1. Define and discuss comprehensively the shell structure.

According to Britannica (2020), Shell structure, in building construction, a thin, curved plate structure shaped to transmit
applied forces by compressive, tensile, and shear stresses that act in the plane of the surface. They are usually
constructed of concrete reinforced with steel mesh (see shotcrete). Shell construction began in the 1920s; the shell
emerged as a major long-span concrete structure after World War II. Thin parabolic shell vaults stiffened with ribs have
been built with spans up to about 300 ft (90 m). More complex forms of concrete shells have been made, including
hyperbolic paraboloids, or saddle shapes, and intersecting parabolic vaults less than 0.5 in. (1.25 cm) thick. Pioneering
thin-shell designers include Felix Candela and Pier Luigi Nervi.
According to Pragya Sharma (2023), a shell structure, as the name suggests, is characterized by a curved, shell-like
form. Unlike traditional framed structures, which rely on beams and columns, shell structures derive their strength
primarily from their form itself. The curved surface area efficiently distributes external forces and loads across its
entirety, qualifying them as methodical load-bearing structures. Shell architecture offers a balance between aesthetics
and structural stability, creating visually striking spaces and expansive interior volumes.
The construction of shell structures is a comprehensive process that combines architecture and
engineering prowess.
1. Form Finding
The process begins with architects and engineers employing advanced analysis techniques and methodologies to
determine the optimal shape and curvature of the shell. Through graphic statics, finite element analysis, and physical
and computational modeling, they refine the geometry to achieve structural stability and load distribution. This process
combines art and science to create captivating and efficient forms.
2. Material Selection
Structural integrity and longevity are the primary considerations for selecting materials to build shell structures.
Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) is the most widely used material for constructing shell architecture because of its
excellent strength and durability. Steel is also a preferred material for shell roof as it is lightweight, offers versatility, and
ease of assembly. Additionally, timber and bamboo are strong, durable, and environment-friendly materials used for
shell construction.
3. Construction Technique
The construction of shell structures demands accuracy, craftsmanship, skill, and techniques. For reinforced thin
concrete shell structure, steel reinforcement is strategically placed within the formwork, following design specifications.
Concrete is then poured, compacted, and cured to achieve the desired strength. With steel shells, prefabricated
elements are assembled and connected through welding or bolting, ensuring precise alignment.
4. Collaboration and Quality Control
Constructing a shell structure demands collaboration between architects, structural engineers, and construction teams.
Regular inspections, quality control measures, and adherence to construction standards are essential throughout the
process. This collaborative effort ensures the accuracy, alignment, and durability of the shell architecture, guaranteeing
its durability.

2. What are the types of shell structure? Define each type.

I. Geodesic domes
 Geodesic domes are iconic structures characterized by a network of interlocking
geometric elements that form a spherical or partially spherical shape. These domes have an excellent
strength-to-weight ratio and a good ability to enclose vast interior spaces with minimal quantities of
materials. These structures find applications in various contexts, including exhibition centers,
greenhouses, stadiums, and even residential buildings.
II. Barrel vaults

Barrel
vaults, also known as
tunnel vaults, are
curved structures consisting of a series of parallel arches placed side by side, creating a continuous,
elongated, and cylindrical shell shape. These were prevalent in ancient Roman architecture and are
still used today in applications such as tunnels, cathedrals, and large-span roofs. Their strength lies in
their ability to efficiently transfer loads along the curved profile, distributing forces and minimizing
bending moments.
III. Shell roofs

Shell
roofs encompass a
broad category of
shell structures designed to cover large areas without internal supports. They are characterized by
their curved, single-surface roofs that span over vast spaces, providing unobstructed views and open
interiors. Shell roofs can take various forms, including umbrella roofs, hyperbolic paraboloids, or folded
plate structures. These roofs are commonly found in airports, exhibition halls, stadiums, and cultural
centers, where their architectural elegance and spatial efficiency are showcased.
IV. Folded plate structure

Folded
plate structures
feature flat plates
that are folded or bent along predetermined lines to create a series of interconnected facets. These
folded plates work together to form a structural system capable of carrying loads efficiently. Folded
plate structures are renowned for their visual appeal, geometric complexity, and structural strength.
They find applications in roofs, walls, and bridges where their distinctive forms create a strong
architectural statement.
V. Shell grip structures

Shell grid
structures combine
the principles of
shells and grids, forming an interconnected network of beams or arches that create a three-
dimensional grid pattern. These structures offer a balance between the benefits of shell structures and
the regularity of grid systems. They provide flexibility in adapting to various architectural forms and
allow for creative design possibilities. Shell grid structures are used in exhibition spaces, stadiums,
and industrial buildings, providing a harmonious blend of aesthetics and structural efficiency.
VI. Conoidal shells

These shells are cylindrical in shape and are often used for long-span structures like hangars, tunnels,
and warehouses. The cylindrical form provides efficient support for large areas.
 VII. Hyperboloid paraboloid

Hyperbolic paraboloid shells have a saddle-like shape. They are often used in roofs, canopies, and
exhibition halls. An example is the TWA Flight Center at JFK Airport in New York.

3. What are the different curvature of shell structure? Define each type.
The shell structure is typically found in nature as well as in classical architecture. Its efficiency is based on
its curvature (single or double), which allows a multiplicity of alternative stress paths and gives the optimum form for
transmission of many different load types.

