Design aids for multi-barrel RC cylindrical shells

Abstract

Shell structures are widely used in the field of civil, mechanical, architectural, aeronautical, and marine engineering. Shell technology has been enhanced by the development of new materials and prefabrication schemes. Despite the mechanical advantages and aesthetic values offered by the shell structures, the relative degree of unacquaintance with shell behaviour and design is high. The construction of a reinforced concrete shell involves many problems, the design and construction of formwork, reinforcement selection etc. More than almost any other structural system, shells depend upon the ability of the engineer to foresee the design problems. Most of the early shells built were single or multi-barrel cylindrical shells. This paper provides design aids for multi barrel cylindrical shells for varying r/t and r/ℓ ratios. The design curves also provide the details of stress resultants at closer intervals of φ, which is necessary for their reinforcement detailing.