evaluate and design a case study roof structure of a tennis stadium. Through this realistic design example, this senior thesis investigates the extent to which scientifically founded and intuitive design approach enhances a structural design process. It is found that the approach lead to optimal design solutions in a flexible way, with simple and direct analytical control over structural behavior as well as architectural considerations.