Testing and numerical modeling - steel truss of the sports hall

Abstract

The paper shows a comparative analysis of data obtained by numerical simulation and by field testing of the main girder of a gymnasium roof. Testing was conducted during construction as soon as the roof structure and the roof cover were erected. The total weight of the applied load represented the full design load of the truss. Obtained measurements were compared against three numerical models: the classical plane model and two models in which the roof structure was modeled as a space frame and the roof cover was represented by plate elements. Results obtained by numerical modeling verified findings from the field measurements in which a thin corrugated roof cover significantly increased the stiffness of the main steel truss.