Stability Analysis of Framework Shell Dome Prone to Imperfections – Collapse of Exhibition Building in Bucharest, Romania

The thesis represents a stability analysis of a framework shell prone to imperfections. The dome-shaped framework shell was built in Bucharest, Romania, in 1961 and tumbled down 17 months later due to a minor snow load. The analysis is based on technical reports written at that time.

Author	Fabian Jurek Braun
University	Karlsruhe University of Technology and Economics, Germany

The main question is whether the collapse of the dome could have been predicted with the current state of knowledge and computer-aided programs.

First the shell is subjected to a stability failure analysis by using a continuum method. In the next step, the dome is calculated discretely (FEA) using a framework program. Then, the results are compared to the technical reports. Finally, further suggestions are made concerning the optimization of the model.

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