Design and Analysis of Shell Structures

Abstract

Shell Structures present immense structural and architectural potential in various fields of civil, mechanical, architectural, aeronautical, and mru.ine engineering. Examples of shell structures in civil and architectural engineering are: varieties of concrete shell roofs, liquid retaining structures and water tanks, concrete silos, cooling towers, containment shells of nuclear power plants, and concrete arch dams. In mechanical engineering, shell forms are used in piping systems, curved panels, and in pressure vessel technology. Aircrafts, spacecrafts, missiles, ships, and submarines are examples of shells used in aeronautical and marine engineering. Shells are found in various biological forms such as the eye and the skull, plants, and animal shapes. Thus, another application of shell engineering would be the field of Biomechanics. Shell structures developed since ancient times and now ru.·e being increasingly used in various industries. Shells are used in the covering of large spans, liquid retaining installations, silos, and containment structures. They are also used in the construction of light-weight vehicles, pressure vessels, and space structures. Advent of such materials as ferro-cement, fiberreinforced concrete, composite materials, and reinforced polymers have all enhanced the domain of shell technology. With the development of new prefabrication schemes as well as the need for recycling of materials, the potential of shell applications has further increased. In addition to mechanical advantages, such as durability, high strength and stability, shell structures enjoy the unique position of having extremely high aesthet