ACI 334.

1-10

Guide for Concrete Shell Structures

Reported by Joint ACI-ASCE Committee 334

A guide on the practical aspects of shell design including recommendations for designers of thin
concrete shells. General guidance based on current practice is given on analysis, design, and
construction. Selected references on analytical methods are included to assist the engineer.

CONTENTS
Preface

General
1.1-Definitions
1.2-Scope

Analysis
2.1-General
2.2-Basic Analysis Considerations
2.3-Analysis of Thin Shells
2.4-Analysis of Supporting Members
2.5-Stability Analysis

Design
4.1-Allowable stresses and load factors
4.2-Shell thickness
4.3-Shell reinforcement
4.4-Prestressing
4.5-Concrete cover over reinforcement

Construction
4.1-Forms
4.2-Concrete Placing
4.3-Curing of Concrete

Selected References

Preface
The design and construction of thin shell structures has varied greatly over the past 100+
years. Thin shells are very attractive for their sparing use of materials but are historically labor
intensive. With the increased innovation of alternative forming techniques that reduce the labor
involvement there has been a tremendous rebound in the use of thin shells. Because of the wide
range of geometry possible with thin shells, the accumulated understanding is still limited but has
been helped significantly with advanced computer modeling.
The analysis, design, and construction of thin shell structures require a thorough
knowledge in this field. Therefore, the recommendations contained herein are not sufficient in
themselves for the satisfactory design and construction of thin shell structures. Designers are
urged to work within their individual areas of competence, seek out and work with their peers, and
consult the texts and technical papers that are available.
 General
1.1-Definitions
1.1.1 Thin shells-Three dimensional spatial structures made up of curved or folded slabs
whose thicknesses are small compared to their other dimensions. They are characterized by their
three dimensional load carrying behavior which is determined by their geometrical shape, their
boundary conditions and the nature of the applied load. Thin shells are usually bounded by
supporting members and edge members.
1.1.1.1 Shells of single curvature-types include segments of cylinders or cones.
1.1.1.2 Shells of double curvature- types include domes, hyperbolic paraboloids and free
form shells. Shells of double curvature include both synclastic(surfaces in which the curvatures in
the two principal directions have the same sign) and anticlastic(surfaces in which the curvatures
in the two principal direction have opposite signs).
1.1.1.2.1 Free form shell-the name given to shell shapes derived from alternative form
finding techniques such as Evolutionary Structural Optimization (ESO) or strain energy
minimization.
1.1.1.3 Folded plates- a special class of shell structure formed by joining flat, thin slabs
along their edges.
1.1.2 Auxiliary members-In a broad sense, any member located along the boundary of a
shell or shell segment with a capacity to stiffen the shell and distribute or carry loads in composite
action with the shell. They are classified as follows in accordance with established usage,
although for certain shells a member may serve in a combination of capacities:
1.1.2.1 Supporting members-Beams, arches, trusses, diaphragms, etc., along the edges
of thin shells which serve both to support and to stiffen the thin shell
1.1.2.2 Edge members-Beams, trusses, etc., along the edges of thin shells which do not
form part of the main supporting structure, but serve to stiffen and act compositely with
the thin shell to carry loads to the supporting members
1.1.2.3 Stiffening members-Ribs which serve only to stiffen the thin shell or to control
local deformations
1.1.3 Elastic analysis-An analysis of deformations and internal forces based on
equilibrium, compatibility of strains, and assumed elastic behavior, and representing a suitable
approximation of the three-dimensional action of the shell together with its auxiliary members.
1.1.4 Inelastic analysis – An analysis of deformations and internal forces based on
equilibrium, non-linear stress-strain relations for concrete and reinforcement, consideration of
cracking and time dependant effects, and compatibility of strains. The analysis should represent,
to a suitable approximation, three-dimensional action of the shell together with its auxiliary
members.

1.2-Scope
1.2.1 These recommendations cover the design of thin shell concrete structures and only
apply to the thin shell portions of such structures unless otherwise stated.
1.2.2 All applicable sections of ACI 318 and ACI 318R should be followed in the design of
shell structures.

Analysis
2.1-General
2.1.1 Analytical procedures should be consistent with the complexity and importance of
the structure. Factors such as size, curvature, boundary conditions, configuration and distribution
of load must be considered collectively by the designer in the choice of analytical procedures.

