Design of tension structures and shells using the Airy stress function
Journal article, 2022

Discontinuities in the Airy stress function for in-plane stress analysis represent forces and moments in connected one-dimensional elements. We expand this representation to curved membrane-action structures, such as shells and cable nets, and graphically visualise the internal stresses and section forces at the boundary necessary for equilibrium. The approach enhances understanding of the interplay between form and forces and can support design decisions related to form-finding and force efficiency. As illustrative examples, the prestressing needed for three existing cable nets is determined, and its influence on the edge-beam bending moment is explored.

shells

Airy stress function

cable nets

Félix Candela

London Velodrome

paraboloid

form-finding

Scandinavium

Author

Alexander Sehlström

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Architectural theory and methods

Karl-Gunnar Olsson

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Architectural theory and methods

Christopher John Kenneth Williams

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Architectural theory and methods

International Journal of Space Structures

0956-0599 (ISSN) 20598033 (eISSN)

Vol. 37 2 94-106 09560599211064104

Subject Categories

Applied Mechanics

DOI

10.1177/09560599211064104

More information

Latest update

5/18/2022