Behavior of Pair of Leaning Arch-Shells under Snow and Wind Loads

Abstract

A structure consisting of two pressurized shells in the form of arches that lean against each other and are connected at the point of contact is considered. Such leaning arch-shells have been used in the framework of fabric shelters. The finite-element method is applied to determine the deflections, stability, and vibrations of a pair of these leaning tubes. Symmetric and asymmetric snow loads are treated, along with wind loads parallel to the longitudinal direction of the structure. Results are presented for both fixed and pinned bases, and for arch-shells that are tilted at angles of 15 and 30° with respect to the vertical. Buckling is found for certain cases of snow loading. The corresponding buckling modes involve sway to the side if the bases are fixed, whereas for pinned ends the structure buckles by twisting about a vertical axis through the center. The first three vibration modes are dominated either by side sway, longitudinal sway, or twist about a vertical axis.