Abstract: A cable dome is a form of cable-strut tensegrity structure, which is popular for long span membrane roof structures. However, there is an opportunity for its major development for a wider range of applications if rigid roof cable dome structures can be achieved. In this paper, we propose the tensile beam-cable dome (TBCD), a new type of space structure based on the features of the cable dome. By changing the ridge cables to hinged tensile beams, a structure can easily be covered with a rigid roof. We introduce its configuration and mechanical characteristics, and put forward four categories of this structure with hinges set at different locations on the tensile beams. In addition to achieving the aims of tow-lifting and tensioning construction, the integral tow-lifting method is presented for TBCD, and the nonlinear dynamic finite element method (NDFEM) of form-finding analysis is introduced for the overall construction analysis. For integral tow-lifting construction, the mechanism hinges should be set at the middle of the tensile beams to make the tensile beam grid into a mechanism system. Through construction analysis of seven mechanism hinge distribution modes, the modes with mechanism hinges set only on the middle or inner tensile beams were optimal.

Key words: Tensile beam-cable dome (TBCD), Integral tow-lifting construction, Construction analysis, Mechanism hinge

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