Static and Buckling Analysis of Concrete Spherical Shells

A finite element analysis, including static and buckling analysis is presented for several notable concrete spherical shells around the world. Also, the structural optimization study of these shells was performed for thickness distribution and structure shape to reduce overall tensile stress, deflection and reinforcements. The finite element analysis using Sofistik software shows that a distributed concrete thickness reduces shell stresses, deflections and reinforcements. A geometrically non-linear analysis of these structures with and without imperfections was also performed. To take into account the possible plastification of the material an analysis with non- linear material was performed simultaneously with the geometrically non-linear analysis. This helps in developing an understanding of the structural behaviour and helps to identify all potential failure causes using failure analysis.