A finite element application in the analysis and design of point-supported composite conoidal shell roofs: Suggesting selection guidelines

Abstract

In the present paper, a finite element code is applied to study the bending behaviour of point-supported composite conoidal shells. These doubly curved surfaces may look similar to single curved conical shells, but the non-developable conoids present much stiffer surfaces. Laminated composites offer a high strength-to-weight ratio, and composite conoidal shells can cover large column-free areas. These shells on point supports have wide applications in car parks and theatres. Research reports are available regarding the static and dynamic behaviour of composite and isotropic conoidal shells, but with different combinations of simply supported, clamped, and free boundary conditions. Reports on corner-point-supported isotropic rhombic plates and doubly curved shells also exist, but data on the bending behaviour of conoidal shells supported at discrete points only are missing. Hence, in the present paper, three different point-supported boundary conditions are considered with four different laminations, the relative performance of different shell options is studied in detail, and suitable approaches are proposed to choosing the best shell option among many in a practical situation.