Advanced computer calculations in the design of shell structures

Outlined in this paper are different types of computer analyses as part of the design process for metal shell structures. Because of their efficiency, shell structures are commonly used in applications such as food and drink containers, automobiles, aircraft and spacecraft and storage structures. Civil engineering uses steel shell structures for silos, tanks, pipelines, chimneys, towers and masts. The innovative new Eurocode 3 for the Strength and Stability of Shells is the first standard of its kind to include the codification of the use of computer analyses, together with careful definitions of the manner of interpreting the results into a limit state design framework. The overview provided in this paper is intended to guide users and researchers into understanding the thinking behind the standard.