REPORT

SHELL STRUCTURES

Building Construction - 8
Viva School of Architecture
Semester IX

PREPARED BY :
SAYALI PRADEEP NAIK
Roll No.: 17
REPORT
SHELL STRUCTURES

Theory and Design of Structures 8

VIVA School of Architecture
Semester IX

PREPARED BY :
SAYALI PRADEEP NAIK
Roll No.: 17
 INDEX
CONTENTS PAGE NO.

1. Introduction To Shell Structure 1

2. Fundamental Concepts of Shell Structures 3
3. Shell Roofs 6
4. Load Transfer In Shell Structure 7
5. Examples Of Shell Structures 8
6. Forms of Curvature 9
7. Tension Tie 11
8. Folded Plate Shells 12
9. Cylindrical Barrel Vaults: 12
10.Domes Of Revolution 13
11.Most Suitable Material 13
12.Centring Of Shells 14
13.Construction Of RCC Barrel Vault 15
14.Stiffening Beams And Arches 16
15.Edge And Valley Beams 17
16.Expansion Joints 17
17.Advantages And Dis-advantages Of Shells 19
18.Case Study 20
19.Bibliography 23
 SHELL STRUCTURES
01
“ 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.

Introduction to Shell Structures

• A shell is a thin structure composed of curved sheets of material, so that the

curvature plays an important role in the structural behaviour, realizing a spatial
form.
• A thin curved membrane or slab usually of reinforced concrete that functions both
as structure and covering

Definition and Overview:

• Shell structures are thin, curved plates that can efficiently support loads primarily
through membrane action and bending.
• They are characterized by their minimal thickness relative to their other
dimensions and their ability to span large areas with minimal material.

Shell Structures from Nature:

Nature offers many examples of shell structures that have inspired human engineering
and architectural designs. These natural shells demonstrate principles of efficiency,
strength, and adaptability, which are mirrored in modern shell structures.

• Seashells: The curved and ribbed

structures of seashells provide
protection and structural integrity.
The spiral shape distributes stress
efficiently, making them strong yet
lightweight.

• Eggshells: Despite their thin walls,

eggshells are incredibly strong due
to their curved geometry. This allows
them to withstand external pressures
while protecting the contents inside.

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• Turtle Shells: Turtle shells are a
combination of strength and
flexibility, providing protection
while allowing movement. The
dome shape distributes impact forces
evenly.

• Radiolarians and Diatoms: These

microscopic organisms have intricate
silica shells with highly efficient and
lightweight structures. Their
geometric patterns have inspired
modern architectural designs. Radiolarians Diatoms

• Honeycombs: The hexagonal shell

structure of honeycombs combines
minimal material use with maximum
strength and efficiency, often serving
as a model for structural
optimization in engineering.
By studying and mimicking these natural shell structures, engineers and architects can
develop innovative designs that are both efficient and sustainable. The principles
observed in nature help solve complex engineering problems, leading to
advancements in materials science, construction techniques, and computational
methods.

Historical Development:
• Shell structures have been used since ancient times, with notable examples
including the Pantheon in Rome and traditional vaulted roofs.
• The modern development of shell structures began in the early 20th century with
advancements in reinforced concrete and computational methods.

1.4.Importance and Applications:

• Shell structures are valued for their aesthetic appeal, structural efficiency, and
ability to cover large spaces without internal supports.
• They are widely used in architecture, civil engineering, and industrial
applications.

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Fundamental Concepts of Shell Structures
Types of Shell Structures
Shell structures can be categorized based on their curvature, which significantly influences their
load-bearing behaviour and structural efficiency.

PRIMARY CLASSIFICATION

1. Single Curvature Shells: Single curvature shells are curved in one direction
only. These structures are simpler to design and construct compared to double
curvature shells. The primary examples include cylindrical shells.

Cylindrical Shells:
• These are the most common type of single curvature shells. A cylindrical shell is
generated by translating a curved line (the directrix) along a straight line (the
axis).
• Cylindrical shells are often used in the construction of roofs for buildings, tunnels,
and pipelines due to their efficient load distribution and ease of construction.
• The curvature in one direction helps in channelling loads to the supports
efficiently, making them ideal for long-span structures.
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2. Double Curvature Shells: Double curvature shells are curved in two
perpendicular directions. These shells exhibit enhanced structural stiffness and
load-bearing capacity due to the geometric double curvature, which provides
greater resistance to external loads.

Spherical Shells:
• Spherical shells have a constant radius of curvature in all directions, forming a
segment of a sphere.
• They are used in domes and water tanks, offering excellent structural strength and
stability.
• The uniform curvature helps in evenly distributing loads across the surface,
making them suitable for applications requiring large, open interior spaces.

Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shells:

• These shells have a saddle shape, with curvature in two opposing directions.
• They are generated by translating a straight line along a parabolic directrix.
• Hyperbolic paraboloid shells are commonly used in roofs and cooling towers.
• Their unique shape allows for efficient load distribution and aesthetic architectural
forms, making them popular in modern architectural designs.

Elliptical Shells:
• Elliptical shells have an elliptical curvature, providing a unique aesthetic appeal.
• These shells are used in architectural elements where visual impact and elegance
are desired.
• The varying curvature can be optimized to achieve specific structural and
aesthetic goals.

Conoidal Shells:
• Conoidal shells are generated by translating a straight line along a curved
directrix, forming a shape that resembles a cone.
• These shells are commonly used in industrial applications like cooling towers and
some architectural roofs.
• The conoidal shape provides efficient load distribution and can be constructed
using straight formwork, making them cost-effective for certain applications.

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Basic Geometrical Shapes:
• Cylindrical Shells: Used in roofs of buildings and tunnels.

• Spherical Shells: Used in domes and water tanks.

• Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shells: Used in roofs and cooling towers.

• Elliptical Shells: Used in aesthetic architectural elements.

• Conoidal Shells: Used in industrial applications like cooling towers.

Cylindrical Shells Spherical Shells Hyperbolic Shells Elliptical Paraboloid

Shells

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 06
Shell Roofs
These are formed by a structural curved skin covering a given plan shape and area .
Examples –
• Dome or rotational shell - double curvature shell formed by rotating a plain curved shape about
a vertical axis.
• Pendentive dome - hemispherical rotational dome supported on pendentives.
• Translation dome - formed by a curved line moving over another curved line.
• Barrel vault - cut cylinder giving a single curvature shell.
• Conoid shell - double curvature shell.
• Hyperbolic Paraboloid - double curvature saddle shaped shell.

Dome or Rotational Shell Pendentive Dome

Translation Dome Barrel Vault

Conoid Shells

Hyperbolic Paraboloid Shells

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 07
Load Transfer In Shell Structure

External Forces on Structure:

Compression / compressive force will cause a member of structure to be squashed. A tension /
tensile force causes a member of structure to be stretched. A Bending force is a complex force state
associated with the bowing of a member such as beam. It causes fibre on one face of the member to
elongate and hence be in tension and fibres on the opposite face to compress. A torsion / torsional
force causes a member to be twisted. E. A shear force causes a member to slide/tilt to a side

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Examples of Shell Structures

Sydney Opera House Lotus Temple New Delhi

Valencia Aquarium Spain New York JFK International Airport

Kresge Auditorium MIT Hyder Aliyev Cultural Centre

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 09
Forms of Curvature
SHELLS

The flowchart categorizes shells into two primary groups:

1. Singly Curved (Developable Shells): These shells can be flattened into a plane
without stretching or distortion. Think of them like rolled-up paper that can be
unfurled.

2. Doubly Curved (Non-Developable Shells): These shells have a complex

curvature that cannot be flattened without altering their shape.

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Singly Curved (Developable) Shells
• Surfaces of Revolution: These shells are formed by rotating a curve around an axis. Common
examples include:
• Circular Cylinder (Barrel): A simple pipe-like shape.
• Non-Circular Cylinder: A cylinder with a non-circular cross-section.
• Cones: A pointed shape formed by rotating a line segment around an axis.

• Surfaces of Translation/Ruled Surface: These shells are generated by moving a straight line
along another curve. Examples include:
• Circular or Non-Circular Cylinder: Similar to the surfaces of revolution but created by
translating a straight line along a circular or non-circular path.
• Cones: Similar to the cones of revolution but created by translating a line segment along a
circular path.

Doubly Curved (Non-Developable) Shells

• Synclastic Surfaces: These shells curve in the same direction, like the inside of a spoon. They
can be further divided into:
• Surfaces of Revolution:
• Circular Domes: Half-sphere shapes.
• Ellipsoid of Revolution: Egg-shaped forms.
• Paraboloids of Revolution: Dish-like shapes.
• Surfaces of Translation/Ruled Surface:
• Elliptic Paraboloids: Saddle-shaped forms.
• Conoids: Elliptical cone-like shapes.

