Cost-effectiveness of protective measures for single-layer reticulated domes subject to impact loading

Many spatial structures, including some public buildings, were built in the last thirty years, but considerable uncertainty remains with respect to their structural performance under impact loading. This paper focuses on single-layer reticulated domes because they encounter significant safety hazards when subject to terrorist attack. Three kinds of protective measures are proposed for mitigating the probability of global structural collapse under impact loads. The risk reduction measures include Lighter Roofs, Whole Member Strengthening and Strengthening of Key Members. These measures are compared and evaluated with respect to risk reduction. A technique is then used for assessing the cost-effectiveness of these measures. An example of a single-layer reticulated dome subject to airplane impact is used to illustrate when the protective measures are cost-effective, with quantifying costs being useful in the decision-making process.