Effects of non-uniform temperature on closure construction of spatial truss structure

Due to exposure to the natural environment, the non-uniform temperature effect of a spatial truss structure that is under construction is the main factor that causes difficulties in closure construction; thus, the construction quality and efficiency will be directly affected. The standard hall roof of the Xi'an Silk Road International Convention and Exhibition Center is selected here as the research object to study the structural non-uniform temperature effect on closure construction. The structural temperature field and effect during construction are simulated by finite element methods based on the on-site monitoring of thermal boundary parameters. During the closure construction period, the temperature distribution is significantly non-uniform. Furthermore, the non-uniform temperature effect causes the alignment deviation of welded joints, the value of which can be up to 14.3 mm. The assembly quality of members and the structural connection accuracy have difficulty meeting the requirements at most times. After forming, the structural residual stress may reach 68 MPa, and nearly 6% of members experience residual stress of over 50 MPa. Construction suggestions for the welding time and sequence are proposed according to analysis of one-month's simulation results. The research method and conclusions of this paper can provide valuable references for the closure construction of a spatial trusses or similar structures.