• Anticlastic Surfaces: These shells curve in opposite directions, like a saddle. Examples include:
• Surfaces of Revolution:
• Hyperboloids of One Sheet: Hourglass-shaped forms.
• Surfaces of Translation/Ruled Surface:
• Hyperbolic Paraboloids: Saddle-shaped forms.
• Hyperboloids of One Sheet: Similar to the hyperboloids of revolution but created by
translating a line segment along a hyperbolic path.

Real-World Examples
• Singly Curved Shells: Corrugated roofing sheets, cylindrical water tanks, and paper cones.
• Doubly Curved Shells: Egg shells, saddle roofs, and cooling towers.

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Tension Tie
• Fig. (A) represents a doubly curved shell with no axis of symmetry, shows a spherical dome
supported on a wall.
• Whenever the shells are supported vertically at their edges, a tension tie is required around the
perimeter at the intersection of the dome and the wall.
• However, it is important to note that the tie will be funicular for any shape of either the plan or
elevation.
• Fig. (B) the shell has positive curvature and continuous vertical support.

• The support may be a continuous wall or stiff beams between adequately spaced columns. It is
interesting that the straight parts of the tie in fig. (C) do not require ties across the building.

• The thrusts are taken by shear forces through the width of the shell, and only tension forces exist
in the tie.

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Folded Plate Shells:
The distinguishing feature of the folded plate is the ease in forming plane surfaces. A folded plate
may be formed for about the same cost as a horizontal slab and has much less steel and concrete for
the same spans.

The principle components in a folded plate structure consist of :

1) The inclined plates
2) Edge plates which must be used to stiffen the wide plates
3) Stiffeners to carry the loads to the supports and to hold the plates in line
4) Columns to support the structure in the air.

Cylindrical Barrel Vaults:

Barrel vaults are perhaps the most useful of the shell structures because they can span upto 150 feet
with a minimum of material. They are very efficient structures because the use the arch form to
reduce stresses and thicknesses in the transverse direction.

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Domes Of Revolution:
A dome is a space structure covering a more or less square or circular area. The best known example
is the dome of revolution, and it is one of the earliest of the shell structures. Excellent examples are
still in existence that were built in roman times. They are formed by a surface generated by a curve
of any form revolving about a vertical line. This surface has double curvature and the resulting
structure is much stiffer and stronger than a single curved surface, such as a cylindrical shell.

Most Suitable Material:

The material most suited for construction of shell structure is concrete because it is a highly plastic
material when first mixed with water that can take up any shape on centring or inside formwork.
Small sections of reinforcing bars can readily be bent to follow the curvature of shells. Once the
cement has set and the concrete has hardened the R.C.C membrane or slab acts as a strong, rigid
shell which serves as both structure and covering to the building.

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Centring Of Shells
Centering is the term used to describe the necessarytemporary support on which the curved R.C.C
shellstructure is cast.

The centering of A barrel vault, which is part of A cylinder with same curvature along its length; is
less complex. The centering of conoid, dome and hyperboloid of revolution is more complex due
toadditional labour and wasteful cutting of materials to form support for shapes that are notof
uniform linear curvature.

The attraction of shell structures lies in the elegant simplicity of curved shell forms that utilise the
natural atrength and stiffness of shell forms with great economy in the use of materials.The
disadvantage of shell structure is their cost.The shell structure is more expensive due toconsiderable
labour required to construct the centering on which the shell is cast.

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Construction Of RCC Barrel Vault
The barrel vault is the most straight forward single curvature shell construction. It is the part of a
cylinder or barrel with same curvature long its length.

Any number of continuous barrels or continuous spans are possible except that eventually provision
is made for the expansion of the joints in a large structures.

The barrel vaults are used as parking, market place, assembly hall, etc.

Types of barrel vaults

1. Short span barrel vaults
2. Long span barrel vaults

Short Span Barrel Vault

Short span barrel vaults are those in which span is shorter than its width. It is used for the width of
the arch ribs between which the barrel vault span.

Long Span Barrel Vault

Long span barrel vaults are those in which span is larger than its width. Strength of the structure
lies at the right angles to the curvature to that span is longitudinal to the curvature. Usual span of
the longitudinal barrel vault is from 12-30 m with its width being about 1/2 the span and rise is 1/5
of the width. .To cover larger areas multibay ,multi span roofs can be used where the roof is
extended across the width of the vault as a multibay.

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Stiffening Beams And Arches:
Under local loads the thin shell of the barrel vault will tend to distort and lose shape
and even collapse if the resultant stresses were more. To strengthen the shell against
this possibility, stiffening beams or arches are cast integrally with the shell.

The common practice is to provide A stiffening member between the column

supporting the shell.

Downstand stiffening R.C.C. beam is most efficient because of its depth, but this
interrupts the line of soffit of vaults, for this upstand stiffening beam is used.

