Proceedings of the International Association for

Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2013

„BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MAN”
23-27 September, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland
J.B. Obrębski and R. Tarczewski (eds.)

Force Lines Embodied in the Building: Palazzetto dello Sport

Ildikó Bucur-Horváth1, Radu V. Săplăcan2
1
Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, ilbucurro@yahoo.com
2
Doctoral Student, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, radusaplacan@yahoo.com

Summary: The paper presents a study on Palazzetto dello Sport in Rome, an achievement of beauty through engineering performance. It was
designed and built by Pier Luigi Nervi. The study highlights the statically advantageous structural conception in order to keep the mechanical
behaviour of the cupola within the limits of the membrane theory. In this order the paper offers a mechanical analysis of the shell including the
calculation of the membrane forces and bending moments as well highlighting the disturbing stresses along the boundary. This computing emphasises
that Nervi’s thinking is primarily concerned with statics. It proves how he succeeded to create accordance between structural performance and
aesthetic.

Keywords: Nervi, structural conception, prefabricated shell, ribbed dome, functionality, membrane behaviour, equilibrium, aesthetics

1. INTRODUCTION whole way around the circular stadium, beneath the elegantly ribbed,
white-painted concrete ceiling. The result is a wonderful space (Fig.2).
The secret of great constructors, either architects or engineers, mainly
consists in their capacity to achieve equilibrium between the three basic
components of a building: function, form covering function and
structure assuring the mechanical stability of the system.
Undoubtedly, one of these brilliant designers is Pier Luigi Nervi. His
point of departure is the structure that houses the function in proper
conditions and provides architectural value by itself.
On the other hand, bridging large spans, the dome as structural form
accompanies the whole history of architecture. With its ancient roots, the
cupola building was essentially and technically improved by the
Romans. Without question, the dome is an effective structure from many
points of view. Therefore, combined with their general good taste, the
preference for domes of the inhabitants of Apennine Peninsula (and not
only theirs) is easily explainable.

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE BUILDING

The Palazzetto dello Sport is located in Piazza Apollodoro in Rome.
Built for the 1960 Summer Olympics (opened in 1957), it has a 3 500
seating capacity. It hosted basketball games among other sports during
the Olympic Games. Later it hosted volleyball games. For several years
the arena was home to Pallacanestro Virtus Rome. Today it is a
multifunctional building mainly used for sports events.
The structure is an innovative shell dome made of ribbed reinforced
concrete, 60 m in diameter. The cupola is supported by 36 Y-shaped
pillars along its perimeter. The inclined pillars are placed in the tangent
plane onto the surface. Each pillar has a vertical support in node Y.
Thus, the outside perimeter of the dome is about 80 m (Fig.1). A
prestressed 80 m in diameter concrete ring is placed at the lower end of
the pillars [1]. Much of the structure was prefabricated, and thus the
dome was erected in only 40 days.
Fig. 1. Palazzetto dello Sport [2]
The main idea of Nervi’s work is statics. He said: “Always in my
engineering work I observed that the static suggestions interpreted and
defined with patient work of research and proportioning are the most
effective fonts of architectonic inspiration. For me this rule is absolute
and there aren’t exceptions” [3].
In accordance with this creation principle, the architectural aesthetics of
the palazzetto’s both outer and inner aspect derives from the structure
itself. The lower half of the dome has continuous ribbon windows the
Fig. 2. Palazzetto dello Sport. Interior view [4]
In terms of functionality, despite the rectangular shape of the basketball
court, the circular dome plan provides an excellent solution for a proper
arrangement of grandstand for spectators. The structure also fits
perfectly for volleyball requiring high space.
Reflecting Nervi’s principle, the structure inspires strength, simplicity
and grace.
3. MECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF THE STRUCTURE
3.1. Membrane forces and compatibility problems
From a static point of view it is obvious that Nervi conceived a thin shell
structure that works primarily as a membrane. He tried (and succeeded)
to meet the main premises of membrane behaviour, which is the most
advantageous for shell structures. They are: (1) a continuous surface
described mathematically by a continuous function with similarly
continuous derivatives (at least that of first and second order); (2) the
rigidity of the shell should be as small as possible – the shell must be
“flexible” and inextensible; (3) the supports of the shell have to be
placed in the tangent direction/plane to the surface in the boundary
points. Otherwise the membrane state of stresses will be disturbed, and
bending moments could appear.
It is well known that the membrane state of stresses of any shell is
deeply influenced by the differential geometrical properties of the
surface, namely by those of second order, that means curvatures.
Dupin’s indicator (which describes the variation of the normal radius
curvature when the normal plane is turning around the normal line to the
surface) for a dome is an ellipse (Fig. 3). Thus the spherical dome is a so
called “elliptical surface” consisting of elliptical points. It practically

