SHELL STRUCTURE

Alonzo, Vaughne Rylee S.

BTECH 413 - Research no.2
BSAR-4A

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I. SHELL STRUCTURE: ITS HISTORY, PURPOSE AND ESSENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

The term "Shell structure" can have various meanings depending on the context, as it is used in different fields such as
physics, chemistry, and engineering. As the name implies, a shell structure is distinguished by a curved, shell-like form.
In contrast to conventional framed structures, which depend on columns and beams, the strength of shell structures is
mostly derived from their shape. They are classified as systematic load-bearing structures because of the way that their
curved surface area effectively distributes loads and external forces throughout it.

Shell architecture creates visually arresting areas and large internal volumes by establishing a balance between
aesthetics and structural stability. A shell structure is a term used in structural engineering to describe a curved or curved
and flat structural element that resembles a shell. Self-supporting shell constructions can span a wide area without the
need for beams, columns, or walls for support. Its curvature (double or single), which permits various stress routes and
provides the ideal form for transmission of a wide variety of load types, determines how efficient it is.

Typically, steel mesh is used to reinforce the concrete used in their construction. The shell was first constructed in the
1920s, and following World War II, it became a significant long-span concrete structure. Up to roughly 300 feet (90 meters)
in length, thin parabolic shell vaults strengthened with ribs have been constructed. Concrete shells in more intricate
designs have been created, such as hyperbolic paraboloids, often known as saddle shapes, and intersecting parabolic
vaults that are less than 0.5 inches. 1.25" in thickness. Felix Candela and Pier Luigi Nervi are two notable pioneers in the
thin-shell design world.

II. SHELL STRUCTURE: A TOUR TO ITS VARIOUS TYPES AND PURPOSE

The anatomy of shell constructions has been the subject of numerous experiments by architects and engineers over the
ages, each giving special advantages and uses. They are employed in engineering and architecture in a wide variety of
ways to produce creative and effective designs.

GEODESIC DOMES
are recognizable constructions that have a spherical or partially spherical shape created by a network of interlocking
geometric pieces. These domes can effectively cover large interior spaces with little material input and have an
outstanding strength-to-weight ratio. These structures are used in a variety of settings, such as stadiums, greenhouses,
exhibition centers, and even residential complexes.

BARREL VAULTS
frequently referred to as tunnel vaults, are curved constructions made up of several parallel arches arranged side by side
to form an extended, cylindrical shell shape. These are still in use today and were widely utilized in Roman construction
of antiquity for things like cathedrals, tunnels, and large-span roofs. Their capacity to distribute forces and reduce bending
moments while effectively transferring loads along the curved profile is what gives them their strength.

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 SHELL ROOFS
It includes a wide range of shell structures intended to fill in big spaces without the need for internal supports. Their
curved, single-surface roofs, which cover large areas and offer unhindered views and open interiors, are what define
them. There are several different types of shell roofs, such as folding plate structures, umbrella roofs, and hyperbolic
paraboloids. These roofs are frequently seen in stadiums, airports, exhibition halls, and cultural institutions, where their
exquisite architectural design and effective use of space are on display.

FOLDED PLATE STRUCTURES

consist of flat plates with a succession of interconnecting facets created by folding or bending them along predefined
lines. Together, these folded plates provide a structural system that is effective at supporting weights. The structural
strength, geometric intricacy, and visual appeal of folded plate structures are well known. They are used in bridges, walls,
and roofs where their unique shapes make a powerful architectural statement.

SHELL GRID STRUCTURES

integrate the ideas of grids and shells to create a three-dimensional grid pattern through a linked network of beams or
arches. The advantages of shell structures and the consistency of grid systems are balanced by these architectures.
They offer adaptability to different building shapes and facilitate imaginative design possibilities. Exhibition areas,
stadiums, and industrial buildings all employ shell grid systems, which offer a pleasing balance between structural
effectiveness and aesthetics.

HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID SHELL

The shell structure is distinguished by its double-curved surface, which takes the appearance of a saddle. Modern
architecture frequently uses hyperbolic paraboloid shells for roofing.

CYLINDER SHELL
This kind of shell construction is frequently utilized for long-span roofs and has a cylinder-like shape. These shells are
frequently employed in industrial buildings and airplane hangars because of their cylindrical shape, which offers structural
stability.