The disadvantage of upstand beam is that it breaks up the line of roof and need
protections against weather.

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Edge And Valley Beams:
Due to self weight and imposed load the thin shell will tend to spread and its curvature
flatten out. To resist this R.C.C. edge beams are cast between columns. Edge beams
may be cast as dropped beams or upstand beams or partially as both. In hot climate the
dropped beam is used whereas in temperate climate upstand beam is used to form
drainage channel for rain water. In multi-bay structures, spreading of the vaults is
largely transmitted to the adjacent shells, so down stand and feather valley beam is
used.

Expansion Joints:
The change in temperature causes the expansion and contraction in concrete
structures, which causes the structures to deform or collapse.

To limit this continuous expansion joints are formed at the interval of about 30m,
along the span and across the width of the multi-bay and multi-span barrel vault roofs.
Longitudinal expansion joints are formed in a up stand valley.

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Roof lights: 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. Roof
lights are fixed to an upstand curb cast integrally with the shell.

Advantage of the shell is that its concave soffit reflects and helps to disperse light over
area below.

Disadvantage is that top light may cause over heating and glare.

Roof covering: Shells may be covered with non-ferrous sheet metal, asphalt, bitumen
felt, a plastic membrane or a liquid rubber base coating.

Roof insulation: The thin shell offers poor resistance to transfer of heat. The need to
add some form of insulating lining adds considerably to cost of shell. The most
satisfactory method of insulation is to spread a light weight screed over the shell.

Difficulties of providing insulation and mainting the elegance of curved shape makes
these structures largely unsuited to heated buildings in temperate climate.

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Advantages And Dis-advantages Of Shells :
Advantages:
1. Very light form of construction. To span 30.0 m shell thickness required is 60mm
2. Dead load can be reduced economizing foundation and supporting system
3. They further take advantage of the fact that arch shapes can span longer
4. Flat shapes by choosing certain arched shapes
5. Aesthetically it looks good over other forms of construction

Dis-advantages:
1. Shuttering problem
2. Greater accuracy in formwork is required
3. Good labour and supervision necessary
4. Rise of roof may be a disadvantage

VIVA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE SEM IX 17_SAYALI P NAIK

Sydney 20
Opera House

Architects: Jørn Utzon

Year: 1973
Location: Sydney, Australia

“ The Sydney Opera House is one of the most iconic and celebrated examples of modern
architecture, renowned for its innovative use of shell structures. Designed by Danish ’’
architect Jørn Utzon and completed in 1973, the building is located in Sydney, Australia.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a multi-venue performing arts center.

Architectural Design
The Sydney Opera House is characterized by its distinctive roof structure, composed of a series of
large shell-like forms. These forms are often referred to as "sails" due to their appearance and the
building's proximity to Sydney Harbour.

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Shell Structure
21
The shell structure of the Sydney Opera House is composed of a series of precast concrete panels that
form the iconic sail-like roofs. The design and construction of these shells were groundbreaking at the
time and remain a testament to innovative architectural and engineering practices.
1.Form and Geometry:
1. The shells are segments of a sphere, each with a radius of 246 feet (75 meters).
2. The spherical segments allowed for a modular approach, making construction more
manageable.
3. The shells are arranged in a series of interlocking forms that rise from a large podium,
creating a dynamic and flowing silhouette.
2.Construction:
1. The construction of the shells posed significant challenges due to their complex geometry
and the need for precise engineering.
2. The shells are made from precast concrete panels, supported by a ribbed framework of
precast concrete ribs.
3. The ribs and panels were fabricated off-site and assembled on-site, utilizing innovative
construction techniques for the time.

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3.Material and Structure:
1. The shell structure is supported by large, reinforced concrete ribs that provide the
necessary strength and stability.
2. The external surface of the shells is clad with over a million white and cream-colored
ceramic tiles, giving the Opera House its distinctive appearance.
3. The interior spaces beneath the shells are designed to accommodate various performance
venues, including concert halls and theatres.
4.Structural Engineering:
1. Ove Arup & Partners, led by engineer Ove Arup, was responsible for the structural
engineering of the Opera House.
2. The engineering team developed a series of innovative solutions to address the challenges
posed by the shell structures, including the use of computer-aided design (CAD) to model
and analyse the complex geometry.

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CONSTRUCTION PHASES

BIBLIOGRAPHY

• SLIDESHARE
• ARCHDAILY
• ARCHITONIC
• YouTube NPTEL course

VIVA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE SEM IX 17_SAYALI P NAIK