Shell Structure
Regulto, Maria Carmela, D.;
BTECH 413 – Research no.2
BSAR-4F.
1. Define and discuss comprehensively the Shell structure.
Shell structures are also called plate structures. They are lightweight constructions using shell elements. These
elements, typically curved, are assembled to make large structures. Typical applications include aircraft fuselages, boat
hulls, and the roofs of large buildings. A thin shell is defined as a shell with a thickness which is small compared to its
other dimensions and in which deformations are not large compared to thickness. A primary difference between a shell
structure and a plate structure is that, in the unstressed state, the shell structure has curvature as opposed to the plates
structure which is flat. Membrane action in a shell is primarily caused by in-plane forces (plane stress), but there may be
secondary forces resulting from flexural deformations. Where a flat plate acts similar to a beam with bending and shear
stresses, shells are analogous to a cable which resists loads through tensile stresses. The ideal thin shell must be
capable of developing both tension and compression. Shell structures are thin, curved, or bent components used to
envelop space and transmit loads. They consist of concrete, steel, or wood and can be found in buildings, bridges, and
ships. Concrete is the most commonly used material because of its strength and affordability, whereas steel provides
strength and lightness. Wood is preferred for its sustainable character and aesthetic appeal. Shell structures are known
for their slenderness, which makes them lightweight and efficient, as well as their curvature, which ensures a uniform
distribution of the load. They find applications in a variety of projects, including sports stadiums, concert halls, airports,
suspension bridges, guy bridges, and ships. There are two major types of shell structures: simple-curved and double-
curved. Examples include domes, barrel vaults, saddle roofs, cylindrical shells, and tapered shells. While shell
structures offer benefits such as versatility and efficiency, their design and construction present certain challenges and
considerations.
CLASSIFICATION OF SHELLS
Single Curvature Shells- The shell which is
curved along one linear axis can be termed as
single curvature shells. Profile of curvature can be
circular, elliptical or parabolic. Singly curved shells
are developable and their Gaussian curvature is
zero (K = 0).
Double Curvature Shells- The shell which is curved along both the axis can be termed as a double curvature shells.
They are either part of a sphere, or a hyperboloid. The doubly curved shells are non-developable. The Gaussian
curvature of these kind of shells is not zero; it is either positive or negative (K > 0 or K < 0).
Synclastic Shells In synclastic shells, the centers of
curvature of both the surfaces are on the same side.
Gaussian curvature is positive (K > 0) for all synclastic
shells.
Anticlastic Shells In Anticlastic shells, the center of
curvature of both the surfaces are located on the opposite
sides. Gaussian curvature is Negative (K < 0) for all
anticlastic shells.
Synform A convex-downward fold is a synform which dips inward toward a central point. It is also termed as a basin.
Antiform A convex-upward fold is an antiform whose surface dips outward from a central point. It is also is termed as a
dome.
2. What are the types of shell structures? Define each type.
• Folded Plates
• Barrel Vaults
• Short Shells
• Domes (surfaces of revolution)
• Folded Plate Domes
• Translational Shells
• Warped Surfaces
• Combinations
i. Folded Plates
It is a type of concrete shell structure that made up of thin flat slabs. These slabs are jointed along their edges
to construct three-dimensional structure.
Folded plate spans up to 30m with only 60mm thickness. Nonetheless, folded plate structure with greater spans
can be constructed. Added to that, it is aesthetically pleasing, reduce material and construction cost. However,
difficult shuttering, requirement for extensive labor work and supervision, high cost, and difficulty in rising roofs
are drawbacks of this type of plates.
There are three types of folded plates which include:
a. Prismatic folded plates
It composites of planar thin slabs joining along their longitudinal edges to form a beam-like structure spanning
between supports.
b. Non-prismatic folded plates
It composites of planar thin slabs joining along their longitudinal edges to form a beam-like structure spanning
between supports.
c. Faceted folded plates
It consists of triangular or polygonal planar thin slabs joining along their edges to form thin plate structure.
ii. Cylindrical barrel Vaults
Basically, barrel vaults are deep concrete beams with considerably thin web member that can be designed using
conventional reinforced concrete design. Moreover, this type of concrete thin shell composes of cylinder, frame or
ties at the ends including columns, and side elements which include a cylindrical element; a folded plate element;
columns; or combination thereof.
