Study of Suspended Roof Model

An experimental study carried out on a 12-ft x 12-ft hypar roof cable network model is described, and the results are compared with those obtained by using an approximate theoretical procedure for linear analysis of prestressed cable networks. A reasonably good correlation between the two sets of results is established, and on this basis it is recommended that, within the limitations specified, the theory can be used for preliminary design calculations. A considerable saving can thus be effected in the effort required in employing a nonlinear analysis procedure. It is also concluded that prestressed cable networks are not likely to exhibit a marked degree of nonlinearity when subjected to loads within the practical range. The details of the theory do not form part of this paper and can be found in existing literature (4,8) on the subject. However, the assumptions in the theory are reviewed. The paper gives the details of the experimental set-up. The procedure for prestressing the network, which may be found useful in the construction of cable roof networks is also described.