in plane buckling of an unbraced beam rib dome estimate
 

in plane buckling of an unbraced beam rib dome: estimate?
pals
if rings are not rigidly connected to ribs(radial beams), or cladding is not stiff enough, or the dome is not to be braced(architects say so), then finite element will surely show "twist mode" buckling in the plane of dome surface, at very low loads. the dome twists about its centre on plan
how can i estimate the buckling load without finite element software? books i have only discuss buckling in the plane of ribs(major axis buckling)
respects
ijr

i have a paper on this very topic... hope it helps!
cheers,
ys
b.eng (carleton)
working in new zealand, thinking of my snow covered home...
youngstructural
that is a great paper. but i am looking for ribbed not latticed domes. if you come around a paper, please post it here
respects
ijr