Furthermore, barrel vaults assumed to be very efficient due to the use the arch form to reduce stresses and
thicknesses in the transverse direction. Added to that, it spans up to 45.72m that is why barrel vaults are the most
useful shell structure. Finally, a barrel shell carries load longitudinally as a beam and transversely as an arch. The
arch, however, is supported by internal shears, and so may be calculated.
iii. Short shell
It is a cylindrical shell that has a considerably large radius in comparison with its length. Short shell consist of shell
element spans between arches, arch structure, and edge beams provided at the lowest point of the shell. In small
structure, it is permissible to omit edge beams in small structure.
Moreover, the short shell carries load in two ways; as an arch carrying load to the lower elements. And as a curved
beam to the arches. Lastly, the thickness of the shell can be quite thin due to these properties.
iv. Domes (surfaces of revolution)
They are structures that cover a more or less square or circular area. Domes are hemisphere in shape and used as a
roof structure. Support element of domes include columns, circular or regular polygon shaped wall.
Moreover, they are membrane structures; the internal stresses are tension and compression and are statically
determinate if the proper edge conditions are fulfilled. Furthermore, in a dome of uniform thickness, under its own
weight, the ring stresses are compression until the angle to the vertical is about 57 degrees. Lastly, if the dome is less
than a full hemisphere, a ring is required at the base of the dome to contain the forces.
v. Folded plate domes
It is a type of thin concrete shell structure that consists of plane slabs and plates. Various configurations of folded plate
domes are available and being constructed.
Domes may be constructed with small angles between the plates or with large angles between plates and the structural
action may be considerably different for each type. Folded plate dome surfaces is easier to construct since they are flat.
Nonetheless, for slab spans over 16 ft, the shell wall is thicker than a curved surface because bending must be
considered. The sound waves in areas covered with folded plate domes are not converge. Therefore, it is more
desirable to the curved dome for use in an auditorium. Finally, the structural design of folded plate domes follows that of
folded plate barrels.
vi. Translation Shells
A translation shell is a dome set on four arches. The shape is different from a spherical dome and is generated by a
vertical circle moving on another circle. All vertical slices have the same radius. It is easier to form than a spherical
dome. The stresses in a translation shell are much like a dome at the top, but at the level of the arches, tension forces
are offset by compression in the arch. However, there are high tension forces in the corner.
vii. Wrapped surfaces
Warped surfaces have a great advantage for shell structures because they may be formed from straight form boards
even though they are surfaces of double curvature. There are two types which are most useful namely Conoid and
hyperbolic paraboloid shell.
viii. Combinations
The above shell structure are basic types. So, it is possible to construct different and safer shell structure by combining
portion of the basic shell structure. Intersection shells, barrel shell and folded plate, barrel shell and short shell, barrel
shells and domes of revolution, and barrel shells and conoids are all concrete shell combinations. So, numerous
combinations can be formed to reach the desired safety and capacity.
3. What are the different types of forms of curvatures? Define each type.
a. Surface of Revolution
These shapes are formed when a particular two-dimensional shape or a generator is rotated about an axis. E.g., a
dome can be formed by rotating a semi-circle about an axis. The following figure shows some of the examples of
surface revolution shells.
The lines of curvature for a surface of revolution are particularly well-
behaved. They always lie in a plane which is either horizontal or vertical,
passing through the origin (these vertical lines of curvature are called
"meridians").
-A closed shell of revolution is frequently called a dome, and the peak of such a shell is termed the pole and these are
used in roofing.
-for these structures the principal loading conditions are mostly axisymmetric (such as self-weight and internal fluid
pressure), so that every meridian of the shell of revolution deforms in the same manner, and there is no relative
transverse shearing between adjacent portions of the shell when viewed in the plane of the parallel circle. ----THE
axisymmetric shell structures requiring large uninterrupted space in vertical direction are very common in structural
engineering.
-their geometric view is shown in figure above and the nomenclature defined in diagram above, is equally applicable.
b. Surfaces of translation
Surface of translation: a shell of translation is generated by passing one plane curve over another. a popular
use of the translational shell is to provide a roof without interior supports over a large plan area.
such shells are often supported only at a few points to provide an uninterrupted open space like a gymnasium.
translational surface requires sliding of a constantly oriented generator curve over a directrix curve.
The famous type of a translation surface is generated by two planar curves lying on orthogonal planes. This
type will be called as a translation surface of plane type.