2.2-Basic Analysis Considerations

2.2.1 Size - Shells generally possess great reserve strength. The compressive stresses
in a shell are usually a fraction of the allowable stresses. Shell thickness is often dictated by
construction and code requirements. Moreover, in many cases, much of the shell reinforcement is
determined by requirements for temperature and shrinkage. Therefore, the load carrying capacity
of a shell is generally greater than that which is required. As spans increase or curvatures
decrease the stresses increase, whereas the construction or code requirements generally remain
the same. Thus, reserve capacity tends to decrease with larger spans and greater radii of
curvature.
2.2.2 Boundary Conditions - The manner in which the shell is supported has a significant
effect on the stresses and buckling stability. If proper support is provided, capable of taking the
shell reaction without appreciable deformations, the shell may respond to loads in direct
compressive or tensile stresses. If the supports are flexible, the concentrated stresses from the
edge reactions are re-distributed in the shell are often higher than those which would prevail in a
rigidly supported shell.
2.2.3 Loading - Uniformly distributed loads generally have a lesser effect on bending
stresses in the thin shell. The bending moments in the shell are more closely related to the
boundary conditions than to the distributed load. For this reason it is often unnecessary to
analyze a thin shell for partial live loads even though the supporting members must be analyzed
for such partial loads. Contrarily, local bending moments due to concentrated loads or rapidly
varying pressures on the shell have a great effect and should always be considered.
2.2.4 Curvature - With the variety of possible shapes, generalized recommendations on
the effect of shape cannot be made.
2.2.4.1 Thin shells of single curvature - These shell systems are the most sensitive to
different loading configurations and edge conditions. Localized differences such as point loads or
shell geometry changes can have a large impact on the overall shell stresses.
2.2.4.1.1 Stresses in simply supported cylindrical shells vary greatly with shells that are
continuous over supports.
2.2.4.1.2 Shear deformation in certain shells may have a strong influence on the
distribution of stresses and deformations. This includes both though-thickness shear in very thick
shells or membrane shear in the tangential plane of the shell.
2.2.4.2 Thin shells of double curvature - Shells of double curvature are inherently better
suited to resist loads by direct forces than are shells of single curvature. This is because of the
arch action along both curvatures that this type of shell possesses. In order that surfaces curved
in two directions behave as a shell it is important that proper support or edge members be
provided.
2.2.4.2.1 For most shells, distributed loads on the shell can be transmitted to the supports
by tangential shearing and normal forces acting along the periphery of the shell irrespective of the
load distribution. When this happens, the internal forces acting in the shell are all direct forces,
generally of smaller magnitude except in the region of the edge or column supports where often
critical tensile forces and moments are developed.
2.2.4.2.2 A careful evaluation should be made of the bending moments produced in the
vicinity of the edge members by the interaction of the edge member and the shell. For moderate
size shells this effect is usually confined to within a few feet of the vicinity of the edge member.
An exception to this are some anticlastic shells like the hyperbolic paraboloid where bending can
prevail throughout a greater portion of the shell. Bending can also occur in domes when the
supports do not provide a reaction tangent to the shell surface. In this case, the bending moments
may extend a significant distance into the shell.
2.2.4.2.3 In hyperbolic paraboloids stiffened only by edge beams, it becomes important to
recognize that their ability to carry loads by direct force is restricted to uniform load. For other
loadings, like the dead load produced by sharply tilted saddle shape shells, the shell is subject to
bending moments. The moments might not be large for small size shells but they may be very
significant for larger spans.
2.2.4.3 Folded plates - Analysis of prismatic folded plates is based on the conventional
flexure for longitudinal action and on one way continuous slab action for transverse behavior.
2.2.4.3.1 Folded plates are more sensitive to longitudinal support conditions than curved
thin shells. The transverse bending moments in the outer bays of multiple folded plate structures
are apt to be much larger than those in barrel shells of the same size. For this reason, folded
plates are often subjected to critical stresses during construction when certain plates may
temporarily be shored or act as exterior plates.
2.2.4.3.2 An in-depth folded plate analysis is recommended, because the stresses in the
two or three outer bays of a multiple folded plate structure can be significantly different than in the
interior bays. This is particularly true when the depth is less than 1/15 of the span.

2.3-Analysis of Thin Shells

2.3.1 Elastic analysis is a commonly accepted basis for determining stresses,

displacements, and stability of thin shells.
2.3.1.1 For an elastic analysis, concrete may be assumed uncracked, homogeneous, and
isotropic with perfect geometry.
2.3.2 Inelastic analysis is permitted to be used when it can be shown to be a safe basis
for design.
2.3.3 Equilibrium checks of internal stresses and external loads should be made to
ensure consistency of results.

