What Is Concrete Shell Architecture?

Shell Structure

In the construction of buildings A shell is an incredibly thin curving plate that is designed to transfer applied forces through compressive, tensile, or shear forces that operate on an axis of surface. They are generally constructed of steel mesh reinforced with concrete.

This structure can maintain its dimensions and supports load regardless of a frame , or even a solid inside.

The term "shell" refers to a structure that is uninhabited from the inside The shell elements are usually curved and arranged to form a massive structure. they are constructions that are lightweight using shell elements.

In this article, we will explore shell structure, different kinds of shell structures and much more.

Also Read: What Is Considered a Flight of Stairs

What Is Concrete Shell Architecture?

Have you ever been to the stunning Opera House in Sydney or the Oceanografic in the City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia? What makes the shape that the building is so bizarre? It is it just a decorative element or is it functional or structural? This kind of architectural design is known as shell architecture. What do you mean by shell structure?

Concrete Shell Architecture: a Definition

The concrete shell sometimes known as a "thin shell" concrete structure is made up of a thin layer of concrete shaped in a manner that allows it to be self-supporting, typically without columns inside or external buttresses. Shells are typically flat plates or domes. They may also appear in the form of cylindrical or ellipsoids. The first concrete shells date back to the 2nd century.

These concrete forms are generally sturdy structures that allow open spans that do not require the use of internal supports, allowing an open and unobstructed interior. Concrete as both the structure and form can cut down on both the cost of materials as well as construction costs when compared to other strategies for design and constructionbecause concrete is relatively cheap and is flexible enough to fit complex curves.

The structure that is created can be extremely strong and secure Monolithic dome homes are a good example. They have stood up to fires and hurricanes and are generally believed to be sturdy enough to stand up to even F5 tornadoes.

CONCRETE SHELL ARCHITECTURE IN HISTORY

Concrete shells of today are the evolution of architectural ideas and construction methods employed during Egyptian, Assyrian, and Roman civilizations. In these, arch- and vaulted buildings were built by using stone masonry as well as basic forms of concrete as the primary building material.

The Pantheon in Rome as well as Rome's Hagia Sophia in Istanbul are the most famous and stunning instances that are Concrete Architecture.

The Pantheon particularly, is one of the most well-known shells. It was built in the year 125 C.E., is constructed from Roman Concrete which was typically in the past covered with brick or stone. Roman concrete was made of cement, which was similar to concrete used today and aggregates, usually much larger than concrete of today, usually equivalent to rubble. Therefore, Roman concrete had to be laid, rather than being poured.

Modern Concrete Shell Architecture

The modern thin concrete structures, that started appearing within Europe during the 20th century consist of steel reinforced concrete with a uniform thickness, as thin as 2"-4" dependent on the width. In many instances, there were no additional ribs, or any other structures, completely relying on the slab or shell to carry out the main structural functions of the structure.

Modern shells were initially developed by engineers and architects like Eugene Freyssinet (1879-1962), Bernardo Laffaielle (1900-1955), Pier Luigi Nervi (1891-1979), Eduardo Torroja (1899-1961), Felix Candela (1910-1997) among other people. The most robust type of shell is the monolithic one that is made as a single piece. The most well-known monolithic form is the dome, however the ellipsoids and cylinders as well as variations of them are also possible.

The construction and design of shell structures were popular throughout the 1960s. But, the method of this kind of architectural and structural design slowed down due to the high cost of concrete, labour, and the expense of the design-specific formwork. Shells also require a moderate maintenance level to prevent the development of leaks and other problems due to the exposed concrete acting as the roof's principal barrier to moisture. In the 1980s, the tendency to use polygonal shapes as well as stretched structures began to emerge.