DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF CURVED SHAPE SLABS WITH & WITHOUT

OPENINGS
INTRODUCTION

Curved shape members like shell structures generally known as Tensile member are naturally
able to reduce the effect of acting stresses by dilution of the load on the surface of structures
from a point on it. A shell structure is a thin curved membrane or slab usually of reinforced
concrete that functions both as structure and covering.
The term “shell” is used to represent and describe the structures provided with durability,
strength and rigidity due to its low height i.e. low thickness, there are various examples of
curved mass shell structures adopted by nature in various forms of living and non –living things
such as tortoise back, snails cover, human skull bone, filament bulb and cave’s top upper part.
Tensile shell members are structural edifice that caries only tension and without buckling or
bending. Tensile structures are the most common type of thin-shell structures used worldwide
from past.
On account of multiplicity of the types of reinforced concrete shell and folded plate structures
used in present day building large column-free area, practice for a variety of applications
demanding roofing of buildings, only possible due to light weight anti-compression assembly.
A dome is a shell of revolution of a curve about one of its axes. Domes are used to cover large
area circular areas such as auditoriums, circular tanks, exhibition halls. Reinforced concrete
thin shells can be defined as curved slabs whose thickness are small compared to their other
dimensions like radius of curvature. Even though shell construction with steel and concrete is
used in the industry for pressure vessels, reactors. Domes withstand the controlling winds and
strong earthquakes. Large monumental domes over important buildings are usually built as
ribbed or polygonal domes with ornamentations and not as simple domes. Simple R.C domes
are commonly used for commercial purpose such as cover for water tank, assembly hall, and
to reach architectural requirements.

1.1 Classification of shells as per Indian codes.

As per IS 2210: 1988 in General - Shells may be broadly classified as ‘singly-curved’ and
‘doubly-curved’. This is based on Gauss curvature. The gauss curvature of singly curved shells
is zero because one of their principal curvatures is zero. They are, therefore, developable.
Doubly curved shells are non-developable and are classified as synclastic or anticlastic
according as their Gauss curvature is positive or negative.

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The gauss curvature for such shells is positive where they are synclastic and negative where
they are anticlastic. Single curvature shell: Are curved on one linear axis and are a part of a
cylinder or cone in the form of barrel vaults and conchoids shell.
Double curvature shell: Are either part of a sphere, or a hyperboloid of revolution. Surfaces
with double curvature cannot be developed, while those with single curvature can be
developed.
Thickness of shells shall not normally be less than 50mm if singly curved and 40mm if doubly-
curved. This requirement does not, however, apply to small precast concrete shell units in
which the thickness may be less than that specified above but it shall in no case be less than
25mm. The span should preferably be less than 30m. Shells longer than 30m will involve
special design considerations, such as the application of pre-stressing techniques

Fig. 1 Block diagram of Shell structure form based on curvature.

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1.1.1 Single Curvature Shells

The shell which is curved along one linear axis can be termed as single curvature shells.

Profile of curvature can be circular, elliptical or parabolic.

Singly curved shells are developable and their Gaussian curvature is zero (K = 0)

Fig 1.1 Examples of single curvature shells

1.1.2 Double Curvature Shells

The shell which is curved along both the axis can be termed as a double curvature shells.

They are either part of a sphere, or a hyperboloid.

The doubly curved shells are non-developable. The Gaussian curvature of these kind of shells

is not zero; it is either positive or negative (K > 0 or K < 0).

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1.1.2.1 Synclastic Shells

In synclastic shells, the centres of curvature of both the surfaces are on the same side.

Gaussian curvature is positive (K > 0) for all synclastic shells.

Fig 1.2 Examples of double curvature, synclastic shells

1.1.2.2 Anticlastic Shells

In Anticlastic shells, the centre of curvature of both the surfaces are located on the opposite

sides.

Gaussian curvature is Negative (K < 0) for all anticlastic shells.

Fig 1.3 Examples of Double curvature, Anticlastic shells

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1.1.4 Surface Revolution

These shapes are formed when a particular two-dimensional shape or a

generator is rotated about an axis. E.g., a dome can be formed by rotating a

semi-circle about an axis. The following figure shows some of the examples of

surface revolution shells.

Fig 1.4 Surface revolution shells

1.1.5 Surface Translation / Ruled Surface

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The following figure shows some examples of the surface translation/ ruled surface shells.

