Modelling of the world's first ductal architectural shell structure

Title: Modelling of the world's first ductal architectural shell structure
Author(s): S. M. Adeeb, H. Nowodworski, K. Rosiak, V. H. Perry, J. Kroman, G. Tadros, T. G. Brown, N. G. Shrive
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Symposium on Concrete Science and Engineering: A Tribute to Arnon Bentur
Editor(s): J. Weiss, K. Kovler, J. Marchand, and S. Mindess
Print-ISBN: None
e-ISBN: 2912143926
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Nb references: 3
Language: English

Abstract: An architectural shell structure was proposed for the roof panels of a Light Rail Transit station in Calgary. Each 4.5 x 6 m shell panel was constructed using a 20 mm thick layer of Ductal – a new ultra-high performance cement-based composite with metallic or organic fibres. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to aid in the design of the shell and its supports. Three contiguous panels together form a structural unit and the single panel was modelled on this basis. The City of Calgary required testing of a full-size prototype single panel before agreeing to Ductal being used for the first time in a thin curved roof shell. FEA was used to determine the critical load cases and the boundary conditions required on the edge of the prototype during testing to simulate the presence of neighbouring panels in the full structural unit. Dynamic analysis of the model showed the first mode of vibration to be a front-to-back sway at a frequency of 2.8 Hz. Stresses induced in the model were examined to determine where the actual canopy should be instrumented. The sensitivity of the model to the mesh used to simulate the supports was assessed. The level of tensile stresses due to a portal frame behaviour was unexpected, albeit still well below the resistance capacity of the element.

Online publication: 2004-03-25
Classification: Applications
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143926.098