Shells can be defined as

curved structures capable

of transmitting loads in
more than two directions to
supports.

Loads applied to shell
surfaces are carried to the
ground by the development
of compressive, tensile, and
shear stresses acting in the
in-plane direction of the
surface.

Constructions of spherical domes
by using inflated membranes as
forms have proven to be a viable
solution to many problems.

The largest shells constructed are
now less than 300 feet in diameter.

For very large spans, a grid
constructed with pans is necessary
so that the dome will be stiff enough
and still weigh less than a uniform
depth.
A vault may be defined as a single barrel shell,
supported on its side by walls or columns.
Shells and folded plates are different than
stacked units and frames.

The thin diaphragm forming the shell is
created uniformly rather than being
assembled in discrete pieces.

Most shell and plate building enclosures are
constructed from reinforced concrete
A shell arch has a
longitudinal cross section
of a barrel shell or a
folded plate, but is a
circular arch or other
shape in profile.

There is less concrete in
the roof than in the floor
system, and the
reinforcing will be
minimum.
Dome shells have emerged due
to a new concept in building
design.

These structures have the
potential for significant markets
in commercial and many other
small residential and industrial
applications.

The structures utilize superior
material technology


Curved shell roofs can provide
large uninterrupted space in many
building types.
The arrangement consists of :

external and internal layers of
glass reinforced cement (GRC)

the strong stiff layers

with a lightweight polyurethane
core forming the separation
medium required to develop the
sandwich action.
Construction of the domes involves a
three stage processes:
(a) Completed Slab, (b) Inflatable former, (c) Completed domeshell
As the diameter of the domes increases, the
stresses rise
Barrel shells of
materials such as
wood, steel and
plastics are often
found.

Reinforced concrete
is by far the most
common material
Edge beams serve
to:

to stiffen the shell
edge

to act together
with the shell in
carrying stresses
The design for king
Abdullah Stadium
in Jeddah. The
shell design is
remarkable. The
building of this
giant stadium will
begin by the end
of this year.