SHELL STRUCTURE IN ARCHITECTURE

A DISSERTATION REPORT

SUBMITTED BY
MOHAMMED FAHAD M

Under the guidance of

AR MUTHU KUMAR

REPORT SUBMISSION
CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT TEST II
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER – 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 AIM
1.2 OBJECTIVES
1.3 SCOPE
1.4 SHELL

CHAPTER – 2

2.0 WHAT IS SHELL STRUCTURE

2.1 NEED OF SHELL STRUCTURE
2.1 ARCHITECTURE AND BUILDING
2.2 ARCHITECTS FOLLOW SHELL STRUCTURE

CHAPTER – 3

3.0 CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

3.1 DESIGN BASED CLASSIFICATION OF SHELL STRUCTURES
(CONCRETE)
3.2 ANALYTICAL FORMS (GEOMENTRIC)
3.3 GRID SHELLS
3.4 VACUUMATICS

CHAPTER – 4

4.0 TYPES OF SHELLS

4.1 SHELL BARREN VAULTS
4.2 MULTI BARREN VAULTS
4.3 CORRUGATED BARREL VAULTS
4.4 DOMES
4.5 TYPES OF DOMES
4.6 CONE AND SPHERICAL DOME
4.7 PYRAMIDAL AND CLOSE UP DOME
4.8 HIP DOME
4.9 LAMELLA DOME
4.10 BRACED DOME
4.11 NETWORK DOME
4.12 GEODESIC DOME
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER – 5

5.0 CASE STUDIES

5.1 CNIT (CENTRE OF NEWS INDUSTRIES AND TECHNOLOGY )
5.2 LOTUS TEMPLE, DELHI
5.3 SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
5.4 MATRIMANDIR, AUROVILLE(LIVE CASE STUDY)

CHAPTER – 6

6.0 INFERENCE
6.1 ADVANTAGES
6.2 DISADVANTAGES
6.3 STATUS OF SHELL STRUCTURE IN FUTURE
6.4 SUSTAINABILITY
6.5 LIMITATIONS

CHAPTER 7

7.0 CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION

AIM

• The Aim is to familiarize with the design aspects, properties and

principles of shell structure in modern and olden days architecture.
• To study the SHELL STRUCTURE with focus on sustainable design
techniques.
• It also follows in construction procedures, materials and several
other aspects that involved in the construction of shell structure.

OBJECTIVES

• To have an overview on the construction techniques of shell

structures.
• To analyze the sustainable approach of shell structure.
• To analyze the evolution of shell structure.

SCOPE & LIMITATIONS

• Create awareness of effective utilization of shell structure.

• Architecture solution to the problem of material scarcity.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• What are the factors and techniques used to construct the shell
structure in buildings?
• How economical is it to construct?
• Is that expensive to maintain the shell structure?
• Is that sustain for longer period?
• If possible ,What are the methodologies follow to maintain the
structure?
FUTURE STATUS ABOUT SHELL STRUCTURE

• Create awareness of effective utilization of shell structure.

• Architectural solution to the problem of material scarcity.
• The scope of designing such structures is expected to be high
for the next few generations.
• Mainly because there is a demand for a public gathering or
recreational Land marks.
• Preferably public spaces, they are portrayed as an attraction to
passer in that vicinity.
• The space turn out to be interesting when designed with shell
forms and techniques.

METHODOLOGY

• Research is undertaken on the basis of previous accumulated data,

either on the internet or in the books.
• Though case studies shall be found at modern retrofitting, options
a live case studies shall be hypothetically approached.
• Using a project for a example; it gives experience of the project,
inputs processes and results, providing to demonstrate
the benefits.

OUTCOMES

• To study about the Techniques and Methodologies of shell

structure and, design the shell structure with focus on sustainable
design techniques.

CASE STUDIES
• Matrimandir Auroville.

LITERATURE NET STUDY

• CNIT (Centre Of News Industries & Technologies)
• Sydney Opera House.
• Lotus temple ,Delhi.
WHAT IS SHELL
STRUCTURE ?
• Shell Structures in Building Construction, is a thin, curved plate
structure that is shaped to transmit applied forces by shear,
tensile, and compressive stresses that are acting in the plane of
the surface.
• Lattice and Portal Frame buildings consist of a structural frame,
which act like exterior covering membrane used to support slabs,
roofs and wall covering.
• This outer structure act like a protective member against weather
and serves as a structural support.
• The roof and wall exterior cover add nothing to
strength just rigidity of structural frame.
Human Skull / Egg shell / Tortoise shell / pearl shell

Shell occurring in nature

SHELL SKIN
In Human Skull, the outer shell provides the shape to our face, In the same manner ,Shell
structure gives aesthetic appearance to our building.

