Effect of Geometric Form and Curvature of Dome Shells on Structural Performance

Abstract

The purpose of this research is mainly to study the effect of geometric shape on the stress distribution pattern of several common shell domes using Sap2000 finite element software. Considering that the dome is evaluated as an independent structure and also the difference in geometric shape of the domes is to be emphasized in this study, other parameters which can affect analysis results of the domes are assumed to be similar in all numerical models. The material properties of the models have been also selected in accordance with traditional Iranian architecture.In this study four forms of conical, elliptical, hemispherical, ovgon. have been investigated. This classification adequately reflects the specifications of the numerical models. It can be inferred from pattern of stress distribution in numerical models that conical, elliptical shapes show more appropriate performance in comparison with other shapes. Moreover, the parametric study on the height to span ratio yields an optimum ratio of 1.0 and 0.4 for conical, elliptical Shapes, respectively.