1

means that in every point of the shell the product of the principal
curvatures, i.e. Gaussian curvature is positive. Consequently, it can be
shown that the cupola works mainly by normal membrane forces, while
the tangential forces are of secondary importance (Fig. 4), just vanishing
when the vertical loading is symmetrical.
Fig. 3. Dupin’s indicator [5]
Fig. 4. Dome’s membrane forces [5]
In the usual case of a spherical dome under symmetrical loading (own
weight, snow load) the horizontal ring stresses appear as compressions
in the upper part and tensions in the lower part of the profile. The
position of the so called neutral ring (circle) depends on the load
distribution. The distribution of the membrane forces along the cupola’s
profile for its own weight loading is presented in Fig. 5.
Fig. 5. Normal membrane forces in spherical dome under its own weight loading [6]
2
Proceedings of the International Association for
Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2013
„BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MAN”
23-27 September, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland
J.B. Obrębski and R. Tarczewski (eds.)
The tensions are usually taken over (at least partially) by a basic ring.
The usual profile is not a whole semicircle, but a segment of circle. The
incompatibility problems between the displacements of the cupola edge
and basic ring can disturb membrane behaviour. The degree of
incompatibility and disturbing of membrane behaviour depends on the
relative position of the basic ring to circle zero of the ring stresses [2].
When the basic ring is placed in the tensioned zone of the ring forces
(like in Fig.5) both the cupola edge and basic ring are tensioned, the
compatibility between the displacements of the two elements can be
easily solved. The dimension of the ring and the thickness of the shell as
well will be determined as a result of the conditions of compatibility
between deformations of the two connected elements. The appearing
bending moments are not very important. On the contrary, when the
position of the basic ring coincides with the neutral circle or it is above
this as the cupola edge being compressed and the basic ring tensioned
the compatibility issues cannot be dealt with in the membrane theory.
Important disturbing effects appear. Such a situation is better to be
avoided.
3.2. Nervi’s option
Nervi’s dome is flat. It represents a “shallow shell” the rise diameter
ratio being 7/61 = 1/8.7 less than 1/5 (Vlasov’s assumption). In this
situation predictably the position of the basic ring will be in the
compressed zone. Nervi ingeniously avoided this problem by extending
the dome with inclined pillars and positioning the prestressed ring at the
base of the pillars. This allowed him not to load the cupola edge with a
cumbersome ugly beam. Instead, by curving the edge of the dome
between the pillars he adopted a slight edge, which is both statically
useful and aesthetic.
Nervi chose a ribbed dome. Obviously, he intended to assure an
adequate rigidity of the shell. Examining the inner face of the cupola one
can observe the great care of the designer to achieve continuous lines for
the curved ribs until they meet the edge zone. Here the ends of curved
ribs meet those special ones, which lead the forces to the supporting
columns leaving space for intermediate conical shells. Once again, we
admire Nervi’s geometric rigor and ability to draw beautiful force lines.
Theoretically, according to the membrane theory in the case of an
elliptical surface the mathematic issue of integrating the differential
solving equation (or the system of differential equations of equilibrium)
in order to compute the state of stresses is a Dirichlet’s problem.
According to it, the boundary conditions may refer to: simply-supported
edges (also named incomplete edges) taking over only tangential forces
and fully-restrained edges (complete edges) taking over both normal and
tangential forces. It is also possible to have free edges characterized by
the absence of both normal and tangential forces (Fig.6).

