What is stressed skin design?
Stressed skin design utilizes the naturally high in-plane stiffness of cladding systems to remove the need for bracing in the plane of the roof. In traditional stressed skin design outer edge members resist the bending forces (akin to the flanges of a beam), while the sheeting resists the shear forces acting like the web of a typical beam.
Enabling clauses for Stressed skin design are given in the latest version of Eurocode 3 BS EN 1993-1-3 (2006), however this references the detailed procedures in “European Recommendations for the Application of Metal Sheeting acting as a Diaphragm” published in 1995.
WHY USE STRESSED SKIN DESIGN?
“Metal roof decks are used in many residential, school and office buildings. Stressed skin diaphragm design, which makes it possible for the roof to be constructed without bracing, has become an accepted practice in many countries, e.g. the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Germany and Sweden. For structural and economic reasons, bracing of flat roofs is undesirable, and diaphragm design has become the most attractive solution to this problem. Significant savings in material and labour can be achieved.”
Höglund (2002) – Stabilisation by stressed skin diaphragm design
Case studies
Thousands of buildings have been constructed utilizing stressed skin design – a few notable systems and examples are shown below.
Fruit and vegetable building, New Covent Garden, London, UK
Neckarstadion, Stuttgart, Germany
Emirates Stadium, London, UK
CLASP System, 1000+ buildings, UK
How can SCIT help you?
As well as being instrumental in the development of Stressed Skin Theory, the SCIT team have designed numerous buildings using stressed skin theory over the years. Our knowledge, experience and specialist software allows us to quickly analyse your structure and provide you with the cladding specification to maximise efficiency and ensure the structure is safe throughout its working life. We also offer support and guidance throughout the life of the project.