MARC EDGAR PADILLA, AR 4-A

SHELL STRUCTURE
INTRODUCTION:
Shell structure In building construction, a shell structure is a thin, curved plate
structure shaped to transmit applied forces by compressive, tensile, and shear stresses
that act in the plane of the surface. They are usually constructed of concrete reinforced
with steel mesh.
This structure maintains its size and support load, even without a frame or solid mass
material inside.

A shell is a building that is empty from inside, these shell elements are typically curved
and assembled into a large structure, they are lightweight constructions using shell
elements.

In the shell structure, a thin shell is defined as a shell with a thickness that is smaller
than its other dimensions.

In the thin-shell structure, the deformation is not as large compared to the thickness.

The main difference between shell structures and plate structures is that within the
unstable state, the shell structures have curvature, unlike the plate structures which can
be flat.

Membrane action in a shell structures are mainly due to plane stress, although flexural
deformation may result in secondary forces.

SHELL STRUCTURE

• the word shell is an old and is commonly used to describe the hard covering of
eggs, tortoises etc.
• Derived from the word scalus, as in fish scale.
 The development of masonry domes and vaults is the Middle Ages made possible
the construction of more spacious buildings. In more recent times the availability of
reinforced concrete has stimulated interest in the use of shell for roofing purposes

THE ACTION OF EXTERNAL FORCES IN THE STRUCTURE

• A compression - compressive force will cause a member of structure to be
squashed.
• A tension – tensile force cause a member of structure to be stretched.
• A Bending force is a complex force state associated with the bowing of a
member such as beam. It causes fiber on one face of the member to elongate
and hence be in tension and fibers on the opposite face to compress
• A torsion – torsional force cause a member to be twisted
• A shear force cause a member to slide / tilt to a side

THE SHELL SYSTEM

Shell structure are also called plate structure. They are lightweight construction using
shell element. These elements, typically curved, are assembled to make large structure,
Typical application include aircraft fuselages, boat hulls, and the roof of large building.
 A thin shell is defined as a shell with a thickness which is small compared to its
other dimensions and in which deformations are not large compared to thickness, A
primary difference between a shell structure and plate structure is that, in the
unstressed state, the shell structure has curvature as opposed to the plates structure
which is flat. The thickness of shell ranges from 75mm to 150 mm.The use of curved
roof requires 25 To 40 % less materials use.