ULTIMATE STRENGTH OF INVERTED DOME SHELL FOUNDATIONS WITH FREE EDGES.

The paper presents the results of studies conducted on inverted spherical shell sectors which can serve as foundations for cylindrical structures or structures supported on a circular row of columns. Theoretical analysis for the ultimate strength of laterally unrestrained shell foundations of this type by the mechanism method has been verified by tests on wire-reinforced microconcrete models which proved their enormous strength and consequently the high load factors involved in their design. The results are indicative of the large scope of economy possible with these shells, when put to use as foundations.