2.4-Analysis of Supporting Members

2.4.1 Supporting members should be designed in accordance with the same method of
analysis (elastic or inelastic) as the shell.
2.4.2 A portion of the thin shell should be assumed to act composite with the supporting
member unless a definite pinned connection is provided.
2.4.3 The analysis of the supporting members may be based on the consideration of
either the total shell load or on the shearing forces acting between the shell and the supporting
member.
2.4.3.1 When the total load is used, the axial load and moment in the supporting member
should be adjusted by the direct axial load and moment in the thin shell.
2.4.3.2 If shell shearing forces are used, the moments due to the eccentricity of the shell
with respect to the centroidal axis of the supporting member should be taken into account.
2.4.4 Supporting members should be analyzed for partial live loads when such loadings
control the design.

2.5-Stability Analysis

2.5.1 Just like traditional structure elements, shell structures are susceptible to buckling
or inelastic failure due to static loading. In traditional structural elements, inelastic failures are
controlled through design practice by imposing geometric ratios that proportion the element so
that the element will fail elastically before an inelastic failure can occur. For shell elements this
simple but effective design approach is not so easily implemented. The complexity and variety of
shell types limit the use of a simple geometric ratio or formula to govern geometric proportioning.
2.5.2 Elastic or inelastic analysis may be used to determine the buckling stability.
2.5.2.1 When an elastic analysis is used and perfect geometry is assumed, the actual
buckling load is often between 0.1 to 0.3 of the theoretical value calculated because of geometric
imperfections and loss of stiffness due to cracking. Taking that into account, an adequate factor
of safety should be used.
2.5.2.2 When an inelastic analysis is used, buckling should be evaluated using the local
tangent modulus of all materials, and additional allowance should be made for reductions in the
capacity due to geometric imperfections that are not included in the analysis. An appropriate
factor of safety should also be used.
2.5.3 When investigating shells for stability, consideration should be given to the possible
reduction in the value of the buckling load caused by large deflections, creep effects, temperature
effects, boundary conditions and the deviation between the actual and theoretical shell surface.
2.5.3.1 As a thin shell deforms under load, principal membrane forces develop. If one of
these forces is tensile, it tends to return the shell back to its original position, thus enabling it to
carry loads greater than the initial buckling load. If both the principal membrane forces are
compressive, they tend to increase with deformation of the shell. After the initial buckling, the
shell can only transmit loads smaller than the initial buckling load. This is particularly true for
concrete shells because of creep and deviation of the actual shape of the shell from the assumed
theoretical surface.
2.5.3.2 A deviation of the shell dimensions from the geometry used in stress analysis is
associated with a change in the principal radii of curvature of the shell surface. Elastic and creep
deformations may also lead to a change of curvature. If the actual radii are larger, the membrane
forces are generally greater and the value of the buckling load will be lower, possibly substantially
lower.
2.5.4 In general, the value of the buckling load depends on shell geometry, type of
restraint at boundary, material properties of shell, the location of reinforcing steel, and the type of
load.
2.5.5 Resistance to buckling is generally increased when reinforcing steel is provided on
both faces of the shell.

Design
3.1-Allowable stresses and load factors

3.1.1 Historically, thin shells have been designed using Allowable Stress Design (ASD)
which limits the stress in both the steel and the concrete to lower levels than LRFD.
3.1.2 Unless otherwise stated, concrete and steel stresses and load factors should be as
specified in ACI 318. However, because of their slender cross section, shells can be very
susceptible to creep deformation and buckling, especially when stresses are elevated. It is
therefore advisable to keep stress levels at or below ASD levels.
3.1.3 Minimum concrete strength, fc', should be 3000 psi (21 MPa).

3.2-Shell thickness
3.2.1 Shell thickness is not always dictated by strength requirements but often by
deformation of edge members, stability, and cover over reinforcing steel.
3.2.2 Stress concentrations due to abrupt changes in section should be considered and,
where necessary, the thin shell should be gradually thickened.
3.2.3 It is often desirable to increase the thickness of a thin shell where it is connected to
supporting members or edge members. This thickening should be gradual to minimize stress
concentrations.

