Modelling, testing, and construction of the first Ductal® canopy in the world

Abstract

Two series of nine architectural shell structures — constructed of a 20 mm thick layer of a new ultra-high performance cement (UPHC) composite with organic fibres (Ductal®) — were proposed to form the roofs of a new station for the light rail transit system in Calgary. Each section of the roofs consists of three panels each 6 m × 4.5 m connected to provide an 18 m continuous system. The City of Calgary required testing of a full-scale prototype panel for both static and dynamic responses. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to determine the boundary conditions to be imposed on one edge of the prototype panel during the tests to simulate the presence of the other two in the actual structure. The FEA was also used to determine the critical (independent) snow and wind loading cases. The analyses and the testing procedures for the full-scale instrumented panel are described. The panel withstood both full factored loads without damage. The methods for manufacturing and assembling the canopy and roofs are also described.Key words: UHPC, shell structure, finite element analysis, static test, dynamic test.