Numerical comparative analysis of a thin-shell spatial structure for the candela’s cosmic rays pavilion

This paper presents the structural behaviour comparative analysis between a new thin-shell spatial structure and the hyperbolic paraboloid shaped Cosmic Rays Pavilion designed by Felix Candela in 1951. The design of lightweight, reliable and durable structures is a task of particular interest and thin-shell structures can solve this problem. The mathematical complexity of spatial shell-structures contrasts with its aesthetical, lightness and strength with a tiny thickness. The Candela’s Cosmic Rays Pavilion is a reinforced concrete structure, and its key requirement was that the thickness not to exceed 15 mm in the highest point to admit cosmic rays. The strategy applied in the present work utilises the FEM and Numerical Models to study the stress-strain state of 2 different configurations of a developable torse surface of equal slope with a directrix ellipse at the base and compare these results with the behaviour of the originally built hyperbolic paraboloid. The results of the research show a good structural behaviour of the new form of Torse-Shell with a very small thickness, moreover, keeping the original general dimensions (LxBxH=12x11x5 m) the proposed structures provide more useful internal space and a larger external surface. In this way the proposed 2-torses shape provides 15.7% more internal volume than the hyperbolic paraboloid shape with an increase of only 4.6% in mass, while for the 4-torses shape provides 16,8% more internal volume with an increase of 8.6% in mass. The authors of this work will continue the research taking in account other structural parameters such as materials, dynamic influences, Three-dimensional finite elements for the modelling of the interface between beams and thin-shells and with the application of other shapes of analytical surfaces. © 2021, Univelt Inc. All rights reserved.