Nonlinear time-varying analysis algorithms for modeling the behavior of complex rigid long-span steel structures during construction processes

There is a great difference in mechanical behavior between design model one-time loading and step-by-step construction process. This paper presents practical computational methods for simulating the structural behavior of long-span rigid steel structures during construction processes. It introduces the positioning principle of node rectification for installation which is especially suitable for rigid long-span steel structures. Novel improved nonlinear analytical methods, known as element birth and death of node rectification, are introduced based on several calculating methods, as well as a forward iteration of node rectification method. These methods proposed in this paper can solve the problem of element's 'floating' and can be easily incorporated in commercial finite element software. These proposed methods were eventually implemented in the computer simulation and analysis of the main stadium for the Universiade Sports Center during the construction process. The optimum construction scheme of the structure is determined by the improved algorithm and the computational results matched well with the measured values in the project, thus indicating that the novel nonlinear time-varying analysis approach is effective construction simulation of complex rigid long-span steel structures and provides useful reference for future design and construction.