Fig. 6. Boundary conditions for the cupola
In our very case we have segments of fully-restrained edges at the top of
the pillars and free edges between them. The presence of free margins
between the supports causes local perturbation effects that must be taken
into account. And here Nervi’s ingenuity intervenes. He used both a
spectacular and rational solution in order to bridge the distance between
the bearing points of the dome. In the opening between supports he
inserted small conical surfaces, which bridge the 5.23 m long openings
all around the boundary circle. The conical shells direct forces to the
pillars and they release free edge segments from stresses (Fig.7).
In other words, instead of thickening the shell (that seemed inevitable) to
be able to take over the local bending moments, he introduced conical
shells. This waving of the cupola edge is not only statically but also
aesthetically useful.
4. NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SHELL
4.1. The target of the analysis
Our goal was to demonstrate by means of modern computing Nervi’s
very correct options concerning structural composition of the dome in
question.
Fig. 7. Conical shells between the supports
This prompted us to calculate the full state of stresses in the cupola,
according to the bending theory (Fig. 8). The object of the calculation
was a cupola with 60 m diameter and 7 m rise, being supported along its
perimeter by 36 inclined columns.
Proceedings of the International Association for
Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2013
„BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MAN”
23-27 September, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland
J.B. Obrębski and R. Tarczewski (eds.)
Fig. 8. Stress resulants according to the bending theory [5] [2]
We were not interested to know the real state of interior forces from
different combinations of loads, because it is not appropriate to do. We
wished to study the behaviour of the dome under symmetrical vertical
loads in order to examine and possibly to prove the correctness of
Nervi’s structural conception. Therefore we have to know how the ring
forces are and consequently which is the relativ position of the edge line
to the circle zero of ring stresses. We also want to evaluate the
disturbing effects of the membrane behaviour, the location and size of
the affected area, the bending moments along the edge circle and in the
vicinity thereof, the vertical displacements of the cupola.
4.2. Data for the analysis
4.2.1. Geometrical data
Vertical section of the dome (see Fig. 5): segment of a circle with a 60 m
chord, height of 7 m, the whole circle radius (“a”) being 67.79 m; the
central angle between the endpoint of the cupola and the axis of
symmetry (φk) is 26º 16´. The distance between the supporting points
along the perimeter of the cupola (corresponding to a 10 º central angle)
is 5.23 m.
4.2.2. Entering data for rigidity and loading
For our purposes the ribbed cupola can be equated with a thin shell of
constant thickness. Lacking reliable data on the size of the ribs and the
thickness of the shell, we resorted to a previous study [7] that uses an
equivalent thickness of 16 cm. This equivalence seems believable
meaning a thickness opening ratio of 1/375.
The vertical load taken into account was the own weight of the 16 cm
thick reinforced concrete shell having a 25 KN/m3 specific weight,
namely 4 KN/m2.
The boundary conditions were: fully-restrained edge in the supporting
points and free edge between them.
4.2.3. The computing program
The calculation was performed with the Scia Engineer 2011 computer
application [8], which uses shell elements. The program offers a
comprehensive and accurate calculation according to the bending theory.
4.2.4. Finite element meshing
We employed both triangular and quadrilateral shell elements. To test
for convergence of the approximate finite element analysis, we first
employed a mesh spacing in the radial direction equal to the shell
thickness, and then halved the spacing. Because the results differed by
less than 3%, we considered the solution to be reasonably converged,
and the values reported here are for the finer mesh.
4.3. Results of the calculation
We present all efforts’ diagrams one after another making the relevant
comments having in mind the proposed aim.
As a first general observation: if we look at the presented diagrams,
disturbances of stresses near edge can be seen. It can be also seen that
the width of the strip concerning important disturbances (ring forces and
bending moments) is approximately equal to the opening between the
bearing points (5.23 m). And the "surprise" is: the structural change that
means conical shells implementation occurs over a width equal to this
opening.
3

