Finite-Element Analysis of Skewed Shallow Shells

The support conditions used for roof shells are frequently markedly different from those necessary for analytical solution methods. Numerical methods provide the versatility to cope with the many possibilities that can occur, such as eccentric edge members and isolated supports. The finite-element method employing a curved parallelogram-shaped shallow shell element is presented. A displacement shape is used which provides slope continuity between elements. Due to tie inclusion of a complete rigid body motion, a small interelement discontinuity in the in-plane displacements is present. Accuracy of the solution obtained using the element is demonstrated by comparison with a series solution for the same problem. A skewed hyperbolic parabolid supported on buttresses is also solved.