Fig 1.5 Examples of Surface Translation/ Ruled Surface

PROBLEM IDENTIFIED

Adequate ventilation is equally important in buildings as lighting. Sufficient number of doors

and windows in buildings will admit fresh air and light inside with free circulation. Structures
should also have ventilators in the ceilings which can work as outlets for impure air. Similarly,
the domes are monolithic where the provisions of openings are less, for the ventilation and
lighting inside the dome. Even we have option of providing opening in apex and other position
like near the apex, central and near the ring beam. The present study helps to identify the effects
of openings in dome structures with some constant parameters considered

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Chronology of the largest dome
1. The Pantheon in Rome.

➢ The Pantheon ( "[temple] of all the gods") is a former Roman temple and, since AD 609,
a Catholic church in Rome, Italy. It was built on the site of an earlier temple commissioned
by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – AD 14); then, after
the original burnt down, the present building was ordered by the emperor Hadrian and
probably dedicated c. AD 126.
➢ The building is round in plan, except for the portico with large granite Corinthian columns
(eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind) under a pediment. A
rectangular vestibule links the porch to the rotunda, which is under
a coffered concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky. Almost two thousand
years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete
dome. The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43
metres (142 ft).
➢ The Pantheon's large circular domed cellar, with a conventional temple portico front, was
unique in Roman architecture. Nevertheless, it became a standard exemplar when classical
styles were revived, and has been copied many times by later architects.

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2. Santa Maria dome

➢ Santa Maria del Fiore is the cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Florence.
Commenced in 1296 in the Gothic style to a design of Arnolfo di Cambio and structurally
completed by 1436 with the dome engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi;[1] the basilica's
exterior is faced with polychrome marble panels in various shades of green and pink,
bordered by white, and features an elaborate 19th-century Gothic Revival (west) façade
by Emilio De Fabris.
➢ Santa Maria del Fiore was built on the site of Florence's second cathedral dedicated
to Saint Reparata; the first was the Basilica di San Lorenzo di Firenze, the first building
of which was consecrated as a church in 393 by St. Ambrose of Milan. The ancient
structure, founded in the early 5th century and having undergone many repairs, was
crumbling with age, according to the 14th-century Nuova Cornice of Giovanni Villani,
and was no longer large enough to serve the growing population of the city
➢ After a hundred years of construction and by the beginning of the 15th century, the
structure was still missing its dome. The basic features of the dome had been designed by
Arnolfo di Cambio in 1296. His brick model, 4.6 m (15.1 ft) high, 9.2 m (30.2 ft) long,
was standing in a side aisle of the unfinished building, and had long been sacrosanct. It
called for an octagonal dome higher and wider than any that had ever been built, with no
external buttresses to keep it from spreading and falling under
➢ The dome designed by Neri, starting 52 m (171 ft) above the floor and spanning 44 m
(144 ft), there was not enough timber in Tuscany to build the scaffolding and forms.

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3. Gol Gumbaz

➢ The construction of the Gol Gumbaz began in the mid-17th century, during the close of
Mohammed Adil Shah's reign, which was from 1627 to 1656. It is located directly behind
the dargah of Hashim Pir, a Sufi saint; Richard Eaton views this as suggestive of the
close relationship between the ruler and the saint. The mausoleum was never completed;
construction may have halted in 1656 due to Mohammed Adil Shah's death that year.
➢ At the time of its construction, the Gol Gumbaz boasted the largest dome in the Islamic
world.[6] Its external diameter is nearly 44 m. The dome is built of brick and cemented
with layers of lime. It has six small openings in its base as well as a flat section at its
crown. The dome rests on a circular base, which is internally supported by
interlocking pendentives, formed from eight intersecting arches that arise from the
interior hall. Similar vaulting is found, though on a smaller scale, in the Jami Masjid of
Bijapur and the Ibrahim Rauza. Outside of Bijapur, this pendentive support system is
virtually unknown. The conceptual origin of the Gol Gumbaz's pendentives is debated,
though a Central Asian influence has been suggested by multiple scholars.
➢ Around the base of the dome is a gallery, accessed by the staircases in the towers. It is
known as the 'whispering gallery' since the faintest sound from here is heard across the
dome, due to sound reflecting off the dome.

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STONE

Held record Diameter (m) Name Location Notes

150–175 15.0 Western Jerash, Jordan One of the
AD 2006 Thermae earliest voussoir domes
with square ground
plan
since 2006 85.15 Global Mumbai, The stone dome was
Vipassana India completed in October
Pagoda 2006. The monument
was officially
inaugurated on
February 8, 2009.

