The Influence of Geometrical Tolerances on the Behaviour of Space Structures

The behaviour of reticulated space structures is characterised by some peculiarities which make the influence of geometrical imperfections (and consequently that of geometrical tolerances) more complex and more important than in the case of other categories of structures. In addition to their adverse effect on the bearing capacity of compression members, initial bows (in conjunction with mechanical imperfections, mainly residual stresses) give rise to an apparent reduction of their axial stiffness. As for deviations of the member lengths form the nominal values, their effect depends on the type of joint connecting system (ʹadjustableʹ or ʹnon-adjustableʹ) and on the category of space structure under consideration (single or double-layer).