Abstract:
Space structures are generally light and rich in redundancy. These two characteristics
caused this assumption for a while that these structures are aseismic. However, some
events like Kobe 1995 earthquake, Japan, showed that although the space structures are
safer than ordinary structures, but are not aseismic. Sadeghi in 2004 have established
some formula for assessing the equivalent static earthquake action on the double layer
barrel vaults. In the current work, those formulae are considered in the design of six
double layer barrel vaults with different rise to span ratios and support conditions. Then
the seismic behavior of these double layer barrel vaults are compared with
corresponding barrel vaults which are designed without considering the seismic actions.
To do this, the finite element package of ANSYS is utilized. The results show that these
formulae are practically useful and versatile and application of them on the barrel vaults
improves the structures' seismic safety significantly.