SHELL STRUCTURE

Shell structures are thin, curved, three-dimensional structural forms that derive their strength from their geometry rather than material mass. They efficiently resist loads
through membrane action (compression and tension) with minimal bending. Shells are commonly used in large-span roofs, domes, and vaults due to their lightweight yet
strong nature.
● Thin and Curved: The defining feature is their small thickness relative to their other dimensions,
combined with curvature in one or two directions. Lotus Temple (Bahá'í House of
● Self-Supporting: The curved form allows the shell to transmit forces efficiently through its surface, Worship)
making it inherently stable. Location: Bahapur village, Kalkaji, south New
● Material Efficiency: By utilizing geometry, shells can cover large spans with minimal material. Delhi; to the west of Connaught Place, on
● Dual Function: They act as both the structural framework and the outer covering. Mandir Marg.
Load‐carrying & Support System Site Area: ~24 acres / ~105,000 m².
● Arches: Nine large arches placed at angular intervals (about 40°) around the central hall which carry major Built: 1978–1986.
loads of the superstructure. Architect: Fariborz Sahba.
● Ribs: From each arch crown, ribs radiate. Structural Designer / Consultant: Flint &
● Ring Beams / Radial Beams: Shells meet radial beams or ring beams / star beams etc., which help Nail, London.
distribute load to foundation and into the arches.
The Lotus temple is due to its flowerlike shape. Lotus temple is also
Formwork & Fabrication known by the “BAHAI House of worship/ BAHAI FAITH”.
● Full-scale mockups of bottom surfaces of each shell were The Lotus Temple is a reinforced concrete thin-shell structure clad
made at ground level; architecture pattern (radial/vertical with Greek white marble. Its roof is formed of 27 free-standing petals
planes, spherical longitudes/latitudes etc.) was laid out on shaped as spherical shells, constructed with custom formwork and ribs
to provide strength. The shells act in compression, transferring loads
these.
through a ring beam into the foundations. The use of marble not only
● Formwork: Plywood & timber joists; outer shutter panels; enhances durability but also symbolizes purity, giving the temple its
temporary supported by welded steel, purlins etc. lotus-like brilliance.
Section Showing Interior Dome ● Shells were concreted in lifts; entrance leaves and outer
leaves were cast one at a time; inner leaves in groups (three
at a time) in two lifts from base to “star beams.”
Joints & Connections
● The shells are monolithically cast in situ (i.e. continuous
concrete), particularly up to certain levels, ensuring
continuity and avoiding cold joints except where necessary.
● For marble cladding (on outer surface): panels are fixed with
stainless steel brackets, which are anchored into the
concrete after concreting. Joints between panels are sealed
with rubber moulded cord and silicon sealant to allow for
thermal expansion and prevent water ingress.
PLAN

Component Location / Role Width & Height Thickness Shape / Geometry

Outer leaves Outer petals of entrance and Outer leaf at entrance Uniform shell thickness Spherical surfaces define both interior and
surroundings ~15.4 m wide, rises ~22.5 ~1.33 m at lower parts, exterior.
m above podium. ~2.55 m toward upper
extremes

Inner leaves Closer to interior dome, Rise to ~33.6 m height ~200 mm thick. These are double curved, including ridge and
forming the more enclosed (approx) for inner leaves. re-entrant geometry ; intersection of toroidal,
parts of the petal cluster conical surfaces etc.

Entrance The petals that form main Height ~7.8 m above From ~150 mm at centre Varied geometry; shells defined by sections of
leaves entrance approach podium for entrance to ~300 mm at edges. spheres, cones etc.
leaves. Section Showing Interior Dome

ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION | SEM IX