Keywords: steel structure, large-span tubular arch, design, computational models, non-linear FEM analysis, tests, tubular joints, stability analysis, imperfections.

The structural design, analysis and tests of the double curved steel roof of the new ice-hockey hall in Kosice named the Steel Arena are described in reference [1]. The proposed structural solution must solve the many constraints of the site while matching the articulated geometry. Special features of the large-span structure include the main middle three-side spatial truss tubular arch with 120m span and the spatial frame systems of the side stands. These two systems support the roof truss girders which create the spatial curvature of the roof. Typical roof construction includes double cold-formed profiled sheeting as a roof cladding with an intermediate thermal insulation on steel truss purlins on the truss girders. Two structural computational models associated with failure consequences and structural stiffness were analysed. The SCIA ESA PT software was used for the analyses [2].

Before the final building approval as an ice hockey hall, tests on the main steel bearing structure were carried out. The goal of the monitoring was to determine the increase in the stress level in most stressed members of steel structure from several load states. Deformation of the main bearing system of the hall was continuously monitored during the construction using geodetic measurements [3].

To ensure structural reliability of the main arch the behaviour of tubular joints without use of joint sheets and with rather different diameters needed to be investigated and well understood. The finite element method was a useful and powerful tool for studying this problem. However, this numerical technique had to be verified by experimental results [4].

Comparison of theoretically and experimentally obtained results, i.e. stresses in the monitored members of the main arch. The computational bar model of the structure with realistic geometry with imperfections obtained from geodetic measurement was used for a theoretical geometrical non-linear analysis. An analytical procedure for non-linear progressive-collapse analysis of the structure is briefly presented in reference [5].

The Steel Arena is a multi-purpose sporting, social and entertainment hall. The building was opened on May 2006 and has received international attention. The Steel Arena has demonstrated its reliability and safety during the one year since the stadium opening, when the stadium was repeatedly filled to capacity with an event taking place.

1

J. Kanocz, S. Kmet, "Reconstruction of the ice hockey hall in Kosice", Structural analysis, CZC Consulting, Kosice, 1996. (in Slovak)

2

SCIA ESA PT: Scientific software manual. 2006.

3

S. Kmet, J. Kanocz, et al., "Stresses and deformations state monitoring of load-bearing structure of Steel Arena in Kosice", Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University in Kosice, Kosice, 2006. (in Slovak)

4

T.C. Fung, T.K. Chang, C.K. Soth, "Ultimate capacity of doubler plate-reinforced tubular joints", Journal of Structural Engineering, 125(8), 891-899, 1999. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9445(1999)125:8(891)

5

D.E. Grierson, "Designing buildings against abnormal loading", In: Progress in Civil and Structural Engineering Computing, Edited by B.H.V. Topping, Saxe-Coburg Publications, 37-62, 2003. doi:10.4203/csets.10.2

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