Effects of design parameters on the static responses of two-way beam string structure

A two-way beam string structure is composed of upper beam and two different cables, namely, sagging and arch-shaped cables. It is designed for structural members under bi-directional loads because the maximum stress and displacement can dramatically reduced. In this study, a parametric study for this structure is presented to provide optimal design parameters, which include number of struts and curvature of cable. Numerical examples are implemented in the ABAQUS finite element package to validate and then study the effects of the number of struts, deflections and stresses as well relationships of ultimate loads for various cable curvatures. Besides, the stress sharing ratio of top/bottom of the beam and the sagging cable under positive and negative pressure are investigated.

Automated summary

This study presents a parametric study for a two-way beam string structure to provide optimal design parameters. Numerical examples validate the effects of different parameters on the structure, including the number of struts, deflections and stresses, as well as cable curvatures. The study also investigates the stress sharing ratio of the beam's top/bottom and the sagging cable under positive and negative pressure.