A translation surface is the space obtained by identifying pairwise by translations the sides of a collection of
plane polygons. Starting at an arbitrarily chosen point. In the case where these two lines form a polygon (i.e.
They do not intersect outside of their endpoints) there is a natural side-pairing.
c. Ruled surfaces
-constructing ruled surface requires another method, where we slide two ends of a straight line on their own
curve while keeping them parallel to an arbitrary direction or plane.
The advantages of ruled surfaces have been known to architecture for centuries. In the present work, we
outline a geometric processing pipeline to link ruled surfaces to contemporary free-form architecture. We show
how a given complex shape is segmented into regions subsequently approximated by a single patch or strips of
ruled surfaces. We discuss enhancements to this basic approximation algorithm to increase the smoothness
across common strip boundaries and introduce a parametric model for curvature continuous ruled surface strip
models. The discussed process has been applied successfully to compute optimal nc data for mould production
and perform large scale facade approximation.
d. Developable Surfaces
Developable surfaces, which can be developed onto a plane without stretching and tearing, have natural
applications in many areas of engineering and manufacturing, including modeling of ship hulls [1], apparel [2],
automobile components [3], and so on. In computer graphics, many objects can be approximated by piecewise
continuous developable surfaces.
The envelope of a single parameter family of planes is called a developable surface.
Formally, in mathematics, a developable surface is a surface with zero Gaussian curvature. One consequence of
this is that all "developable" surfaces embedded in 3D-space are ruled surfaces (though hyperboloids are
examples of ruled surfaces which are not developable). Because of this, many developable surfaces can be
visualised as the surface formed by moving a straight line in space. For example, a cone is formed by keeping one
end-point of a line fixed whilst moving the other end-point in a circle.
DEVELOPABLE SURFACE IS A SURFACE THAT CAN BE UNROLLED ONTO A FLAT PLANE WITHOUT
TEARING OR STRETCHING IT.
IT IS FORMED BY BENDING A FLAT PLANE, THE MOST TYPICAL SHAPE OF A DEVELOPABLE SHELL IS A
BARREL, AND A BARREL SHELL IS CURVED ONLY IN ONE DIRECTION.
BARREL:
ARCH ACTION & BEAM ACTION TOGETHER MAKE A BARREL.
THERE ARE MAINLY TWO TYPES OF BARREL:
- LONG BARRELS, ARCH ACTION IS PROMINENT
- SHORT BARRELS, BEAM ACTION IS PROMINENT
STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR OF SHORT BARREL SHELLS:
THESE SHELLS ARE TYPICALLY SUPPORTED AT THE CORNERS AND CAN BEHAVE IN ONE OR A
COMBINATION OF THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR OF LONG BARREL SHELLS:
THESE ARE TYPICALLY SUPPORTED AT THE CORNERS AND BEHAVE STRUCTURALLY AS A LARGE
BEAM.
e. Non-Developable Surfaces
Most smooth surfaces (and most surfaces in general) are not developable surfaces. Non-developable surfaces are
variously referred to as having "double curvature", "doubly curved", "compound curvature", "non-zero Gaussian
curvature", etc.
Some of the most often-used non-developable surfaces are:
• Spheres are not developable surfaces under any metric as they cannot be unrolled onto a plane.
• The helicoid is a ruled surface – but unlike the ruled surfaces mentioned above, it is not a developable
surface.
• The hyperbolic paraboloid and the hyperboloid are slightly different doubly ruled surfaces – but unlike the
ruled surfaces mentioned above, neither one is a developable surface.
f. Tension tie.
A doubly curved shell with no axis of symmetry, shows a spherical dome supported on a wall.
Whenever the shells are supported vertically at their edges, a tension tie is required around the perimeter at
the intersection of the dome and the wall.
However, it is important to note that the tie will be funicular for any shape of either the plan or elevation.
The shell has positive curvature and continuous vertical support.
4. What are the suitable materials in Construction of Shell Structure?
Concrete is the most commonly used material because of its strength and affordability, whereas steel provides strength
and lightness. Wood is preferred for its sustainable character and aesthetic appeal. Shell structures are known for their
slenderness, which makes them lightweight and efficient, as well as their curvature, which ensures a uniform
distribution of the load. They find applications in a variety of projects, including sports stadiums, concert halls, airports,
suspension bridges, guy bridges, and ships. There are two major types of shell structures: simple-curved and double-
curved. Examples include domes, barrel vaults, saddle roofs, cylindrical shells, and tapered shells. While shell
structures offer benefits such as versatility and efficiency, their design and construction present certain challenges and
considerations.
