*Article* **Dynamic Response Analysis of a Multiple Square Loops-String Dome under Seismic Excitation**

**Zhenwei Lin 1, Chao Zhang 2,\*, Jucan Dong 3, Jianliang Ou 1 and Li Yu 4**


**Abstract:** The interaction between multiple loops and string cables complicates the dynamic response of triple square loops-string dome structures under seismic excitation. The internal connection between the multiple square loops-string cables and the grid beams was studies to provide a favorable reference for an anti-seismic structure. With a finite element model of the Fuzhou Strait Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium, established by SAP2000 software, the structural dynamic characteristic parameters were obtained first, and then this study adopted a time-history analysis method to study the internal force response of the cables and the roof grid beams of the multiple square loops-string dome (MSLSD) under three types of seismic array excitation. The influence of two factors, namely the seismic pulse and the near and far seismic fields, on the dynamic response of this structure was analyzed by three groups of different types of seismic excitation (PNF, NNF, PFF). As shown from the results, the first three-order vibration modes were torsional deformations caused by cables, the last five were mainly the overall roof plane vibration and antisymmetric vibration. Under the excitation of the three seismic arrays, the internal force responses of stay cables, square cables in the outer ring and the string cables were largest, while the maximum internal force response of the struts changed with the direction of seismic excitation. The largest internal force response of the roof grid beams occurred in local components such as BX3, BX7 and BY7, and the largest deformation of the beam nodes occurred in JX7, JX12 and JY4. In general, the seismic pulse and the near seismic field weakened the internal force response of the struts and cables but increased the internal force response and deformation of the dome beams, while the near and far seismic fields outweighed the seismic pulse. All the above provides an important reference for structural monitoring and seismic resistance.

**Keywords:** multiple square loops (MSL)-string; seismic excitation; dynamic response; seismic pulse; near and far field
