3-D finite element beam/connector model for a glulam dome cap

The purpose of this study is to model the beam/decking connectors (nails) of a glulam dome cap by beam/connector elements, and to analyze various dome cap models in order to investigate the potential of the beam/connector model to simulate the decking. Two- and three-dimensional beam/connector elements are formulated, tested, and evaluated.

The dome cap is modeled with I-DEAS, and the modeling procedures are briefly discussed. Four series of beam/connector dome cap models are created and analyzed: (1) models with the nailed joints at bracing points (rigid link h=0), (2) models with the nailed joints at bracing points (h>0), (3) models with 16 nailed joints per beam element (h=0), and (4) models with 16 nailed joints per beam element (h>0). Their results are compared with the dome cap models with the truss bracings. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future research are presented.