5. What are the different methodology in Construction of R.C.C. Barrel Vaults? Provide some illustrations and
Details.
The R.C.C. barrel vault is a segment of a barrel or cylinder that has the same curvature throughout its length. It is the
most straight forward single-curvature shell construction.
A maximum of continuous spans or barrels are possible, with the exception that a provision is finally made for the
expansion of the joints in large structures.
The barrel vaults are used as parking, market place, assembly hall ,etc.
Types of barrel vaults
1. Short span barrel vaults
2. Long span barrel vaults
Short span barrel vault
Short span barrel vaults are used for the width of the arch ribs between
which the barrel vault span, which is shorter than its width.
Long span barrel vault
The structure's strength lies at the right angles to the curve such that the span is longitudinal to the curve. Long span
barrel vaults are those in which the span is larger than its width.
The longitudinal barrel vault's typical span is between 12 and 30 meters, and its width is around half that, and its height
is one-fifth that of the width.
Multi-span roofs, in which the roof is extended over the vault's width, can be used to cover larger areas multibay.
STIFFENING BEAMS AND ARCHES
The Barrell Vault's thin shell may distort, lose shape, and even collapse under local loads if the resulting stresses were
greater. To fortify the shell against this potential, stiffening beams or arches are cast integrally with the shell.
A stiffening member between the column supporting the shell is usually provided.
Because of its depth, the downward-stretching RCC beam is the most effective; nevertheless, this disrupts the vault's
soffit line, necessitating the use of an upward-stretching beam.
The disadvantage of the UPSTAND BEAM is that it disrupts the roof's alignment and need weather protection.
Edge and valley beams due to self weight and imposed load the thin shell will tend to
spread and its curvature flatten out. To resist this rcc edge beams are cast between
columns.
Edge beams may be cast as dropped beams or upstand beams or partially as both. In
hot climate the dropped beam is used whereas in temperate climate upstand beam is
used to form drainage channel for rain water.
In multi-bay structures, spreading of the vaults is largely transmitted to the adjacent
shells, so down stand and feather valley beam is used.
Expansion joints
the change in temperature causes the expansion and
contraction in concrete structures, which causes the
structures to deform or collapse.
To limit this continuous expansion joints are formed at the
interval of about 30m, along the span and across the
width of the multi-bay and multi-span barrel vault roofs.
Longitudinal expansion joints are formed in a up stand
valley.
Roof lights:
Top light can be provided by deck light formed in the
crown of vault or by dome light. The deck light can be
continuous or formed as individual lights.roof lights are
fixed to an upstand curb cast integrally with the shell.
Advantage of the shell is that its concave soffit refelects
and helps to disperse light over area below. Disadvantage
is that top LIGHT MAY CAUSE OVER HEATING AND
GLARE.
ROOF COVERING
SHELLS MAY BE COVERED WITH NON-FERROUS SHEET METAL, ASPHALT, BITUMEN FELT, A PLASTIC
MEMBRANE OR A LIQUID RUBBER BASE COATING.
ROOF INSULATION
THE THIN SHELL OFFERS POOR RESISTANCE TO
TRANSFER OF HEAT. THE NEED TO ADD SOME
FORM OF INSULATING LINING ADDS
CONSIDERABLY TO COST OF SHELL. THE MOST
SATISFACTORY METHOD OF INSULATION IS TO
SPREAD A LIGHT WEIGHT SCREED OVER THE
SHELL. DIFFICULTIES OF PROVIDING INSULATION
AND MAINTING THE ELEGANCE OF CURVED SHAPE
MAKES THESE STRUCTURES LARGELY UNSUITED
TO HEATED BUILDINGS IN TEMPERATE CLIMATE.
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of shell structure?
Advantages:
1. Architectural Aesthetics: Shell structures often have unique and visually striking designs that can
become iconic landmarks. They provide architects with the freedom to create innovative, aesthetically
pleasing buildings.
2. Large Clear Spans: Shell structures can cover large spans without the need for interior columns or
support, making them suitable for creating expansive, open spaces in buildings.
3. Efficient Use of Materials: Shell structures distribute loads efficiently along their curved surfaces, which
can lead to material savings compared to more traditional structural systems.
