INVESTIGATION OF STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN OPTIMIZED CONCRETE SHELL STRUCTURES UNDER STATIC LOADING

Abstract

This is a study to investigate the stress distribution in optimized concrete shell structures and presenting them as a viable and economical structural option. The group began the study by building their understanding of Finite Element Method and Linear Optimization to familiarize themselves with the basics of advanced structural analysis and optimization. This initial understanding paved the way for a much comfortable experience in using ABAQUS/CAE for analysis and optimization works. The group then studied about the prevalence of concrete shells in Pakistan and found that benefits of concrete shells are not being utilized in Pakistan and hence it justified the need to research on the viability of concrete shells as a structural option. From literature review, it was realized that it is yet to be extensively studied to reach a distribution of stresses in the shells’ thickness which is as uniform as possible to have the shells free of bending. For this reason, optimization of shell structures was further studied. optimization techniques are applied to find variation in designs of concrete shells complying with the design conditions and to study the effect of optimization on the stress distribution in shell structures. To achieve this task, optimization techniques are applied to a basic shell structures to study its effects on the original shape and design. It is also explored how shells are more economical and stable than traditional frame structures. The results of stresses from a basic optimized shell were compared to those obtained from a frame building having equal material used and same load values and combinations applied. It was seen that the optimized shell was more efficient in terms of resisting the loads and generated lesser values of maximum stresses. Keywords: Shells, Concrete, Optimization, Stress Distribution