Numerical feasibility study of fabric formwork and its supporting system for a reinforced concrete saddle shell

Marijke Mollaert, Laurent Guldentops

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paper

Abstract

The paper presents the numerical modeling and analysis of a form found 10 m span concrete saddle shape thin shell. The shell design corresponds to a purely axially loaded shell under gravity loads; any bending action is eliminated. This shape results from a numerical form-finding procedure based on the force-density method. The principle of the methodology, namely finding a catenary shape, relies on the well-known hanging models of Heinz Isler. In the presented form finding methodology the continuous shell is firstly modelled as a hanging chain model with no bending stiffness or compression capacity. By doing so, any shear stiffness acting in the continuous shell, is ignored. The shape is then inverted to a compression form. The resulting grid shape is modelled as a continuous shell in the Finite Element Analysis program Ansys in order to study the load-carrying behaviour, the deformations and the stability under loading combinations conform the Eurocodes.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Association for Shell and Spacial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2010, Shanghai
Pages281-289
Number of pages9
Publication statusPublished - 8 Nov 2010
EventFinds and Results from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition: A Gender Perspective at the Medelhavsmuseet - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 21 Sept 200925 Sept 2009

Conference

ConferenceFinds and Results from the Swedish Cyprus Expedition: A Gender Perspective at the Medelhavsmuseet
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period21/09/0925/09/09

Keywords

  • form finding
  • compression shell
  • textile formwork

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