Analysis of Double Layer Grids with Material Non-Linearities–A Practical Approach

A practical approach is presented, for the analysis of space trusses involving non-linear member behaviour, with particular attention to buckling. In its application to double layer grids, the method takes advantage of the well-defined yield lines formed by yielding or buckling members. The method, which is ‘exact’, employs a piecewise linearized strut characteristic, which may be obtained either experimentally or by established analytical procedures. The flexibility based algorithm is extremely efficient and easy to implement through modifications to any existing linear analysis program.