Finite element model analysis of works authored by Félix Candela

Abstract

Because it is easy to build and due to the relative simplicity of its structural analysis the hyperbolic paraboloid made of reinforced concrete is highly employed by the architect Félix Candela (1910-1997). In this article the structural behaviour of several such works is analyzed. Specifically two warped parallelograms [1], Los Manantiales restaurant (Mexico) and Guadalupe church (Madrid). The hypar geometry and the structural analysis reported by Candela are briefly explained. In all cases the stresses are allowable for the material. We have verified the membrane behaviour of the structures by means of an index which value oscillates between 0 (pure bending) and 1 (pure membrane). This index depends on the support conditions of the shell, as Candela remarked.