III. SHELL STRUCTURE: THE CURVY FORM OF STABILITY

Curvatures are essential in influencing the form and general stability of shell structures. Different shell structures are
produced by utilizing different kinds of curvatures. These are a few typical curvatures found in shell structures.

TOROIDAL CURVE
The curvature of a torus is similar to that of a doughnut. Toroidal forms are less common in conventional shell
constructions, yet they can be employed to create original and creative designs.

RULED SURFACE CURVE

The curvature of a ruled surface is created by connecting points on two curves with straight lines. Anticlastic shells are
frequently designed with this kind of curvature, which results in a shell surface that curves in two opposing directions.
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 PARABOILDAL CURVE
A paraboloid's shape is followed by paraboloidal curvature. Paraboloidal shells are frequently designed with this kind of
curvature because it offers both structural stability and visual attractiveness.

SPHERICAL CURVE
The shape that resembles a section of a sphere is indicative of spherical curvature. For a smooth, rounded appearance,
spherical domes frequently employ this kind of curvature. It yields a form that looks like a section of a sphere. Similar to
domes, spherical shells have this curvature. It offers structural strength and effectively distributes stresses.

COROIDAL CURVE
A form that resembles a cone is said to have conoidal curvature. Conoidal shells are frequently utilized in specific roof
designs because of their tapered or pointed appearance.

CYLINDRICAL CURVE
The curvature of a cylinder is followed by its cylinder. Such shell constructions as barrel vaults and cylindrical shells are
examples of this kind of curvature.

HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID CURVE

The characteristic of hyperbolic paraboloid curvature is a doubly curved surface with a saddle-like shape. Hyperbolic
paraboloid shell structures often use this kind of curvature since it is both aesthetically pleasing and structurally efficient.

ELLIPTICAL CURVE
Elliptical curvature adheres to an ellipse's shape. Elliptical-curved shells can have dynamic, extended forms that are
versatile in design.

IV. SHELL STRUCTURE: THE MOST SUITABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL

CONCRETE
It is the best material to use for building a shell structure. Due to the material's great degree of plasticity, when combined
with water, it can assume any shape or formwork or inside centering. It is possible to bend small portions of reinforcement
bars to match the curve of shells. The R.C.C membrane or slab functions as a strong, rigid shell that serves as both the
building's structure and covering once the cement and concrete have set.

STEEL
Basic constructions consisting of steel shells assembled from steel segments are employed, and after concrete is poured,
these structures are separated by longitudinal ribs to create a basic composite segment structure. These materials are
less heavy than reinforced concrete, easier to make, stiffer than steel segments, and require less metal when it comes to
shield segments. However, they are more difficult to process and have a lower resistance to corrosion than steel
segments. It is prized for its robustness and adaptability. It is commonly employed in the building of shell buildings,
especially when it comes to tensioned or steel-reinforced membranes. Steel shells are employed in exhibition halls, sports
stadiums, and airplane hangars, among other places.

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 TIMBER
Beyond the realm of traditional timber connections, timber offers great mechanical behavior and good potential for textile
and multi-material connectors. This project's cloth connections eliminate the need for any metal fasteners. Shell structures
can be made of wood, particularly in smaller-scale applications. In comparison to certain other materials, it is lightweight
and has a natural appearance. For some architectural concepts, such pavilions or smaller roof structures, timber shells
could be appropriate.

Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP)

Fiber E-glass and polyester material are woven together to create glass fiber reinforced polymer, sometimes referred to
as glass fiber reinforced plastic. It weighs only 25% of steel and has tensile and compressive strengths ranging from 44
to 2358 MPa and 140 to 350 MPa, respectively. It's a flexible, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant material that takes on
a variety of forms. Similar to papier mache, but with resin used in place of glue, GFRP is adhered to seamless shell
structures.

FABRIC MEMBRANES
Membrane structure has outstanding performance and is not just used in industry. It can be utilized as a military camp, a
shelter hospital, a strategic engineering project, etc. in the military. It can be applied to the civilian domain for construction
coverage, land restoration, emergency shelters, and temporary warehouses. In temporary hospitals, inflatable membrane
constructions are frequently utilized, particularly during public health emergencies. The novel coronavirus, COVID-19,
emerged worldwide in March 2020. The Italian government constructed a temporary hospital consisting of an inflatable
membrane structure spanning 700 square meters in about 4 hours to treat COVID-19 patients.

