Simplified design method and seismic performance of space trusses with consideration of the influence of the stiffness of their lower supporting columns

Static and dynamic force performance of two types of space truss structures i.e. square pyramid space truss (SPST) and diagonal on square pyramid space truss (DSPST), are studied to determine the effect of stiffness of their lower supporting members. A simplified model for the supporting columns and the equivalent spring mass system are presented. Furthermore, the feasibility of the simplified model is demonstrated through theoretical analysis and examples of comparative analysis of the simplified model with the entire model. Meanwhile, from the elastic analysis under frequently occurring earthquakes and elasto-plastic analysis under seldom occurring earthquakes subjected to TAFT and EL-Centro seismic oscillation it is shown that the simplified method can be encompassed in the results from the normal model. It also showed good agreement between the two methods, as well as greatly improved the computational efficiency. This study verified that the dynamic effect of the supporting structures was under considered in space truss design in the past. The method proposed in the paper has important significance for other space truss structures.