Structural, daylighting, and energy performance of perforated concrete shell structures

In this work, a computational interdisciplinary design approach is used to integrate assessment of the structural and environmental performance of perforated concrete shell structures. Design parameters that co-exist in these disciplines and relevant performance criteria are identified. Questions result: how do these design parameters affect performance? What is the tradeoff between performance in each? Computer-aided design tools are used for form generation and performance assessment. Statistical analyses are used to study the sensitivity of performance to each parameter. Finally, the perforation ratio is found to be the most significant parameter affecting both disciplines; a value ≤ 10% to 20% is recommended for shell structures when translucent glazing is installed without shades in a Boston-type climate.