 A surface of revolution is a surface in Euclidean

space created by rotating a curve (the generatrix) one full
revolution around an axis of rotation
 A translation surface is the space obtained by identifying
pairwise by translations the sides of a collection of plane
polygons. starting at an arbitrarily chosen point. In the case
where these two lines form a polygon (i.e. they do not intersect
outside of their endpoints) there is a natural side-pairing.
 Single curvature shells are curved on one linear axis and are a part
of a cylinder or cone in the form of barrel vaults and conoid
shells. The single curvature allows a very simple
 construction process and is very efficient in resisting certain types of loads. In some cases, it is better to take
advantage of double curvature.
 Double curvature shells are either part of a sphere, or a
hyperboloid of revolution. The terms single curvature and
double curvature do not provide a precise geometric
distinction between the forms of shell because a barrel
vault is single curvature but so is a dome.
 Ruled surface is A surface such that through each point of
it passes a straight line that is fully contained in the surface. A
surface generated by the motion of a straight line.
 A developable surface can be formed by bending or rolling a
planar surface without stretching or tearing; in other words, it
can be developed or unrolled isometrically onto a plane.
Developable surfaces are also known as singly curved surfaces,
since one of their principal curvatures is zero.
 Non-developable surfaces are variously referred to as having
"double curvature", "doubly curved", "compound curvature",
"non-zero Gaussian curvature", etc.

 4. What are the sustainable materials in construction of shell structure?

Shell structures can be formed from a wide range of materials – from compressed earth to
concrete – allowing local materials to be used in their construction.
The choice of concrete as the primary construction material offers both durability and versatility.
The complex geometry of the shells required advanced digital modeling and analysis tools to optimize their
design and performance under various loading conditions. The integration of reinforcement within the concrete
shells enhances the overall strength and resilience of the structure. Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) is the
most widely used material for constructing shell architecture because of its excellent strength and durability.
Steel is also a preferred material for shell roof as it is lightweight, offers versatility, and ease of assembly.
Additionally, timber and bamboo are strong, durable, and
environment-friendly materials used for shell construction.

5. What are the different methodology in construction of R.C.C. barrel

vaults? Provide some illustrations and details.
  All you need is a set of centers (ribs) of semi-circular shape, installed at reasonable distances from each other,
and battens or boards to form the lagging. Then, the individual courses of masonry can be laid, the centering
eased after a reasonable time, and the vault will stand if appropriately dimensioned. Coffered barrel vaults
played a key role in evoking the association of “classical” Roman precedents. These wide-span
early modern barrel vaults are typically built in brick rather than ashlar.

 On the other hand, if normal rectangular bricks are to be used

instead of wedge-shaped voussoirs, the mortar joints should be
wedge-shaped. While wedge-shaped joints (possibly
guaranteed by the insertion of small fragments of stone on the
wider side) are once again a viable technique for small-scale
vaults, they also become problematic when the vault is very
thick.

 In bricklaying practice, joints typically tend to assume uniform

thickness, inevitably resulting in parallel rather than radially oriented
courses of bricks

 Another alternative is the ad hoc production of pronouncedly wedge-

shaped bricks on site by manual adjustment of ordinary bricks;
these
strongly wedge-shaped pieces are then inserted into the arch at
certain intervals, rather than employing wedge-shaped bricks
throughout

7. What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell structure?

Advantages:

1. Architectural Aesthetics: Shell structures often have unique and visually striking designs that can become iconic
landmarks. They provide architects with the freedom to create innovative, aesthetically pleasing buildings.
2. Large Clear Spans: Shell structures can cover large spans without the need for interior columns or support,
making them suitable for creating expansive, open spaces in buildings.
3. Efficient Use of Materials: Shell structures distribute loads efficiently along their curved surfaces, which can
lead to material savings compared to more traditional structural systems.
 4. Structural Strength: When properly designed, shell structures can be very strong and durable, capable of
withstanding various loads and environmental conditions.

Disadvantages:

1. Complex Design: Designing shell structures can be complex and requires a deep understanding of geometry,
materials, and structural engineering. The design process often necessitates specialized software and
expertise.
2. Cost: The construction of shell structures can be more expensive than traditional building methods due to the
complex shapes and specialized materials required.
3. Limited Usability: The unique shapes of shell structures may limit their adaptability for various functions,
potentially making them unsuitable for certain applications.
4. Maintenance Challenges: Maintaining and repairing shell structures can be difficult and costly, especially if
access to the exterior surface is limited or complicated.

8. In preparation on your Scale Model, look for a famous shell structure and their actual dimension to achieve the scale
and proportion once you do it as a miniature.

The Lotus Temple in Delhi, India

The Lotus Temple derives its name from its design.
Like every other Bahāʾī mashriq, it is characterized
by a nine-sided construction, in keeping with the
Bahāʾī belief in the mystical properties of the number
nine. Set on an elevated plinth in a 26-acre (10.5-
hectare) expanse of landscaped gardens and
surrounded by nine pools bordered by red sandstone
walkways, the white marble edifice rises to a height
of more than 130 feet (40 metres). The temple
complex comprises 27 independent marble “petals,” which are clustered into groups of three to form nine sides (through
which open nine entrances into a central space) and into groups of nine to form three concentric rings. Petals in the first
ring face outward, forming canopies over the nine entrances.

REFERENCES:
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Shell structure". Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Feb. 2020,
https://www.britannica.com/technology/shell-structure-building-construction. Accessed 11 November 2023.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-shell-structure-john-christner-dptaf?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-
articles_related-content-card
https://civilscoops.com/shell-structure/