Author

Maha Kenawy

Abstract

This study proposes the design and construction of a concrete spherical cap composed of uniformly-shaped precast doubly-curved panels based on spherical division techniques. A numerical structural analysis is conducted to study the failure behavior of the segmented structure and the capacity of the joints by using finite element modeling techniques to model the concrete material behavior, boundary conditions and intermediate joints of the precast panels. An experimental analysis is conducted to verify the capacity of the structure and the reliability of the modeling techniques, and to study the feasibility of the proposed panel prefabrication and assembly method. The results of this study demonstrate that the proposed precast system and connection design perform efficiently when compared to the monolithically-cast counterpart, particularly under uniform loading conditions. Additional insights on the properties and solution parameters of finite element modelling of concrete shell structures are presented based on the structural analysis of this work. The study concludes the ability of the proposed geometric design and construction method to enhance the prefabrication and construction efficiency with little effect on the structural capacity within the context of the selected geometry and conducted load tests, and recommends further parameters to study for design and construction optimization.

Degree Name

MS in Construction Engineering

Graduation Date

2-1-2015

Submission Date

October 2014

First Advisor

Nassar, Khaled

Committee Member 1

Abdel Mooty, Mohamed

Committee Member 2

Sayed-Ahmed, Ezzeldin Yazeed

Extent

322 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Concrete domes.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Precast concrete.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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