The Problem of Forecasting the Rod Structures Survivability

Abstract

Purpose. Methods of metal structures calculation which would take into account sudden changes of the design scheme and its elements destruction as a result, are not perfect enough and are often fragmentary. The research of survivability of multi-element bar structures affected by negative factors will improve the efficiency of the such structures calculation with the prospect of further expanding the possibilities of forecasting the survivability of metal structures depending on its operation conditions. As a research object three-dimensional metal bar structures are considered, which are characterized by a high degree of production significance and responsibility during the operation. Methodology. The considered normative documents do not have a single approach regarding the identification of the problem and technique of generating possible solutions, but they combine all the listed standards. Approaches and methods for assessing the degree of a structure damage or serviceability are somewhat different: in some documents the area of damaged floor structures is limited; in others, the state of structures that have not gone out of work is assessed; as well as the economic forecast of a new building construction or restoring an old one. If we group the normative documents’ provisions of the different countries, we can single out two established approaches on "progressive destruction" protection. According to the first approach, it is necessary to use indirect protection measures, according to the second one, it is necessary to use the ability of key (bearing) elements to perceive damaging effects, the ability of structure to redistribute loads in case of some elements’ failures. Results. To increase the stability of building structures to progressive destruction, metal ones particularly, it is necessary to consider the possibility of local destruction already at the stage of building design. Its increase is facilitated by a decrease in the number of hinged joints, in some cases the use of integral structural elements, the use of building materials affected by plastic deformation, as well as the identification of building structure elements which under normal operating conditions do not perform bearing functions, but perform them in the case of the local destruction appearance. Scientific novelty. The analyses of the regulatory base and the researchers’ works in a number of countries including Ukraine regarding the progressive destruction is performed. The necessity to improve the concept of designing construction objects is justified. The basis of this concept should consist of both theoretical research and experimental confirmation of the accepted assumptions. Practical value. The necessity of forming a unified approach for determining the problem of survivability and durability of structures, redistribution of loads on undamaged structural elements is substantiated. Directions for the development of measures and design solutions regarding the prevention of the progressive destruction of multi-element bar structures are proposed.