An integrated design and construction workflow for free-form prefabricated ice shell structure

AbstractIce shell structures have gained widespread attention in cold regions due to their unique aesthetic forms and efficient structural configurations. However, the poor mechanical properties of the materials and the adoption of traditional design and construction methods have constrained the appearance and construction techniques of ice shell structures. This necessitates the development of an integrated approach that combines design and construction. This study proposes a combined approach based on graphical statics theory and the finite element method (FEM) to generate free-form geometries for ice shell structures and conducts a comprehensive structural analysis of their mechanical performance. The construction strategy primarily involves the prefabrication of ice shell components and on-site assembly, the workflow that has been validated through a case study of the Harbin Ice and Snow World. Subsequently, a 16-day structural monitoring program was conducted to investigate the factors influencing the performance of ice shell structures. The monitoring results indicate that the primary factors affecting the structural behavior of ice shells were identified as air temperature and wind speed, with solar radiation as secondary influence. The results demonstrate that the proposed workflow enables the free-form design of ice shells, while the prefabrication and assembly methods are suitable for ice shell construction. Additionally, the monitoring method and analytical results can provide support for establishing safety assessment protocols for ice shell structures.