4.3.1. Normal forces Nθ and Nφ
Calculation gives us values of forces (actually stresses) in the outer and
inner fibers of the shell.
The ring stresses corresponding to Nθ are represented in Fig. 9 as Sig1+
(external face) and Fig. 10 as Sig1- (internal face).
Fig. 9. Ring stresses on the external face of the shell
It can be seen that over the entire dome ring forces are compressions,
decreasing to the edges, except the disturbance area along the edge.
They have similar values for the two surfaces (outer and inner). As
expected, in the vicinity of bearing points large compression occurs.
Fig. 10. Ring stresses on the internal face of the shell
4
Proceedings of the International Association for
Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2013
„BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MAN”
23-27 September, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland
J.B. Obrębski and R. Tarczewski (eds.)
They are accompanied by local tensions in the immediate vicinity of the
edge.
In light of these results, it is clear that the edge of the cupola is above the
neutral ring (circle zero of ring stresses). The whole cupola is
compressed. Local tensions occur due to the disturbing effects of the
membrane behaviour at the edge. Thus, mechanically it appears
perfectly justified to extend the dome with inclined pillars and
positioning the prestressed ring at the base of the pillars. In fact, it is a
whole concept that combines the proper mechanical behaviour of the
dome, functional need of natural light and aesthetic impact.
Diagrams of meridian stresses corresponding to Nφ for external (Sig2+)
and internal (Sig2-) face of the shell are shown in Figures 11 and 12
respectively. As expected they are relatively uniform distributed
compressions with high values in the vicinity of the supports and very
small local tensions on the edge (external face) between the bearing
points, due to the free edges.
Fig. 11. Meridian stresses on the external face of the shell
4.3.2. Bending moments Mθ and Mφ
Results for bending moments Mθ and Mφ are presented in Fig. 13 and
Fig. 14 respectively. According to the computing program the positive
moments extend the exterior fiber of the shell, those negative the interior
one (see also Fig. 8).
With regard to Mθ bending moments (mx in Fig. 13) very low values are
found tending to zero on almost the entire dome. But considerable
values appear near the edge. On the edge line the M θ bending moments
have evolved as in a continuous beam, with maximum values in the
middle of the span between supports (-3.72 KNm/m) and on the support
(9.28 KNm/m) respectively. Taking into account that the real load is
considerably higher than that considered in our analysis (only own
weight) it appears that the bending moments are too high for a thin shell.
(Not to mention that in the same area also tensions appear as shown
above.) Obviously, this situation requires special measures.
 Proceedings of the International Association for
Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2013
„BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MAN”
23-27 September, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland
J.B. Obrębski and R. Tarczewski (eds.)

What did Nervi do? He did not thicken the shell, made no over-
reinforcing. Instead, with a kick hussar changed the configuration of the
area in a convenient way. This means that the edge to be released from
bending moments and also from tensions. For this, in the opening
between supports Nervi inserted small conical shells that overtake
vertical loads by normal and tangential forces leading them, through
marginal ribs of the conical shells, to the pillars. In this way, they also
release free edge segments from any efforts.
Thus, our numerical analysis confirms that dome edge structural
conformation was determined primarily by arguments on the mechanical
behaviour.
With regard to Mφ bending moments (my in Fig. 14) we found very low
values on almost the entire dome (- 0.30 ÷ 0.30 KNm/m to - 0.60
KNm/m).
The exception is again the edge neighborhood. But these values do not
exceed - 1.59 KNm/m between supports and 2.46 KNm/m on bearing
points. Anyway, they do not present difficulties even if their actual
values are higher. From this point of view, the modified edge structure,
having quasi-meridian directed ribs cannot present problems.

Fig. 12. Meridian stresses on the internal face of the shell

Fig. 13. Bending moments Mθ on the ring direction

Fig.15. Maximal shear stresses
The maximal shear stresses (Fig. 15) due to Q θ and Q φ (see Fig. 8) have
insignificant values (about 40 KN/m2) excepting of course supporting
points.
4.3.3. Vertical displacements of the cupola
Deflections of the cupola loaded with its own weight are shown in
Figure 16. The resulted vertical displacement of the top ring is 2.7 mm.
That of the edge in the middle of the opening between supports is 0.8
mm.
It should be noted that the figure renders only a general feature and
order of magnitude of the vertical displacements under vertical loading
because neither stiffness nor load are real. Actual loading is higher (as
we mentioned before). It could be corrected by anyone.

Fig. 14. Bending moments Mφ on the meridian direction

5
 Proceedings of the International Association for
Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2013
„BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MAN”
23-27 September, Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland
J.B. Obrębski and R. Tarczewski (eds.)

Pier Luigi Nervi succeeded in achieving a nice equilibrium between

function, form and structure. He conceived construction from static
suggestions interpreted and defined with patient work of research and
proportioning, sources of architectural inspiration. In this process
nothing seems complicated. Everything is logical and elegant. This is
who Nervi is.