SKIN

SHELL
The term "shell" means ?

• The term "Shell" is used to describe the structures which

possess strength and rigidity for an structure externally as well
as Internally.
• Probably the "Shell" is a thin curved membrane or slab usually
of reinforced concrete or steel structure that functionally both as
a structure and covering.
Beauty of shell structures

• The beauty of shells lies in the fact that a designer is able to design the
shell as thin as possible, even in the presence of loads that disrupt its
characteristic membrane behavior.
• Shells provide a means to obtain an aesthetical and structurally
efficient design.
• They can take several shapes and forms, which lie at the mercy of the
designer. Coupled with the fact that they take up less material for
construction, shells became increasingly popular in the last seven
decades.
• Development of advanced analysis methods, and new innovative
developments in the construction field, have led to a resurgence in
shell design.
• Shell structures are very interesting due to their impressive strength-to-
weight ratios.
• They are able to span over large areas, while having an exceptionally
less thickness.
• This is primarily due to their form based structural behavior. The
geometry, that is their initial curvature, along with the boundary
conditions and type of loading, dictates the way they transfer load.
• As a result, new designs for shells are gaining prominence, some of
which were impossible in the past.
 Efficient features
Aesthetically Efficient :​

• Shell structures has the potential of becoming an Iconic structure and

an object of pride for the city or town.​
• It is very important to design not only a functional but also aesthetically
efficient structure.​
• Having a structure which looks elegant, has unparalleled advantage in
capturing the attention of people.​

Structurally Efficient :​

• There are several structural solutions for any kind of criteria.

Nevertheless, the designer has to formulate a design which is
structurally sound, and transfers the load to the ground in the most
efficient way possible.

Construction Efficient :​

• Detailed investigations in the temporary decline of shell structures

revealed that one of the problem was high constructional costs.
• This was due to complex nature of frame work required for
Shell structures.​
• Reacting to this, the shell needs to be designed such that it can be
easily constructed.
• Concrete is favored to create the shell as it is generally inexpensive and
easily available as compared to other materials like steel.​
• While designing a Shell structure, the final outcome of the design tries to
reach a balance between all three objectives.
Preferable material for shell
structure

• Most suitable material to construct Shell structure is CONCRETE.

• Because it is highly plastic material when mixed with water.
• That can able to take up any kind of shape we imagine on
centering or inside formwork.
• Small section of reinforcing bars can readily be bent to follow
the curvature of shells.
Scope of shell structures

• The use of Concrete as a building material reduces both material

cost and constructions cost, as concrete is relatively inexpensive
and easily cast into compound curves.
• Concrete is highly fire proofing material.
• More strength compared with other structures.
• Economical in Construction.
• Attractive and Decorative appearance.
• The space turns out to be interesting when designed with
shell forms and techniques.
• Preferably public spaces, they are portrayed as an attraction to
passerby in that vicinity.
• The Major Scope for designing the Shell structure is expected to
be high for the next few generations.
• Mainly because there is a demand for a public gathering or
recreational landmarks.
Demerits in shell structure

• Since concrete is a 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 shell.
• Shingling or sealants are common solutions to the problem
of exterior moisture, and dehumidifiers or ventilation can
address condensation.
• The shell structures are costly than part frame structure.
• The cost of labor is high in shell structure.
• Shuttering problem.
• Greater Accuracy in form work is required.
• Good labor and supervising necessary.
• Rise of roof may be disadvantage.
TYPES OF SHELL TECHNIQUES

• Single curvature are curved on one linear axis and

are a part of an cylinder or a cone in the form of a
Barrel vaults and Conoid shells.
• Double curvature are either a part of a sphere, or a
hyperboloid of revolution.
• The term Single curvature and double curvature do
not provide a precise geometric distinction
between the form of the shell. Because the barrel
vault is a single curvature but so is a Dome.
Net study 1
CNIT (Centre of News Industries
& Technology) 1978

• The ’Centre National des Industries et

des Techniques’, also known as CNIT, is the
longest spanning concrete shell structure
standing till date.

• It has a triangular plan with each face spanning

218m.

• Another notable feature of the structure is that

it is made up of double shell in concrete.

