Structural selection and parametric analysis of super-large span Kiewitt type mega-latticed structures

The research results on super-large span structures based on various types of structural system are reviewed and the development tendency of the structure is proved. Static behaviors of double-layer reticulated shell, local triple-layered reticulated shell, ribbed type mega-latticed and Kiewitt type mega-latticed structures with the same geometrical parameters (800 m span) and load were compared. The results show that Kiewitt type mega-latticed structures have best mechanical performance with the same span and loads. Then, for the space complexity of this structure, the structural configuration was analyzed through CAD 3D modeling and seven key structural form parameters, such as span, rise and height of truss, were determined. Furthermore innovative structural-programming method based on geometrical configuration was conducted, and the mechanical performance of Kiewitt type mega-latticed structures was studied based on the program which can create the structure automatically by APDL parametric language. A great number of parametric evaluations including 153 models and more than one thousand examples were studied for seven parameters, including circumferential/radial divisions, rise-span ratio and height-span ratio of truss. The mechanical property with the variation of the parameters and the reasonable value range of every parameter were summarized. The study is the basis of further research and guidance for actual engineering design.