3.3-Shell reinforcement
3.3.1 The stress in the reinforcement may be assumed at the allowable value
independently of the strain in the concrete.
3.3.2 Where the magnitude of the principle tensile membrane stress within the shell
varies greatly over the area of the shell surface, reinforcement resisting the total tension should
be concentrated in the regions of the largest tensile stress where it can be shown that this
provides a safe basis for design. The ratio of shell reinforcing in any portion of the tensile zone
should not be less than 0.0035 of the gross concrete area.
3.3.3 The principal tensile stresses should be resisted entirely by reinforcement.
3.3.4 Reinforcement to resist the principal tensile stresses may be placed either in the
general direction of the lines of principal tensile stress (also referred to as parallel to the lines of
principal tensile stress), or in two or three directions. In the regions of high tension it is advisable,
to place the reinforcing in the general direction of the principal stress.
3.3.5 The reinforcement may be considered parallel to the line of principal stress when its
direction does not deviate from the direction of the principal stress more than 15 degrees.
Variations in the direction of the principal stress over the cross section of a shell due to moments
need not be considered for the determination of the maximum deviation. In areas where the
stress in the reinforcing is less than the allowable stress a deviation greater than 15 degrees can
still be considered parallel placing; a stress decrease of 5 percent should be considered to
compensate for each additional degree of deviation above 15 degrees. Wherever possible, such
reinforcing may run along lines considered most practical for construction, such as straight lines.
3.3.6 Where placed in more than one direction, the reinforcement should resist the
components of the principal tension force in each direction.
3.3.7 In those areas where the computed principal tensile stress in the concrete exceeds
300 psi, placement of at least one layer of the reinforcing should be parallel to the principal tensile
stress, unless it can be shown that a deviation of the reinforcing from the direction parallel to the
lines of principal tensile stress is permissible because of the geometrical characteristics of a
particular shell and because for reasons of geometry only insignificant local cracking might
develop.
3.3.8 Shell reinforcement in any direction should not be spaced farther apart than 18”
(460 mm), nor farther apart than five times the shell thickness.
3.3.8.1 If twice the minimum reinforcement is provided, eight times the shell thickness
could be used.
3.3.8.2 Where the computed principal tensile stress in the concrete exceeds the value
4 f c (psi), the spacing of reinforcement should not be greater than three times the thickness of
the thin shell.
3.3.9 Minimum reinforcement should be provided as required by ACI 318 even where not
required by analysis.
3.3.10 Splices in principal tensile reinforcement should be kept to a practical minimum.
Where necessary they should be staggered with not more than one-third of the bars spliced at
any one cross section. Bars should be lapped only within the same layer. The minimum lap for
shell reinforcing bars should be 1.2 times the lap length specified in ACI 318 with a minimum of
18 in. (460 mm)
3.3.10.1 The minimum lap may be 12 in. (305 mm) for temperature and shrinkage
reinforcement not required for stresses.
3.3.11 The minimum lap for welded wire fabric should be 1.2 times the length specified in
ACI 318.
3.3.12 Reinforcement to resist bending moments should be designed and provided. The
largest bending forces often occur at the junction of the shell and the stiffening member.
3.3.13 At the edges of thin shells it is often desirable to provide top and bottom
reinforcement because of the bending moments induced in the shell at this discontinuity. The
torsional resistance of the supporting members or edge members may govern the top and bottom
reinforcement when the shell terminates with these members.
3.3.14 Specified yield strength of non-prestressed reinforcement Fy should not exceed
60,000 psi (420 MPa).
3.3.15 When concrete thickness exceeds 10 in (250 mm), 2 layers of reinforcing should
be used.

3.4-Prestressing
3.4.1 Where prestressing tendons are draped within a thin shell, the resulting tendon
profile not lying in one plane will exert a force on the shell which can be resolved into components.
The design should account for these force components.
3.4.2 Where prestressing tendons are anchored, special reinforcing should be added to
assure that no local overstressing occurs due to the application of these concentrated reactions.

