ANALYSIS OF FOLDING PATTERNS TYPICAL FOR MEMBRANE STRUCTURES WITH INTERNAL SUPPORTS

The nature of the stress-strain state of membrane structures is highly dependent on the initial strain. The article contains an analysis of the folding pattern under the weight of the cover, depending on the number and location of internal supports. The authors have analyzed the two alternative layouts of supports. In the first case, the option of one (central) support is considered; in the second case, the cover is based on vertical load-bearing structures located in four points at equal distances from the ends of the block. Numerical calculations performed by Lyra 9.4 software have identified that the biggest deflection of the membrane occurs in its central part. We can conclude that the most intensive folding originates from the edges of support struts. A qualitative assessment of the results of numerical calculations was performed using the testing model of the membrane cover. Conclusions about the distribution of initial strains over the structure and assessment of their influence on the stress-strain state of the membrane unit were made. A qualitative picture of the deformation was obtained using the numerical simulation and its comparison with the experimental results