Analysis of a space frame structure with sliding supports

A space frame structure resting on sliding type of bearing and subjected to ground acceleration is analysed considering all the six degrees of freedom of the structure at each node. The analysis consists of two phases, a sliding phase and non-sliding phase. In non-sliding phase the horizontal stiffness of sliding bearing is considered as very large whereas it is equal to zero during sliding phase. A step by step Newmark's method is adopted for the solution of dynamic equations of equilibrium. The applicability of the method is demonstrated by analysing a four storey symmetric space frame structure and a vertical offset space frame structure with equal storey height subjected to a ground acceleration corresponding to sinusoidal motion and El Centro earthquake.