MASSONRY

Held record Diameter (m) Name Location Notes

2nd century – 11.5 Red Basilica Pergamon, Brick

150 Turkey

150 – c. 306* 23.85 Sanctuary of Pergamon, Earliest

Asclepius Turkey monumental
Temple of brick dome
Asclepius

306 – 563 24.15 Rotunda of Thessaloniki, Radially laid

Galerius Greece bricks

563 – 1436 30.87 Hagia Sophia Istanbul, Turkey Byzantine

Empire

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REINFORCED CONCRETE

Held record Diameter (m) Name Location Notes

1913 – 1930 65.0 Centennial Hall Wrocław, Architect Max
Poland Berg

1957 – 1963 100.6 Palazzetto dello Rome, Italy Built for

Sport the 1960
Summer
Olympics.
Consulting
engineer Pier
Luigi Nervi.
1971 – 1976 134.1 Norfolk Scope Norfolk,
Virginia, United Consulting

States engineer Pier

Luigi Nervi

1976 – 2000* 201 King County Seattle, United Reinforced

Stadium States concrete dome.
Demolished on
26 March 2000.

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Literature Review

A comprehensive literature review was performed in order to gain a better insight into the key
issues relevant to shell design and analysis of reinforced concrete shell structure. The roof
tensile shell absorbs more pressure due to curved surface whereas the plate surface
comparatively fails to do so due to horizontal alignment. Based on this review, it was concluded
that shell is curved slab beam like member exposed to direct stresses due to loading, and may
buckle infinitely.

Smitha Gopinath, et. Al. "Nonlinear analysis of RC shell structures using multilevel
modelling techniques”, integrates critical methodologies used for behaviour modelling of
concrete and reinforcement with the physical interaction among them. The study is unique by
considering interaction of tensile cracking and bond‐slip which are the main contributors to
nonlinearity in the nonlinear response of RC shell structure
V. Kushwaha, et. Al. “A Comprehensive Study for Economic and Sustainable Design of Thin
Shell Structure for Different Loading Conditions” The design of curved member is
sophisticated in comparison to horizontal and sloping roofs due to non-linear stresses and
bending moments. Shell is a thin, light weight and curved structure may be used as side as well
as top covering - roof member which bears upcoming loads, due to its curved shape and low
flexural rigidity.

Koga,4h et. Al. Presents asymptotic solutions for the eigen value problems of buckling under
uniform external pressure of a circular cylindrical shell having an arbitrary combination of the
boundary conditions for the simply supported, clamped, and free ends. A simple formula for
the buckling pressure is derived, which is shown to be accurate enough for engineering
purposes by comparison with available results
Dr. Mrs. Mrudula S. Kulkarni, et. Al. presented a model of Analysis of tensile fabric
structure using thin concrete doubly curved shell. On basis of FEM models of varying
complexity and precision shows that the simplest model, which represents the shell with
uniform thickness and no edge beams, yields conservative stress results. Yet these results
indicate that the stresses are well within the strength limits.

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V.Kushwaha1, R.S. Mishra2, S. Kumar3, et. Al for roofing system by shell is Rakul
Bharatwaj.R1, Jayashree.S.M2, Dr. Helen Santhi. M3et al [3] found that the cost of Reinforced
Inverted Umbrella and Prestressed Hyperboloid is lesser than grid roof. For smaller span,
Inverted Umbrella can be used as roofing system. For spans more than 20 m where heavy
reinforcement is required, pre-stressed Hyperbolic parabolic can be used which gives optimum
use of steel and concrete and also the cost will be lesser than the conventional grid floor system.
As per IS: 2210 – 1994 the criteria for span and thickness of shells, shell shall not normally be
less than 50 mm if singly curved and 40 mm if doubly curved. This requirement does not,
however, apply to small precast concrete shell units in which the thickness may be less than
that specified above but it shall in no case be less than 25 mm. The span should preferably be
less than 30 m. Shells longer than 30 m will involve special design considerations, such as the
application of pre-stressing techniques.
Zhao Zhang a, Hao Yu a, Hengan Wu a, Qingpeng Chen b et. Al This paper presents a
novel simultaneous shape and topology optimization approach of shell structures based Onis
geometric analysis and density distribution field. In the optimization approach, Non-Uniform
Rational Splines(NURBS) technology is utilized to describe the geometry and material
distribution of the shell structures. The coordinates and densities of the NURBS control points
are utilized as design variables to simultaneously optimize the shape and topology of shell
structures. The proposed approach offers significant advantages, including ease of
implementation, seamless integration with CAD models, high efficiency, and smooth, clear
boundaries. Two representative examples are performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of
the proposed approach. The optimized configurations are compared with other works and
commercial software results.
Shaik tahaseen et.al. [1] et. Al In this study, the design of RCC dome structure for 12m span,
125mm thickness with central rise 1m by using manual methods which gives detail design of
RCC domes. The procedure of designing RCC domes was clearly explained. From the analysis
and design we get the provision of meridonial reinforcement, hoop reinforcement of a dome
and ring beam reinforcement. They have considered the loading conditions (Live load and Dead
load) as per IS 456-2000. After the design of structure, it gives the conclusion that, the design
can be used for longer span domes. This is impressed to design for higher spans and rise.

