Simplified Procedure for the Design and Optimisation of Oval Tensile Spoke Wheels for Roof Structures

Identifier:  imarina:9380942

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9380942

Authors:  Martín-Sáiz, R; Herrera, B

Abstract:
This paper presents a simplified procedure for the design and shape optimisation of oval tensile spoke wheels to be used in roof structures for grandstands in sports stadiums. This procedure combines graphical methods with simple numerical methods to obtain the geometrical definition of an oval wheel and to estimate the prestressing forces. It also allows for the compression forces in the outer ring to be estimated and compared with those in a circular wheel. This makes it easy to make small geometrical adjustments for optimisation. Application examples are given for each step of the procedure. Several wheel designs are defined, showing how the shape of the inscribing oval determines the magnitude of the forces in the outer ring.