Evaluating a Thin Shell Structure

Hi Joe

You might look over at ferrocement.net for some input. We do that sort of thing too you know at our company , Georgia Adobe LP and the forum I noted is a real good one for research. Lots of good minds about that place.

Good luck and if I can help , drop me a line.

Joe

I might be able to help but I would like a better idea of what you are trying to achieve.

Size shape materials weight use ext. but only had 40 years experience,might not be enough.

Show us your structure shape/size.

Many will help--including yours Truly

An Italian friend posted about a dome structure of new conception --I think I deleted that

See my earlier reply ;

I GOT francopoli's old post

francopoli is aCR4 participant - do not see him much these days.

francopoli--where are YOU?

"Thin Shell Structure"

Is it a pressure vessel in accordance with ASME code, Section VIII, Division 1 ( or 2) or storage tank in accordance with API 620 or 650?

In structure mechanics, this theory has developed for half centure, I was told that chinese scienist Qian wei chang had a very good article described it whish wsa published in usa, becuase politics movement in china in the past, he cannt continue this study and later, a jap scholar gave anohter paper to it, and then lots of papers published. if you search the web, you can find lots of them. there are lots of such architectures in China.

Yes, I am interested.

I suppose you are thinking along the lines of Felix Candela?

Do you know about the recent developments using double headed nails instead of coated glass fibres for thin shell concrete?

We were hoping, eventually aborted, to use this in India. It seems that Candela was lucky working in Mexico as the regulations were less strict at the time.

How are the regulations in California (you are from there?) regarding new types of structure?

what do you need i work with surfaces software in boat building

Lapinbleu is interested in your projects, too!

For what is Thin-Shell Structures we could do a lot worse than study the oeuvre of this little-sung genius;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_Luigi_Nervi

Which leads to;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thin-shell_structure

It is a great shame that his magnificent aircraft hangars in Italy were destroyed during the war...

In Nervi's early work the forms for casting re-inforced concrete structural members were often cast in trenches in the ground, lined with hardboard (Masonite). The same mould could be used for many elements. Economy.

Have you thought about any of the finite element codes? For evaluating a design, these may be quicker and less expensive than build and bust testing. ANSYS, or many other codes may handle the reinforced concrete matrix.

finite element can do the trick.

ansys is a good ananlysis software.