Hani Aziz Ameen et.al. [3] et. Al In this study, the investigation of the finite element analysis
through ANSYS12 software for the large diameter 50, 70,100m with rib and without rib. The
study is concerned on the effect of the ribs on which deflection of the dome. A wide parametric

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study the number of ribs, compressive strength, impact of diameter, percentage of steel, cover
thickness on the large concrete dome. The study reveals the numerical percentages of the
varying the ultimate loads and vertical deflection at the top of the dome. . In this selected
numbers of ribs are 0, 2 and 4 by comparing its results in the load deflection graph two ribbed
dome causes 24.4% decrease in the ultimate load and increasing the number of ribs to 4 caused
25.5% increase in the ultimate load. It results decreasing the dome cover thickness from 70-
50mm causes 6.5% decrease in the ultimate load and increasing the dome cover thickness from
70-100mm cause 17.8% increases in the ultimate load.

Ansa T Varghese, Manju George et.al. [4] et. Al In this study, they have focused on effect of
diameter, number of ribs and compressive strength on the large concrete monolithic dome and
also made an attempt to study the finite element analysis via ANSYS software for the large
concrete dome and numerical percentages of the variation of ultimate loads and vertical
deflection at dome apex with variation of each of those parametric has been computed. It holds
the result as increasing the concrete compressive strength from 30MPa to 35Mpa cause to
increase in ultimate load capacity about 10% and decreasing the concrete compressive strength
from 30 MPa to 25 MPa, cause to decrease in ultimate load capacity by about 8%.

Ivana Mekjavic et.al. [5] et. Al In this study, buckling analysis for concrete thin shells was
carried out. Sophistic software used to estimate the buckling load which also considers the large
deflection and plasticity effects was performed. The buckling analysis of concrete spherical
shells shows that including only one kind of nonlinearity does not give a realistic situation and
only their combination results in the decreasing of ultimate failure load. A geometrically non-
linear analysis of these structures with and without geometrical imperfections was performed.
To take into account the possible plastification of the material a materially non-linear analysis
was performed simultaneously with the geometrically non-linear analysis.

From a detailed structural buckling assessment of analyzed concrete spherical shells it can be
concluded that shells can be extremely sensitive with respect to slight deviation of their ideal
parameters like initial geometry, boundary conditions etc. Initial geometrical imperfections and
non-linearity tend to prevent the most real structures from achieving their unrealistically high
failure loads. To get a more accurate answer nonlinear analysis should be carried out, taking
into account geometrical imperfections, material non-linearity, edge effects which cause
bending etc., provided the shell is less prone to a sudden buckling failure. In the finite element
buckling analysis of concrete spherical shells, consideration shall be given to the possible

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substantial reduction in the value of the buckling load caused by large deflections, material
non-linear effects, and the deviation between the actual and theoretical shell surface.

Sigge Eggwertz, Lars A. Samuelson et.al. [8] et. Al The report states that simple design
procedure for cylindrical shells with circular and rectangular openings. The structure done with
the effect of opening, buckling analysis and Finite element analysis by ANSYS was under
taken. This paper has both theoretical

and experimental studies on thin walled cylinders under the axial compression. It was found
that regions of high tension exist around the opening. Openings in the shells are known to
reduce the load carrying capacity. This impressed to extension of this method to other types of
shells and loading conditions may be easy to carry out.

Haider Hamad Ghayeb Al Qaicy, Abdul Kadir Marsono , Farzad Hejazi et.al [10] et. Al
The research work carried out on the reinforced concrete ring beams. In this study concrete
ring beams supported by equally spacing columns have been used for the construction of the
structure. The researchers investigated the ultimate strength, mechanism of failure, crack
pattern and deformed shape. The entire study have been analyzed by non linear finite element
analysis, this results failure of ring beams depends on its depth to span ratio. The ring beam is
of 6.25m external diameter, 250 mm width and 550, 1050, 2050mm depth of three models. The
results of three ring beam models subjected to uniform distributing load shows the failure
mode. The ring beams are completely depends on the geometry of the structure, general fail in
flexure and shear failure for deep ring beams.

