Shell Structures: Shijo Jose

SHELL STRUCTURES
SHIJO JOSE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Definition of shell structure

2. Geometry of shells – inspiration from nature
3. How does it work ?
4. Design of shells
1. Without software
2. With software
4. Classification of shells
1. On basis of material
2. On basis of shapes
6. Properties of material wrt fire
7. Modular shells
8. Cellular structures
9. Shells where covering material is different from structure (composite)
10. Services integration
1. Light
2. Acoustics
11. Permeability – penetration of light/moisture
12. Specific forms that affect micro climate
13. Construction techniques
1. Pre fabricated
2. Built in situ
14. Foundation
15. Load transfer – live loads
16. Costing
1. Designing
2. Materials
3. Construction
17. Maintenance
18. Case studies
Shells
The term ‘shell’ is used to describe structures which

possess strength and rigidity due to the curved
manner of its shape which may be thin.
In nature, shell manifest in the form of

egg shell, skulls and tortoise shells
In architecture, Shell structure is considered as a thin curved membrane or slab

usually of reinforced concrete that functions both as structure and covering.
Shells Structure
In construction, the concept of shell structures have been adopted in many ways
Continuity and Curvature
Continuity and curvature are critical to shell structure design

The shell must be able to seamlessly transfer its load to the ground (or as
desired)
Shells are
• Structurally continuous in the
sense that they can transmit
force in a number of different
directions in the surface of the
shell.
• These structures have quite a
different mode of action from
skeletal structures like trusses
and frameworks, which are
only capable of transmitting
forces along their discrete
structural members.
Forms of Curvature
• Surfaces of Revolution
Surfaces of revolution are generated by the revolution of a plane curve about

an axis. This is called the meridonal curve
• In the special case of

cylindrical and conical
surfaces, the meridonal
curve consists of a line
segment
Forms of Curvature
• Surfaces of Translation
Surfaces of translation are generated by sliding a plane curve along another

plane curve, while keeping the orientation constant. The curve is called the
generator of the surface
2 curves may be merged to achieve a doubly curved shell

Forms of Curvature
• Ruled Surfaces
Ruled surfaces are generated by sliding each end of a straight line on their own
generating curve. These lines are not necessarily at right angles to the planes
containing the end curves
Cooling Tower generated by Conoid generated by straight line travelling along

straight lines another straight line at one end and curved line at
the other end
Shells Structure
Classification by Shape
On the basis of their form, shell structures are broadly
classified as
Single curvature shell: are curved on one linear axis and

are a part of a cylinder or cone in the form of barrel
vaults and conoid shells.
Double curvature shell: are either part of a sphere, or a

hyperboloid of revolution.
The terms single curvature and double curvature do not

provide a precise geometric distinction between the
form of shell because a barrel vault is single curvature
but so is a dome. The terms single and double curvature
are used to distinguish the comparative rigidity of the
two forms and complexity of centring necessary to
construct the shell form.
SHELLS
Shells Structure
Classification by Material
When we classify Shell structures on the basis of their material, we need to

understand that the structure can be homogenous or heterogeneous.
Concrete
• Resistant to fire.
• Long Life
• Easily possible to cast concrete in desired shapes
• Typically reinforced with a metal mesh.
Shells Structure
Stone
• Resistant to fire
• Long Life
• Been in use for centuries for making vaults and domes
Shells Structure
Bamboo
• Cheap
• Not resistant to fire
• Effortlessly forms ‘ruled’ forms.
Shells Structure
Pictured is a Catalan vault from the Mapunguwe Interpretation centre by Peter Rich
Clay Bricks & Tiles

• Generally cheap (area dependant)
• The versatility of bricks makes for a convenient building material
Shells Structure
Timber Framed
• Heterogeneous structures
where the roofing material
is typically different
Shells Structure
Metal Framed
• Extremely strong
• Generally Stainless Steel and Aluminium
Designing Shell Structures
Hanging membranes by Heinz Isler

Form development using chain

Grasshopper used to create a shell structure supported at three points.

Thin-Shell Roof over gas station in Bern-Zurich Highway
Indoor Tennis Center in Heimberg, Switzerland
Indoor Tennis Center in Heimberg, Switzerland
Case Study – Sydney Opera House

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SHELL STRUCTURES

1. Definition of shell structure

The term ‘shell’ is used to describe structures which

In nature, shell manifest in the form of

In architecture, Shell structure is considered as a thin curved membrane or slab

Continuity and curvature are critical to shell structure design

Surfaces of revolution are generated by the revolution of a plane curve about

• In the special case of

Surfaces of translation are generated by sliding a plane curve along another

2 curves may be merged to achieve a doubly curved shell

Cooling Tower generated by Conoid generated by straight line travelling along

Single curvature shell: are curved on one linear axis and

Double curvature shell: are either part of a sphere, or a

The terms single curvature and double curvature do not

When we classify Shell structures on the basis of their material, we need to

Clay Bricks & Tiles

Hanging membranes by Heinz Isler

Form development using chain

Grasshopper used to create a shell structure supported at three points.

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