Behavior of Cylindrical Shells Subjected to Support Settlements

Abstract

Results of an experimental investigation on a single‐span cylindrical shell roof subjected to vertical support settlement are presented. Due to rotations associated with vertical support settlement, the diaphragm tries to move horizontally in the transverse direction by as much as 0.20 of the vertical support settlement. If the support conditions of the shell are such that this movement in the transverse direction is permitted, the shell can withstand large‐support settlements without appreciable additional stresses. On the other hand, if this movement is prevented because of practical support conditions, large stresses both in the edge beam and the shell are developed. A practical example under different sets of support conditions is analyzed. Support conditions for a statically and externally determinate cylindrical shell roof that would permit the shell to undergo large vertical support settlements without any appreciable stresses in the shell are proposed.