Title: Application of initial value method in the static analysis of laterised concrete cylindrical shells under hydrostatic loading

Authors: Theresa Ukamaka Nwakonobi; N.N. Osadebe; C.C. Mbajiorgu

Addresses: Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, University of Agriculture, P.M.B. 2373, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. ' Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria. ' Department of Agricultural and Bioresources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, 410001, Nigeria

Abstract: In Nigeria, the prices of building materials continue to increase sharply that there is growing need to explore the possibility of utilisation of local raw materials as alternatives for farm building construction. This study investigated the performance of a laterised cylindrical shell under hydrostatic loading. The properties of laterised concrete at optimum mix proportion were adopted in performing the static analysis of the cylindrical shell structure under the action of hydrostatic pressures using Pasternack's equations formulated on the basis of theory of shell of revolution. The reduced equation of static equilibrium was solved by the initial-value method. A generalised solution of the cylindrical shell made of laterised concrete was obtained and used to evaluate the performance of the structure through the determination of deflection and stresses. Adequate cross-section of the cylindrical shell was determined. The result of the analysis indicate that the maximum stresses developed due to hydrostatic loading is greater than the strength of the laterised concrete in reservoir thickness of 50 mm, 10 m in diameter and 5 m in height. The wall thickness of 100 mm was found adequate. Thus, the shell theory can be applied in the analysis of laterised concrete shell structures.

Keywords: static analysis; shell theory; concrete cylindrical shells; laterised cylindrical shells; initial value method; hydrostatic pressure; stress; deflection; structural engineering; Nigeria; local raw materials; farm buildings construction; concrete shell structures.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2012.049510

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2012 Vol.3 No.4, pp.229 - 249

Published online: 20 Aug 2014 *

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