BAMBOO
Because of its natural strength and speed, engineered bamboo has potential for use in structural applications, material's
capacity to be renewed. The product creates a laminated composite from raw bamboo. standard section that is analogous
to wood and glue-laminated wood. A lofty Engineered bamboo is a lightweight, strong material that has advantages over
traditional materials. like steel and concrete. The material's intrinsic flexibility has potential benefits in
grid shell structures, enabling more form-finding and design complexity.

V. CONSTRUCTION OF R.C.C BARREL VAULT

The most straightforward vault is the Barrell vault. This part is the single curvature shell construction. Of a barrel or
cylinder with the same curvature along length of it. Any number of speedy barrels or speedy it is possible for spans to
exist, but eventually a rule is made for the joints' expansion in big buildings. The barrel vaults are used as parking, market
place and assembly hall.

When it comes to the width of the arch ribs between the barrel vault and its span, short span barrel vaults are those
whose span is lesser than its width, while long span barrel vaults are those whose span is broader than its width.

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 The normal span of the longitudinal barrel vault
is 12.30 meters, with its width being
approximately half the span and its rise being
one-fifth of the width. To cover larger areas
more extensively, multi-span roofs can be
utilized where the roof is extended across the
curve. The strength of the structure lies at the
right angles to the curve so that the span is
longitudinal to the curve.

PHOTO CREDIT TO: CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS

ARCHES AND BEAMS STIFFENING

The barrel’s thin shell loads under local in the event that the resulting stresses were greater, the vault will likely distort,
lose shape, and maybe collapse. to extend the
shell to throw away this possibility, the shell
and stiffening beams or arches are cast
simultaneously. A stiffening member between
the column supporting the shell is usually
provided. Because of its depth, the downward-
stretching RCC beam is the most effective;
nevertheless, this disrupts the vault's soffit line,
necessitating the use of an upward-stretching
beam. The disadvantage of upstand beam is
that it disrupts the roof's alignment and
necessitates safeguards against geometry.

PHOTO CREDIT TO: BRITANNICA

EDGE AND VALLEY BEAM

In order to resist this RCC edge beams are cast between columns. Due to self-weight and imposed load, the thin shell
will tend to spread and its curvature flatten out. Edge beams can be cast partially as both upstand and dropped beams,
or partially as both. Upstand beams are used to form rainwater drainage channels in temperate climates, whereas
dropped beams are used in hot climates. Down stand and feather valley beam are used in multi-bay structures due to the
vaults' large transmission to the adjacent shells.

EXPANSION JOINTS
The expansion and contraction of concrete structures brought on by temperature changes results in the deformation or
collapse of the structures. In order to prevent this, longitudinal expansion joints are formed in an upstand valley at intervals
of approximately 30 m along the span and across the width of the multi-bay and multi-span barrel vault roofs.

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 ROOF LIGHT
Are fixed to an upstand curb cast integrally with the
shell. top light can be provided by deck light formed in
the crown of vault or by dome light. The deck light can
be continuous or formed as individual lights. The shell's
concave soffit reflects light and aids in dispersing it
across the area below, which is an advantage. Top light
may cause glare and overheating. Shell coating: non-
ferrous sheet metal, asphalt, bitumen felt, plastic
membranes, or liquid rubber base coatings can all be
used to coat shells.

Insulating roof: the most satisfactory method. The thin

shell offers poor resistance to heat transfer. The need
to add insulating lining adds significantly to the cost of
the shell.

The most satisfactory method of insulation is to spread a light-weight screed over the shell. The thin shell offers poor
resistance to heat transfer. The need to add some sort of insulating lining adds significantly to the cost of the shell. These
structures are made difficult to maintain the elegance of their curved shapes while providing insulation. Very unfit for
heated buildings under temperature.

PHOTO CREDIT TO: SLIDE SHARE, A SCRIBD COMMUNITY

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VI. SHELL STRUCTURE: THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS

In a nutshell, shell structures have distinct advantages in terms of strength, aesthetics, and material efficiency, but they
also present design complexity, maintenance, and adaptability issues. The decision to adopt a shell structure should take
into account the project's specific requirements as well as the design and construction capabilities available.

