Title : SHELL STRUCTURES
Authors : R. Sundaram
Publication : 23 - 26 October 2013
Volume :
Pages :
Price : 250
Abstract : In any structure, designers always aim at achieving economy by minimizing costs within the constraints of functional and aesthetic requirements. Thus, for providing a roof over a large area - a requirement of most clients - conventional structures will be uneconomical and aesthetically unpleasing. Hence, new forms were attempted that resist the loads more efficiently than when the structure is designed in a conventional form. This has resulted in the design and construction of innumerable outstanding large span structures including concrete shell roofs in the world. Efficiency of a long span structure depends upon the various parameters such as location, utility, structural economy and innovative design. There is a need for unique synthesis between architecture and structural systems to produce exciting and outstanding structures. In India, prior to second World War large span structures were constructed with light weight material like steel. In the past two decades precast prestressed concrete structures are quite popular because of: Concrete shell roofs have been in existence for many years now. They are thin members. They are used for many purposes. They cover industries, auditoriums, food courts etc. They are cylindrical, hypars, folded plates and are thin. The author has executed a number of shell structures from 1963. The paper discusses a few of them. Some comparison made between shell structures in India and in other countries is presented.