Fig. 16. Vertical displacements of the cupola 6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The issue of stiffness is interesting. Our analysis considered a constant The authors express their gratitude to their colleague Eng. Jácint Virág
stiffness. But the real stiffness is not alike. As designed, the presence of for his assistance in performing numerical analysis presented.
the ribs increases the rigidity in meridian direction, with increasing
value towards the top. Consequently, the real displacements become 7. REFERENCES
relatively lower towards the top. In our opinion, the rigidity increasing [1] Haegermann G., Huberti G., Möll H., Vom Caementum zum
in meridian direction is not random. This proves the designer’s care for Spannbeton, Band I, Bauverlag Gmbh, Wiesbaden – Berlin (1964),
every structural detail in order for the structure to work as properly as Teil B, pp. 6*.
possible. Nervi does not do this anyway but through a network of
[2] Bucur-Horváth I., György M. E., Studies on reinforced concrete
thoughtfully and beautifully drawn ribs.
cupolas. Proceedings of International Conference “Constructions
The ribs network of the cupola is highly interesting. Spatial curves 2003”, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Argonaut&Napoca Star, Cluj-
intersect each other; they seem to be spirals described mathematically by Napoca, 2003, Vol. 1, pp. 19-28.
the Fibonacci sequence, which often appears in biological settings [9]. [3] Dieli S. et alii, About the hangars and Pier Luigi Nervi, In:
Arrangements involving consecutive Fibonacci numbers appear in a Ephemer Arts Connection 2012, eac2012.wordpress.com/about-
wide variety of plants. hangars-of-pier-luigi-nervi/
A study on the ribs network is very ambitious. It is a mathematical but [4] http://jtnicol.wordpress.com/3forthree/
also a philosophical problem, which can be dealt with in a separate [5] Mihailescu M., Manual pentru calculul construcţiilor. Secţiunea
study. In any case, this original and useful solution demonstrates once VII, Învelitori subţiri, Editura Tehnică, Bucureşti (1977), pp. 1043-
again the ingenuity of Nervi. 1226.
[6] Hangan, M., Construcţii de beton armat, Editura Tehnică,
4.4. Conclusions of the numerical analysis
Bucureşti (1963), pp. 409.
Our analysis demonstrated that the edge line of the cupola is above the [7] http:dsg.uniroma1.it/Tocci/images/problema/Palazzetto dello Sport
neutral ring (circle zero of ring stresses). Nervi elegantly avoided this di Nervi.
inconvenient by extending the dome with inclined pillars and
[8] http://nemetschek-scia.com/en/software
positioning the prestressed basic ring at the base of the pillars.
[9] http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci .
The results of the performed analysis highlighted that the cupola works
primarily as a membrane.
Excepting edge disturbances the whole cupola is compressed.
On the presented diagrams of stresses or stress resultants, disturbances
of stresses near the edge can be seen. The width of the strip concerning
important disturbances (ring forces, bending moments) is approximately
equal to the opening between the bearing points (5.23 m). The structural
change performed by Nervi occurs on the same edge zone width. It is
amazing how accurately he was able to estimate the disturbances of the
membrane stress state along the edge.
The meridian bending moments are absolutely negligible as well as the
bending moments in the ring direction, except the edge strip.
According to the presented analysis the bending moments in the ring
direction could create problems in the edge zone. Therefore, they were
simply removed by the designer by an appropriate structural
modification of the edge strip, which consists in inserting small conical
surfaces in the openings between supports. From the architectural point
of view, waving edges give a nice image.
The deflections image of the dome obtained by computing shows that
the ribs network was very well studied by the designer. It presents an
increasing rigidity in meridian direction towards the top. This produces a
gradual and welcome equilibrium (an advantageous distribution) of
dome deflections from the edge to the top.

5. CONCLUSIONS
The analysis of Palazzetto dello Sport in terms of mechanical behaviour
and architectural impression proves Nervi’s ingenuity in creating
beautiful structural architecture.
Choosing a flat cupola for Palazzetto was deliberate to allow the
penetration of daylight through the strip of inclined columns. From here,
there was only one step in positioning the prestressed basic ring at the
base of columns, followed by reconfiguration of the edge strip.