ADVANTAGES
STRENGTH AND STABILITY: The strength and stability of shell constructions are well recognized. The curved design
efficiently distributes loads, allowing them to endure external pressures like wind, snow, and earthquakes.

MATERIAL EFFICIENCY: When compared to typical constructions, shell structures frequently use less material, making
them more resource-efficient. The thin-shell structure delivers strength without requiring excessive material.

AESTHETICS: Shell structures can be visually appealing and one-of-a-kind. Shells' flowing, curved lines can result in
aesthetically beautiful and recognizable structures.

COLUMN USE: Because of the potential to construct broad clear spans, fewer columns are frequently required, providing
for greater flexibility in the use of interior space.

CONSTRUCTION Speed: In some circumstances, shell structure construction can be faster than traditional methods,
especially when prefabricated components are used.

DISADVANTAGES
COMPLEX DESIGN AND ANALYSIS: Designing and analyzing shell structures can be difficult and time-consuming,
requiring extensive engineering knowledge. It is a difficult effort to ensure that the construction is stable and can bear a
variety of loads.

INTERIOR SPACE FUNCTIONING: The curved shape of shell constructions may limit the functioning of interior areas.
The lack of straight walls may make it difficult to arrange furniture and accommodate certain activities.

MAINTENANCE DIFFICULTIES: Shell constructions can be more difficult to maintain and repair than conventional
structures. Access to specific sections may be restricted, and repairs may necessitate the use of specialist expertise and
equipment.

COST: While shell constructions can be cost-effective in terms of materials, the initial construction cost can be higher due
to the intricacy of design and construction, as well as the requirement for trained labor.

LIMITED ADAPTABILITY: Changes or improvements to shell buildings after construction can be difficult and may
necessitate considerable alterations, making them less adaptable to future needs.

SITE RESTRICTIONS: Some sites may not be ideal for shell structures, especially if the ground conditions or topography
are incompatible with the specialized loads and supports required for shell construction.
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VII. SHELL STRUCTURE: THE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS
LOTUS TEMPLE
Roof Height: 40 meters
Site Area: 105,000 square meters
PHOTO CREDIT TO: PANDOTRIP.COM
DORTON ARENA
Roof Height: 27.432 meters
Site Area: 25,000 square feet
PHOTO CREDIT TO: ARCHITECTTUUL
Fariborz Sahba, the architect, strove to create this
structure recognizable and acceptable to the Indian
people without mimicking any of India's current
architectural schools. The underlying concept behind
the design is that two essential elements - light and
water - have been used as adornment in place of the
statues and carvings that are often found in Indian
temples. The structure is made up of three levels of
nine petals each, which spring from a pedestal that lifts
the edifice above the surrounding plain. The first two
ranks bend inward to embrace the inner dome, while
the third layer bends outward to form canopies over
the nine openings.
Diameter: 300 ft
The J.S. Dorton Arena was built to serve agriculture,
industry, commerce and the general welfare of North
Carolina. It has earned an international reputation
since its construction in 1951. The building is ideal for
concerts, trade shows, athletic events, circuses,
speakers, graduations and more. The suspended roof
eliminates any necessity for structural steel supports
and presents no view obstructions from any seat. The
exterior walls are constructed of tinted, glare-reducing
glass. The two lobbies are on the ground level. The
arena floor provides 25,000 square feet. Restrooms,
dressing rooms and storage areas are also available.
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DORTON ARENA

INTERIOR ELEVATION AND SECTION

FRONT, HALF END ELEVATION, DOOR AND WINDOW DETAILS

PHOTO REF: NC STATE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

I. SHELL STRUCTURE: ITS HISTORY, PURPOSE AND ESSENCE IN ARCHITECTURE

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VIII. REFERENCES

NC STATE UNIVERSITY
https://d.lib.ncsu.edu/collections/catalog?f%5Bwork_facet%5D%5B%5D=Dorton+Arena+%28Raleigh
%2C+N.C.%29

ACS PUBLICATIONS
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsaem.1c00929

DESIGN BUILDING: THE CONSTRUCTION WIKI

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Timber_shell_structure

CONSTROFACILITATOR
https://constrofacilitator.com/shell-structure-advantages-types-and-applications/

SLIDESHARE.NET
https://www.slideshare.net/SusmitaPaul12/shell-structure

NOVATR
https://www.novatr.com/blog/shell-structures

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