• The most remarkable fact of this project was

the how it was able to gather the leading
structural engineers of that time.
 PLAN AND ELEVATION OF OUTER SHELL STRUCTURE

• The CNIT was decided to be built to create an exhibition building

to display of French machines on an international level.​

• The clients required the design to provide maximum area, for

display of heavy machinery on the ground floor and
lighter machines on the upper floors.
•
• Nervi, Esquillan and other leading engineers namely Mr.
B. Laffaille and Mr. J. Prouve submitted designs for this project.​

• Towards the end Nervi’s and Esquillan’s proposals were the front
runners. Subsequently, ideas with metallic solutions and
cables were discarded resulting in approval of Esquillan’s proposal.​

• Now we look into the proposal that was submitted by Esquillan, to

understand how he deals with structural problems in that design.
•
• He decided to use a honeycomb structure and incorporated it
form a double skinned shell structure.​

• This was ingenious way to counteract buckling without adding

additional material weight to the structure.​

• Additionally the panels used in the roof construction, have local

curvature introduced in design to prevent local buckling as well.​
• The plan from previous slide containing Esquillan’s proposal shows
the varying cross sections across the roof.​

• This is done to compensate for reduced material near the

supports making it structurally sound.​

• Today it is one of the few iconic structures which combine

structural efficiency with beauty and validity.​

PLAN OF THE GREAT PLAZA

STRUCTURE & MATERIALS:

• The building stands out as the largest enclosed space, built under
a concrete deck without any support. It is one of the most striking
buildings of modern architecture, built of reinforced concrete,
with an innovative double-shell design with internal ribs.​

• The triangular structure is based on three points that are 218m (

217.93 m ) of distance between them.​

• The center of the roof rises over 46m above the ground on the
inside.

• The impressive vaulted ceiling is completely free and clear of

columns or beams and raised inside spaces do not provide any
structural support, offering more the appearance of being hung
from own vain.​

• Glass lifts or side facades are held by sections of very thin stainless
steel.​

ISOMETRIC VIEW
CONSTRUCTIVE PRINCIPLES:

• The engineer Nicolas Esquillan is inspired by the gothic vaults with

ribs to solve the problems posed by the roof structure triangular.​​

VAULT

• Concrete vault consists CNIT lifting arcs, where the cover fulfills
the role of both structure. This structure is supported on three
points or pillars located at the vertices of an equilateral triangle
with side 218m, coating. Its height is 50 meters and covers a
volume of 900,000 m3, free of any charge or pillar.​​

• The peculiarity of the roof of the CNIT is the structure that

contains actually two reinforced concrete shells with a 1.80 m
space between them, as the main floor. An advanced study
of buckling proved that a structure of this type provided the
required safety.​

INTERIOR VAULT & ROOF

CONCRETE

• During construction of CNIT, analyzing the strength of concrete

used was paramount.

• The resistance should be greater than the stress that occurred

when you put load.

• It was estimated that the resistance necessary for the strength of

the building, its ceiling and floor in triangular form concrete efforts
should resist 430 kg/cm2 at 90 days, so that samples of each
cement and concrete supply during whole construction.

• Controls showed that the resistance of mortar and concrete

increased over time, reaching the necessary strength.​

INTERIOR VIEW OF THE CONCRETE SHEDING

EXTERIOR LOOK OF THE PLAZA DURING
CONSTRUCTION TIME 1978
Net study 2
LOTUS TEMPLE DELHI

• Observing Hindu architecture, you can see that despite the

external difference between the various temples,​
• They all show meaningful and sacred symbols common to all of
India’s religions.
• These are symbols which have emerged in other countries and
religions.
• One of these symbols is the sacred flower of the Indians: the lotus
flower.​
• Fariborz Sahba developed the project for the temple inspired
conceptually by this flower which symbolises purity and
cleanliness in Hindu tradition.​
• This concept had to be converted into defined geometric forms,
such as spheres, cylinders, toroids and cones, which were
translated into equations and later used as a base for the
structural analysis and engineering plans.​
• The resulting geometry was so complex that the plans for the
temple took two and a half years to complete.​
INTRODUCTION

• In 1976, the international governing body of

the Bahá’í community, the youngest independent religion in the
world, chose the architect, Fariborz Sahba, to design
the Bahá’í House of Worship in New Delhi.​
• A project on which he worked for 10 years as the architect and
director of the works.​
• The Canadian architect, Arthur Erickson, described it as “one of
the most noteworthy achievements of our time, which
demonstrates that the unity and vision of the spirit can make
miracles”.​
• It is the principal temple of the Bahá’í faith, known as the “Lotus
Temple”, “Lotus of Bahapur” or “Temple of Bahá’í”, though its
official name is the “Bahá’í House of Worship”.​

LOCATION

• The temple was built in the village of Bahapur, Kalkaji, in the South
of New Delhi and to the West of Connaught Place in Mandir Marg;
a secluded area of the bustling centre of India‘s capital.​
STRUCTURE

• The building’s twenty seven structures of reinforced concrete in

the shape of petals, clad in marble, were arranged in groups of
three, to create the nine faces.​

