Cable Nets with Elastically Deformable Edge Ring

The objective of this work is to present the behavior of prestressed cable net structures anchored to an elastically deformable edge ring and to propose a methodology for their preliminary analysis and design. The interaction between the edge ring and the cable net is examined. The proposed method for preliminary analysis and design is based on charts, produced via geometrically nonlinear analysis for a structure with specific geometrical and mechanical characteristics, and suitable transformation relations. Using them, it is possible to calculate the maximum tension and deflection of the cables and the maximum internal forces, moments and deformations of the edge ring, for any cable net with similar geometry. The charts presented in this paper cover nets with circular plan view. Nevertheless, the methodology can be readily extended to other shapes.