Sensitivity of Composite and Non-Composite Space Trusses to Member Loss

Since double layer space trusses have typically a large number of redundant members, it is frequently assumed that they are quite safe as the loss of one or more members can be accommodated without any noticeable effect on truss overall behaviour. The present study shows that every truss includes a number of critical members, the loss of any of which would cause force distributions that could lead to an overall premature collapse. The sensitivity of space trusses to member loss is clearly identified. The composite action between a top concrete slab and a space truss is also introduced as a means to control truss sensitivity to member loss. Factors that affect this sensitivity such as the truss supporting conditions are also investigated.