4. Structural Strength: When properly designed, shell structures can be very strong and durable, capable
of withstanding various loads and environmental conditions.
Shell structures provide many benefits in design and construction. Their effective use of materials, structural
stability, space, aesthetically pleasing designs, versatility, longevity, and reduced construction time and cost
make it an attractive choice for different applications. They optimize the use of materials by their thinness and
curvature, achieving high weight resistance ratios while maintaining structural integrity. This inherent stability
ensures they are resistant to heavy loads and adverse conditions. Shell structures offer open, flexible interior
spaces ideal for sports stadiums, concert halls, and airport terminals. Their unique architectural forms,
graceful curves, and flowing lines enhance their visual appeal. Materials like concrete and steel provide
durability, strength, and weathering resistance. Simplified construction techniques reduce time and cost, but
proper analysis, design, and construction techniques are crucial for successful implementation.
Disadvantages:
1. Complex Design: Designing shell structures can be complex and requires a deep understanding of
geometry, materials, and structural engineering. The design process often necessitates specialized
software and expertise.
2. Cost: The construction of shell structures can be more expensive than traditional building methods due to
the complex shapes and specialized materials required.
3. Limited Usability: The unique shapes of shell structures may limit their adaptability for various functions,
potentially making them unsuitable for certain applications.
4. Maintenance Challenges: Maintaining and repairing shell structures can be difficult and costly, especially
if access to the exterior surface is limited or complicated.
7. In preparation on your Scale Model, look for a famous shell structure and their actual dimension to achieve
The scale and proportion once you do it as a miniature.
Heydar Aliyev Centre, Baku, Azerbaijan
ARCHITECT: ZAHA HADID, PATRICK SCHUMACHER, SAFFET KAYA BEKIROGLU
YEAR: 2007-2012
LOCATION: BAKU, AZERBAIJAN
The model is an exact copy of the
Heydar Aliyev Foundation, which is
a synthesis of ancient and modern
architecture. Exterior and interior of
the building, now decorating Baku,
were chosen according to the
wishes of national leader Heydar
Aliyev. The official opening took
place on 10 May 2004.
Medium: Length – 110 cm, Width –
110 cm,
Height – 115 cm.
Roof height- 74m
Concept
Hadid’s structure stands alongside the various others within the complex. With a continuous design of auto-
transformation in all directions, there is little sense of limits and no indication of an end. It is an immersion in a pool of
space. The immateriality of a building which varies between white, more white and even whiter depending on the
position of the sun on its surfaces, lends it a weightless character, liberating its visitors from gravitational obligations. As
an object, the building is subjective, provoking strong reactions, unrestricted by the suspension of physical gravity.
With its light appearance, the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre gives the sense of being all form, with no structure, but its
forms hide extreme engineering. A double-layered spatial structure which is very flexible is the principal support for the
double curve that travels smoothly along the top and bottom of the outer shell, hiding the structural frame and
highlighting the surface, rather than the structure, as if the building were all effect and no cause.
The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre represents a fluid form which emerges from the folding of the natural landscape of
the countryside and from the wrapping of the individual functions of the interior. All the functions, together with the
inputs, are represented as folds in a single, continuous exterior surface. This fluid form provides the opportunity to
connect the diverse cultural spaces and, at the same time, proportion to each element of the Centre its own identity and
privacy. Following the interior folds, the skin wears away to convert into more of an element of the interior environment.
According to its principal contractor, DIA Holding, the forms of the 57,519m² Cultural Centre give the impression of the
lightness of a handkerchief waving in free-fall.
The centre was designed with the intention of it becoming the main venue for national cultural events, breaking away
from the rigid and often monumental Soviet architecture so prevalent in Bakú, and aiming to express the sensitivity of
Azeri culture and the optimism of a nation looking toward the future.
Structure
The building is principally comprised of two systems which work together: a concrete structure combined with a spatial
structure system. With the intention of creating large-scale, free spaces of columns which allow the visitor to experiment
with the fluidity of the interior, vertical structural elements are absorbed by the walls and curtain wall system. The
specific geometry of the surfaces encourages unconventional structural solutions, such as the introduction of curved
“starter columns” to achieve the inverse shell of the surface from the floor to the West of the building, and the “duck tail”
resulting from the narrowing of the cantilevered beams which support the skin of the building on the East side.
