Software Verification

PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:

SAP2000
2

EXAMPLE 5-007
SOLID HEMISPHERICAL DOME STRUCTURE WITH STATIC LOADS
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION
In this example, a hemispherical dome structure, modeled using solid objects, is
analyzed for the effects of four 2-kip edge point loads alternating in sign at 90
intervals around the equator of the hemisphere. The deflections at the locations
where the point loads are applied, in the direction of the point loads, are
compared with published independent results.
The geometry, properties and loading are as suggested in MacNeal and Harder
1985. The 0.04-foot-thick hemispherical shell has a 10-foot radius. A hole is
introduced at the top of the hemisphere, as shown in the figure on the following
page, to avoid triangular elements at the top of the hemisphere.
The top and bottom edges of the hemisphere are free. As suggested in MacNeal
and Harder 1985, only a quarter of the hemispherical dome structure is modeled.
Symmetrical boundary conditions are imposed on the side edges of the quarter
hemisphere. Symmetry conditions are imposed by restraining all joints along
Edge 2 in the global Y direction and restraining all joints along Edge 4 in the
global X direction. The edges are identified in the following figure. A vertical
restraint is applied to a single joint at the center of Edge 1 to maintain stability of
the structure.
Two models are created to study this example. Model A uses a 16x16x1 mesh for
the quarter hemispherical dome structure. The solid object aspect ratio for this
model is approximately 25:20:1. Model B uses a 48x48x1 mesh, which has a
solid object aspect ratio of approximately 8:7:1.

EXAMPLE 5-007 - 1

Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:

SAP2000
2

GEOMETRY, PROPERTIES AND LOADING

18

Material Properties
E = 68,250,000 k/ft2
= 0.3
G =26,250,000 k/ft2

Edge 3 - Free

Section Properties
Thickness = 0.04 ft

ge
Ed
4Sy

2 - Sy

mmet
ric

ic
e tr
mm

E d ge

Z
Y

Radius
o
hemisp f
here
10 '

B
F = 2.0 kips
(1.0 kip on
hemispherical
quadrant)

A
F = 2.0 kips
(1.0 kip on
hemispherical
quadrant)

Edge 1 - Free

EXAMPLE 5-007 - 2

Software Verification
PROGRAM NAME:
REVISION NO.:

SAP2000
2

TECHNICAL FEATURES OF SAP2000 TESTED

Three-dimensional analysis using solid elements
Joint force loads
RESULTS COMPARISON
MacNeal and Harder 1985 indicates that the theoretical lower bound for the
displacement at the point load locations in the direction of the point load is
0.0924 foot for the condition where the hole at the center of the dome structure is
not present. The reference further suggests a value of 0.0940 foot for comparison
of results with the model where the center hole is present. The 0.0940 foot value
is used in the comparison.
The output is obtained at points A and B, which occur at the bottom corners of
the quarter of the hemispherical dome as shown in the previous figure.

Output Parameter

Mesh

SAP2000

Ux (Point A) ft

16x16x1

0.0701

Independent

Percent
Difference
-25%

0.0940

Average of two joints

at Point A

48x48x1

0.0930

-1%

Uy (Point B) ft

16x16x1

-0. 0701

-25%

Average of two joints

at Point A

-0.0940
48x48x1

-0.0930

-1%

COMPUTER FILES: Example 5-007a, Example 5-007b

CONCLUSIONS
The SAP2000 results show an acceptable comparison with the independent
results when an adequate mesh is used.
As previously mentioned, the aspect ratio of the solid objects is approximately
25:20:1 for the 16x16x1 mesh and approximately 8:7:1 for the 48x48x1mesh.
The aspect ratio of the 16x16x1 mesh is too large to give acceptable results.

EXAMPLE 5-007 - 3