The effect of edge beams on saddle shells

Abstract

Two square "saddle" type hyperbolic paraboloid shells, simply supported along two opposite edges, were studied. Theoretical calculations based on the bending theory of Apeland (1) were made. Model tests were performed on two sand-cement mortar models, one with and one without edge beams along the unsupported edges.

Comparison of the theoretical values indicates the effect of the addition of edge beams on the stress distributions and deflections throughout the shell.

Experimental results from both tests yielded fairly good correspondence with the predicted values. Discrepancies between experimental and theoretical values indicate that the shallow shell theory should be limited to shells with a maximum slope of less than one-half.