Gaochao Xu, Gert Van Der Hejden et.al. [12] et. Al In this investigation, it reports the results
of brief introduction about dome structure and the membrane theory is used to analyze the
dome structure for that the Abaqus software is been used. This paper deals with the difference
between the two methods with different boundary conditions, load types, and shapes of shell is
discussed. Here they have done with three numbers of analysis, membrane theory, bending
theory, and finite element theory. In bending theory a complimentary theory used to find the
accurate results near the shell boundary and to ensure the compatibility. While in finite element
theory the models are built in the Abaqus to conduct finite element analysis. The difference
between the results from two methods exists near the boundary edge of the shell. The Abacus
results of the vertical simple supported structure match the results the results derived from
membrane theory the most. The thickness of the structure will have an effect on the results of
the stresses.

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Riya Anna Abraham, G. Kesava chandran et.al. [13] In this study, the history of domes
through a general analysis of domes and a comparison of dome roofs with flat roofs is carried
out, and also takes a look into the possible future

aspects of domes by evaluating popular types - two prominent ones being monolithic and
geodesic domes. After all discussion of early history of domes and recent history of domes, and
then analysis and future of domes they have compared the flat type roof and dome roof features
like seismic stability, deformation, resistance to explosion, materials usually used, future
expansion, expenses.

It also covers the discussion on failure modes of dome structure, insufficient thickness,
buckling, slope, inner forces, edge forces, cracking of domes. Through this, it’s clear that they
have dealt with the brief history of domes and have highlighted some of the recent innovations
and focus on using it for modern housing. The advantage of using them over flat roofs has also
been done through the paper indicating the superiority of dome structures. Two popular type
namely geodesic and monolithic domes have been discussed. Both monolithic and geodesic
domes have advantages particularly for energy-efficient and disaster resistant housing.

SUMMARY OF PAST REVIEWS

Economy point of view: This criterion is not always useful, because it is difficult to define the
best building, especially if there are intangibles that cannot be evaluated in terms of investment.
It also provides benefits of early removing of form works due to light and self-stabilizing elastic
property of the shell dimensional structures
Construction joints: Small to medium size shells may be placed at one time and construction
joints may not be a problem. On the other hand, a shell may be so large,that is not possible to
place all of the concrete at one operation, and construction joints become necessary. The
change in temperature causes the expansion and contraction in structures, which causes then it
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

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OBJECTIVES

1. Comparative Analysis: Evaluate the structural efficiency, and aesthetic value of

curved slabs compared to traditional flat slabs.
2. Curved Slab Opening Design: Investigate the structural implications of incorporating
openings in curved slabs.
3. Hybrid Slab Design: Examine the feasibility and benefits of designing flat slabs over
curved slabs.

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PLAN OF ACTION

1. Design of Spherical Dome.

2. Design Data Consideration.
3. Design of Dome Without Openings.
4. Design of Dome with Openings.

1. Design of Spherical Dome.

Design of spherical dome is carried out for the various spans (10m,20m,30m,40m,50m) and
various ratios (1/5,1/6,1/7,1/8). It includes the design data considered and complete design
procedure. It consists of dome design without opening and with opening and even with pre-
stressed ring beam. Even it contains the design of lateral load to dome. The ring beams are
given with pre-stressing bars for span over 30m, which carrying higher tension in beam and
resulting in cross sectional dimension.

2. Design Data Consideration.

The rise of the dome is adopted by taking a ratio for rise to span. There are four types of ratios
have been considered, to withhold the shell should not be under the tension. The ratios are

1/5 1/6 1/7 1/8

Above mentioned ratios can be adopted for the rise of dome in the design of dome structure.
Because, these ratios give only compressive stresses to the shell. The radius of below 510520
gives compressive stress and above 51º52º gives tensile stress in the dome shell. Also, the
models have done in Staad-Pro software for stress in dome shell.

Here five designs have been considered with 20 no’s of model, each design has 4 number of
models. Below table shows in brief

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Design Parameters for Domes

Diameter of Dome Ratio of Rise to Rise of Dome

(m) Span (m)
1/5 2
10 1/6 1.6
1/7 1.4
1/8 1.25
1/5 4
20 1/6 3.5
1/7 3
1/8 2.5
1/5 6
30 1/6 5
1/7 4
1/8 3.75
1/5 8
40 1/6 7
1/7 6
1/8 5
1/5 10
50 1/6 9
1/7 7
1/8 6.5

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