The spatial framework system allows the construction a free-form structure and was also designed to save time
throughout the construction process, while the substructure was developed to incorporate a flexible relationship
between the rigid grid-work of the spatial structure and the seams of the free-form exterior cladding. These seams are
obtained through a process of rationalisation of the geometric complex, the use and the aesthetics of the project.
Fibreglass reinforced with concrete or polyester were chosen as the ideal cladding materials, as they allow for the
powerful plasticity of the building’s design, while responding to a diverse range of related functional requirements: the
Plaza, transition zones and the building’s wrapping.
Materials
The building, whose smooth, distorted grid-work of polyester-reinforced fibreglass panels do not have visible
connections, appears less “as built” and more “as landed”.
In the construction, they used 121,000m³ of reinforced concrete, 194,000 formworks and 19,000 tonnes of steel molds.
To create the shape of the external skin, 5,500 tonnes of structural steel were required, creating the base for a surface
of 40,000m² formed of panels of fibreglass reinforced with polyester or concrete. There were a total of around 17,000
individual panels with various geometries.
Lighting
To emphasise the continuous relationship between the exterior and interior of the building, the illumination of the
Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre was carefully considered. During the day, the building reflects the light, constantly
altering its appearance according to the time and the perspective. The use of semi-reflective windows allows the interior
to be perceived without revealing the trajectory of the spaces. By night, the building is gradually transformed by the
illumination which flows from the interior, which develops the formal composition to reveal its contents and maintain the
fluidity between the interior and exterior.
The convention center could be used for both convention and music performance with 1200 auditorium seats. This
section of 4 levels embraces 2 multifunctional conference halls, meeting rooms and the media center. The auditorium is
18 meters height and spans approximately 28 meters supported by concrete shear wall around the space. To reach a
large span, the ceiling is constructed by two-way system and adopt steel space frame. As for the interial surface of
ceiling, it is created by gypsum board supported by cables to meet acoustical and lighting requirements. The first floor
and second floor have a continuous large space and transfer the self-weight to narrow reinforced concrete beams and
columns at the base. Then the loads are transferred to the pile foundation. Different sizes of cross bracing according to
the height of seats are used to resist lateral force and stiffen structure.
The multifunction hall is near the convention center which is divided into three smaller ones toward north in the garden.
The hall spans about 27 meters with a height of 10.5 meters. The ceiling of hall is constructed by steel open web
trusses which have height of 2.2 meters, which is effective and could be used to resist deflections in a given size. There
are three meeting rooms with a concrete rigid system above the hall, which transfer gravity loads to the concrete floor
slab that is approximately 0.8 meter and trusses by columns and shear wall. Then the hall transfers loads to slab,
beams and columns at the basement which has a grid and patterns system through shear walls in the east, west and
south. The museum occupies 9 floors with exhibition halls, administrative office, restaurant and a cafeteria. It consists
of a permanent gallery and a temporary exhibition gallery. In the temporary gallery, a double-height space lobby is in
the entrance with curve ceiling in the above. It has a very thin slab of 8-13mm thickness which covers the ceiling so
they would have a very light self-weight transferring to the foundation. The ceiling is made by steel trusses of nearly 1.5
meters height that support its self-weight as well, serving as a cantilever of 25 meters and transferring loads to the
element B –the tilt shear wall with a wide of 1.4 meter. Then the loads are carried by 3.1 meters thick mat foundation
and 1.1 meter thick piles underground. The element C is a cantilever floor that spans approximately 20.4 meters
supported by the tilt shear wall. In order to reach the large span, the structure could be two-way concrete waffle slab
with a height of nearly 2.2 meters. As for the basement, it is a grids patterns constructed by the concrete flat slab and
columns.
In the permanent collection gallery, the space is divided by element B, the tilt shear wall. Element D spans nearly 9.8
meters while element E spans 8.2 meters measuring 1.2 meter depth. This beam in turn supports both dead loads and
live loads from roof and the floor of exhibition and then transfer forces to the mat foundation. The library is 8 stories
seated in the north of site with a continuous exterial building skin in the façade. The AHU room is a large space that sits
on a 1.2 meter mat foundation spanning 21.6 meters with a height of 9 meters. The 120-mm-thick reinforced concrete
slab is supported by shear wall in four directions. The beam in turn supports the reinforced concrete slab every 3.5
meters by 0.8 meter depth. For the AHU room embeds in the finer grid, heavy girders are needed to carry more loads
transferred from top elements like concrete columns, beams, slabs and trusses of the ceiling.
