Application of Modified Consistent Mode Imperfection Method in Stability Analysis of Single-Layer Reticulated Shells

Based on the probability reliability theory, this paper proposes a modified consistent mode imperfection method, which fits the integral stability analysis of single-layer reticulated shells with the initial geometric imperfections. Nearly 1000 elasto-plastic load-deflection overall processes of four different rise-to-span ratio for Kiewitt-8 single-layer reticulated shells are analyzed by using the random imperfection mode method, the consistent mode imperfection method and the modified consistent mode imperfection method respectively. The study shows that the random imperfection mode method can assess the influence of initial geometric imperfections on structure stability more scientifically, but the calculation is quite large. By using the consistent mode imperfection method, the buckling load is not sure to be the most unfavorable, and the degree of reliability couldnt be ensured effectively. The modified consistent mode imperfection method can gain the buckling load which meets the requirement of probability reliability with less calculation. It can also assess the stability performance of single-layer reticulated shell structure more reasonably and safely.