LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION

SHELL ROOFS

A r. A m e e d I n a m
Assistant Professor
School of Architecture
Galgotias University
Shell Roofs
Shell roofs are made from structural ‘skins’ where
the shell material is thin in section relative to the
other dimensions of the roof and undergoes relatively little
deformation under load.

They are commonly used where a building interior needs to

be free from intermediate walls or columns that might
support a more conventional flat or pitched roof, such
as; libraries, theatres, leisure
centres, airport and railway terminals, and so on.

Shell roofs can be ‘flat’, but are typically curved, assuming a

cylindrical, domed, paraboloid or ellipsoid shape. The
curvature of shell structures benefits from the
same structural efficiency as arches, which are
pure compression forms with no tensile stresses. Because of
their structural efficiency less material is generally needed
compared to more traditional roofs. However, a
restraining structure such as an edge beams is required to
prevent the shell from ‘spreading’.
Shell roofs may be

Single shells such as the dome of the Pantheon in Rome.

Multi-shell roofs such as Eero Saarinen’s JFK International
Airport in New York.

Reinforced with structural ribs, such as Jørn Utzon’s Sydney

Opera House.

Lattice structures, such as Norman Foster’s Great Court at

the British Museum in London.

They are most commonly constructed using insitu

reinforced concrete, however, other materials such as and
timber and steel may be used for reinforced, lattice or
composite structures.
About Shell Roofs

Shell roofs are used for covering large span structures with a single storey, e.g assembly halls, recreation
centers, theatres, factories, research labs etc. A shell roof is commonly used in public building because shell
roof is aesthetically pleasing.

When the inside of the building is required to be open without any walls or pillars then the shell roof is very
useful than flat or even pitched roof. The shells roofs are lighter in weight and save reinforcing steel and
concrete.

Singly-curved shell and doubly-curved shell are the types of shell roofs. The thickness of singly-curved shells
should not be less than 5 cm.

Double curved shells are structurally more efficient than single curved shells. However, preparation of the
centring work of doubly-curved shell roof is more difficult. Shell units are effectively used for replacing solid
slabs.
About Shell Roofs
The analysis and design of large span concrete roofs is indeed a challenging and interesting job compared to
conventional roofs.

As far as choice of the material is concerned, in recent times, the material is not just limited to structural steel. In this
context, it is worth mentioning that concrete is a very versatile construction material which can take any desired shape
and form for the structure. With the growing need for large span concrete roofs, precast, prestressed concrete
structures can be adopted in order to minimise the dead weight of the structure and also to reduce the material
consumption and shorten the construction time.
Classification of shells

There are many different ways to classify

shell structures but
two ways are common:

• The material which the shell is made

of: like reinforced concrete, plywood
or steel, because each one has
different properties that can
determine the shape of the building
and therefore, these characteristics
have to be considered in the design.

• The shell thickness: shells can be thick

or thin.
Types of Thin Concrete Shells

Folded plate
A thin-walled building structure of the shell type.

Advantages of Folded Plate Roofs over Shell Roofs are:

(a) Movable form work can be employed.

(b) Form work required is relatively simpler.
(c) Design involves simpler calculations.

Disadvantages of Folded Plate Roofs over Shell Roofs are:

(a) Folded plate consumes more material than shells.

(b) Form work may be removed after 7 days whereas in
case of shells it can be little earlier.
Folded-Plate Hut in Osaka
Types of Thin Concrete Shells

Hyperbolic Paraboloid (Hypar)

A Hypar is a surface curved in two directions that

can be designed as a shell or warped lattice.

A hypar is triangular, rectangular or rhomboidal

in plan, with corners raised to the elevation
desired for use and/or appearance. The edges of
Hypars are typically restrained by stiff hollow
beams that collect & transfer roof loads to the
foundations.
Dome

A rounded roof, with a circular base, shaped like an arch in all

directions. First used in much of the Middle East and North
Africa whence it spread to other parts of the Islamic
world, because of its distinctive form the dome has, like the
minaret, become a symbol of Islamic architecture.

Dome has double curvature and the resulting structure is much

stiffer and stronger than a single curved surface, such as a
barrel shell
Translation Shells

A translation shell is a dome set on four arches.

The shape is different from a spherical dome and is generated

by a vertical circle moving on another circle.

All vertical slices have the same radius.

It is easier to form than a spherical dome.

Advantages of Concrete Shells:

The curved shapes often used for concrete shells are naturally strong
structures.

Shell allowing wide areas to be spanned without the use of internal supports,
giving an open, unobstructed interior. The use of concrete as a building
material reduces both materials cost and the construction cost.

As concrete is relatively inexpensive and easily cast into compound curves.

Disadvantages of Concrete Shells

Since concrete is porous material, concrete domes often have issues with
sealing. If not treated, rainwater can seep through the roof and leak into the
interior of the building.

On the other hand, the seamless construction of concrete domes prevents air
from escaping, and can lead to buildup of condensation on the inside of the
shell.

Shingling or sealants are common solutions to the problem of exterior

moisture, and ventilation can address condensation.
Thank You