ABSTRACT
The paper presents the numerical analysis of geodesic domes in which different location of mass was taken into account. In addition, the dynamic excitation was used and the seismic record from US (El Centro from 1941) was applied in the numerical models. The geodesic domes subjected to the dynamic analysis were created based on two different methods of subdividing spherical triangles (the original octahedron face). These structures are often used for the strategic reference point in the city. Sometimes, these structures are used in typical buildings. The analysed structures were made of steel, which is recommended for the lightweight structures with large spans. It should be emphasized, that the designing of steel domes is currently a challenge for structural engineering, as well as architects, who take into account their aesthetic considerations. In current research the finite element method in conjunction with numerical program was used. A non-linear analysis of the behavior of steel domes as a result of a given seismic excitation was performed. This paper presents the results of displacements and accelerations in time domain. The results of this analysis show the impact of the method of shaping the topology of the structure grid under seismic excitation on the response of geodesic domes. The obtained results will be helpful for these structures located on the seismic areas during designing and service. These results can also be helpful during the life-cycle of structure, where various types of equipment (additional masses) for domes are used at different stages of the structure’s exploitation, which can change the nature of the work of the dome structure.