PETALS OF THE ENTRANCE AND OUTER LEAF​

• The surfaces created by the shell on each side of the entrance-

ways and the outer leaves are formed by spheres of different radii,
with their centers located at different points of the interior of the
building.​
• There is a group of spheres for the leaves of the entrance, some of
which define the interior surfaces and others which define the
exterior surfaces of the shells.
• The diameters of the spheres have been fixed to satisfy the
structural consideration of the varying thicknesses of the petals.​
• For the outer leaves, another group of spheres define the interior
and exterior surfaces of the shells, but in this case the thickness of
the shell is uniform: 1.33m thick toward the lower part and 2.55m
toward the upper extreme.​
• The outer leaf in the entrance zone to the temple is 15.4m wide
and rises 22.5m above the podium.
• The interior is 18.2m wide in the entrance area and rises 7.8m
above the level of the podium.​
LOOK OF THE OUTER SHELL THE SURFACE WAS
REINFORCED WITH CONCRETE LIKE A PETAL SHAPE
ARCHES

• Almost the entire structural load of the temple’s interior space is

supported by nine arches which spread out around the central
hall, located at angular intervals of 40°.
• The forms of these arches are created by flat, conical and
cylindrical surfaces.
• The intersection of these surfaces presents interesting contours
and considerably improves the beauty of the arches.​

INTERIOR CUPOLA

• Three ribs rise from the crown of each arch.

• While the central one, that of the dome, rises radially from the
central axis, the other two (those of the base) depart from the
central rib and cross over the similar ones belonging to the
adjacent arcs, forming an intricate pattern.
• Other radial ribs rise from each of these intersections and all meet
in the center of the dome.
• Until a certain height, the space between the ribs is covered with a
60mm thick cladding.​
CONSTRUCTION – SEQUENCE

The basement and the interior podium were first built. From there, to
raise the arches and shells, the structure was divided in parts, bearing
in mind that when the formwork was removed, the constructed part
would support itself until the next part was complete. The structure
was divided in the following way,​

ARCHES​
The nine arcs were built one after the other until the circle was
complete. The dismantling of the soffit of each arch was done once
the adjacent arches could provide the necessary resistance.​

INNER LEAVES, RADIAL BEAMS AND CENTRAL AXIS​

Once all the arches were completed, the interior steel structure of
panels was raised. Three frames were mounted simultaneously
and raised with two elevators to the level of the radial beam. The
process was repeated until all nine segments were in place. The
insertion of the central axis was an independent operation, after
which all panels were placed to connect to the central axis through
the radial beams.​

INTERIOR DOME​
After fixing the interior panels, the steel cladding was modified and
the folds of the shells of the interior dome were made one after
the other. For each shell, three folds, the contour ribs first and then
the rest of the assembly. The process was repeated until all shells
were completed.​

ACCESS AND OUTER LEAVES​

The construction of the outer leaves in the entrance and the exterior
ones were completed in tandem, along with the inner leaves and the
dome. Firstly, the two leaves of the entrance and an intermediate
external one were mounted. From there, they alternated the rest of
the leaves of the adjacent entrances and the exterior ones. As the
concrete set, the formworks were removed and moved to the next set
of leaves.​
MATERIALS USED

•The temple is constructed from marble, cement and sand.

•The 27 petals were clad with marble from Rajasthani Macrana, the
dolomite clay is from the mines of Alwar, near Delhi, and the white
silica sand is from Jaipur.​
•The structure is cement and is combined with the pre-fabricated
pieces, also cement, of the fluted petals.​
•Various alternatives were considered for the steel staging of the
structure, considering that the structural steel frames with bolted
joints would be best, and taking into account the high level of
precision required for the manufacture and assembly.​
•The interior surfaces of all the shells have a uniform bush-hammered
surface of exposed concrete in which the architectural pattern can be
seen. In the interior panels, this pattern is formed by intersecting
vertical and radial planes.​
•On the outer leaves and entrances, as in the interior dome, the
patterns are formed by the latitudes and longitudes of the spheres.​
•All the beams of the shells up to the level of the radial beam are
white concrete.​
•To avoid cracks and fissures caused by retraction, a mixture of M 30°
and white concrete was applied, keeping in mind that the content of
cement must be less than 500kg/m³ and the water content be
reduced to a minimum.​
•The reinforcement used in the structural framework of the white
concrete shells, as well as the connection cables, is galvanized to
prevent long-term oxidation.​
•To avoid the appearance of “covering blocks” for pieces which would
cover the exposed surface of the shells, the internal layer of
reinforcement is kept in position using special steel spacers supported
by the exterior formwork.​
Exterior view of the temple
Interior vault