3.5-Concrete cover over reinforcement

3.5.1 The concrete cover over reinforcement should be as specified in ACI 318.
3.5.2 In no case should the cover be less than the diameter of the reinforcing bar,
prestressed tendon, or duct.
3.5.3 If greater concrete cover is required for fire protection, such cover requirements
should apply only to the principal tensile and moment reinforcement whose yielding would cause
a reduction of structural strength.
 Construction
4.1-Forms
4.1.1 Conventional Forms
4.1.1.1 Design and Construction of conventional concrete forms should comply with ACI
347.
4.1.1.1 The engineer should specify the maximum deviations permissible from the true
surface of a shell, such as, for example X inches deviation for an arc of Y feet in a shell of a
radius of Z feet.
4.1.1.1.1 Initial imperfection is quite an important factor in some shells. For certain
types of shells this maximum deviation might need to be limited to one half of the shell thickness
to prevent buckling.
4.1.1.2 Removal of thin shell concrete forms should be considered a matter of design
and the form removal sequence should be approved by the engineer.
4.1.1.3 For thin shell structures of large spans or unusual proportions, the engineer
should meet with the contractor prior to construction and prepare a shoring and decentering plan.
In the preparation of the decentering plan, the procedure should be studied to avoid any
temporary support including a concentrated reaction on the shell. Generally, decentering should
begin at points of maximum deflections and should progress towards points of minimum
deflection, with the decentering of edge members proceeding simultaneously with the adjoining
shell. Where edge members are to be re-shored, the spacing of the shoring should be
coordinated with the engineer.
4.1.1.4 The supporting members should be decentered after the forms under the thin
shell have been decentered. The stresses created by the decentering procedure should be
considered.
4.1.1.5 Where the stability of short or long-time deflections are important factors, the
modulus of elasticity at the time of decentering should be specified by the engineer.

4.1.2 Air Supported Forms (Airforms)

4.1.2.1 The form’s shape, size, fabric, and stress need to be considered.
4.1.2.1.1 Shape –Airforms are made of a fabric that will stretch and elongate when
inflated. The forms should be field measured after inflation. Any deviations from the intended
geometry should be checked for adequacy with the design and adjustments should be made as
required.
4.1.2.2 Size - The size of the structure and the pressure needed to maintain the form in
the correct shape need to be analyzed. Extremely large structures might require reinforcing the
fabric form with rope or cables.
4.1.2.3 Fabric – Fabrics for the airform should meet strength as well as elongation and
durability requirements for the project.
4.1.2.4 Fabric Stress – The maximum force exerted on an airform should be calculated.
The airform design should consider the anticipated construction loads.

4.2 Reinforcement placing

4.2.1 Reinforcing should be placed per ACI 318.

4.3-Concrete placing
4.3.1 Concrete should be placed in accordance with the specifications of ACI 304R.
Where shotcrete is used, it should be placed in accordance with the specifications of ACI 506R.
4.3.2 When possible, concrete should be placed in a symmetrical pattern. It is
recommended that concreting commence at the low point or points of the shell and proceed
upward to the high point. The concrete should be deposited as nearly as possible in its final
position.
4.3.3 Construction joints, where required, should be shown in detail on design drawings.
4.3.4 If the slope of the shell is steeper than about 45 degrees, it is desirable to use
formwork on both faces except when the thin shell is shotcreted or plastered.
4.3.5 Aggregate size.
 4.3.5.1 The maximum size aggregate should not exceed 1/8 the shell thickness, nor 3/4
of the minimum the clear distance between reinforcement bars, nor 1/5 the narrowest dimension
between the sides of the forms.

4.4-Curing of concrete
4.4.1 Thin shells are susceptible to shrinkage cracking if improperly cured.
4.4.2 Curing procedures specified in ACI 308R should be followed.
4.4.3 Some thin shells, like domes constructed on the interior of an air inflated form,
maintain a high level of humidity (95-100%) during the construction process. This, in itself, has
been shown to be an acceptable curing method.

Selected References

Wilson, A.,2005, Practical Design of Concrete Shells, Monolithic Dome Institute, 398 pp
Wilson, A., 2005, Construction of Concrete Shells Using Inflated Forms, ACI Document
334.3R-05, pp 13
Billington, D.P., 1990, Thin Shell Concrete Structures, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill Book Co.,
Inc.,373pp
Flügge, Wilhelm, Stresses in Shells, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1962, 499 pp.
Tsui, E. Y. W., 1968, Stresses in Shells of Revolution, Pacific Coast Publishers, 278
Timoshenko S.P., and Gere, J.M. 1961, Theory of Elastic Stability, McGraw Hill Book Co.,
Inc., 2nd Edition, 1961
Timoshenko, S.P. and Woinowsky-Kreiger, S., 1959, Theory of Plates and Shells,
McGraw-Hill Book Co., Inc., 580pp
Yitzhaki, D.,1958, The Design of Prismatic and Cylindrical Shell Roofs, Haifa Science
Publishers, Haifa, Israel, 253 pp.
Candela, Felix, Oct.1950, General Formulas for Membrane Stresses in Hyperbolic
Paraboloical Shells, ACI JOURNAL, Proceedings V. 57, No.4, pp. 353-372.