Cylindrical Shell Type Structure
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INTRODUCTION
A shell structure are thin curved membrane or slab that
functions both as structure and covering.
Cylindrical barrel vaults are deep reinforced concrete beams
with considerably thin web member.
They are part of single curvature shell i.e curved on one linear
axis.
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INTRODUCTION
Any number of continuous spans are possible except provision
of expansion joints for large span.
Cylindrical barrel vaults most useful structure because they can
span 45m and use of arch form to reduce stresses and thickness
in transverse direction.
Barrel vault carries load longitudinally as a beam and
transversely as an arch which may be supported by edge beam or
abutments.
Most suitable material for its construction is concrete due to its
high plasticity when mixed with water to take up any shape on
centering and reinforcing bars can be easily bend to follow
curvature of shells.
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INTRODUCTION
Types of barrel vaults
Short span barrel vault
Span is shorter than width.
Long span barrel vault
Span is larger than its width.
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INTRODUCTION
Stiffening beams and arch ribs
Downstand stiffening beam is
more efficient, but it
interrupts the soffit of vault.
Upstand beam breaks up the
line of roof and needs
protection from weather.
Arch ribs are less efficent.
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Examples of Cylindrical shell type structure
Mahatma Gandhi Labour Institute
(Memnagar , Ahmedabad)
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Examples of Cylindrical shell type structure
Deepanam School
(Auroville, Tamil Nadu)
An example of Nubian vault technique
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History of this cylindrical shell structure
Such structural ideas maybe taken from nature such as shell of
a tortoise , a human skull etc.
Development of masonary domes and vaults in Middle ages
made possible construction of more spacious building.
In architecture, a Nubian vault is a type of curved surface
forming a vaulted structure. The mudbrick structure was
revived by Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy after re-
discovering the technique in the Nubian village of Abu al-
Riche. The technology is advocated by environmentalists as
environmentally friendly and sustainable since it makes use of
pure earth without the need of timber.
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Load transfer mechanism
Under local loads, the thin shell of barrel vaults tends to
distort and collapse. Thus stiffening arch or beams are
provided and are cast integrally with the shell.
Load transfer mechanism is primarily axial i.e in pure tension
and compression.
Cylindrical form increases strength and stiffness in structure.
Horizontal
Thrust
Vertical force
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Load transfer mechanism
Forces are dominated by arch action i,.e as forces are
transferred to the base, arch pushes outwards at the base
resulting in horizontal thrust at base.
Providing edge beams and abutments helps to resist buckling.
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Advantages
Very light form of construction.
Dead load can be reduced economising foundation and
supporting systems.
Arch shapes can span longer.
Looks good aesthetically
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Disadvantages
Shuttering is difficult and greater accuracy in formwork
required.
Skilled labour and supervision required.
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