Concrete shell construction method

Abstract

A shell structure construction method utilizing a plurality of anchored and laterally connected pre-cast reinforced concrete shells, each of these subject shells has a specific shape in which the shell walls are defined by an inverted catenary shape or alternatively by other efficient geometric shapes. An improved joint support mechanic includes a combination of fastener elements and a plurality of post tensioned cable systems disposed between and connecting contiguous shell elements. This construction method is suitable for manufacturing and implementing severe storm shelters used during tornadoes and other severe weather events.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A storm shelter comprising:
 a plurality of shells having a first surface with a recess to house a flange, a second surface and a third surface, said shells connected to each other by a connecting mechanism having a member on the shells to strengthen said storm shelter;   a structure connected to the second surface of said shells to anchor said shells to the earth to enable said storm shelter to withstand wind load; and   a supporter connected to the third surface of the shells to support the shells to provide integral rigidity, stiffness and strength to said storm shelter;   wherein said connecting mechanism connects said shells to each other by connecting said member on said shells to the flange housed in said recess at an angle to strengthen said shells by allowing load bearing.   
     
     
         2 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said member of the connecting mechanism is connected perpendicular to the flange housed in said recess. 
     
     
         3 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein a connecting edge of said shells connected to each other is covered by a substance to provide adhesion between said shells. 
     
     
         4 . The storm shelter according to  claim 2 , wherein the member and the flange are connected by a method selected from any one of welding and bolting. 
     
     
         5 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said shells are circumferentially connected to each other by the connecting mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said structure comprises reinforced concrete with plurality of rebar buried at a depth in the earth. 
     
     
         7 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein the structure and the second surface of said shells are connected by a connecting device. 
     
     
         8 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said member is a rebar. 
     
     
         9 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said supporter is a circular flange. 
     
     
         10 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein a covering device covers an opening of said supporter. 
     
     
         11 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said shells comprise a channel. 
     
     
         12 . The storm shelter according to  claim 11 , wherein said shells are post tensioned by a tensioning device to strengthen the shells. 
     
     
         13 . The storm shelter according to  claim 12 , wherein said tensioning device is circumferentially coupled to said shells. 
     
     
         14 . The storm shelter according to  claim 13 , wherein said tensioning device is housed in the channel of said shells. 
     
     
         15 . The storm shelter according to  claim 14 , wherein at least one of said shells are provided with a cavity to anchor said tensioning device. 
     
     
         16 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said shells comprises a door to allow access into said storm shelter. 
     
     
         17 . The storm shelter according to  claim 16 , wherein said door has a resistive layer to enable said door to resist puncture by flying debris during weather event. 
     
     
         18 . The storm shelter according to  claim 1 , wherein said storm shelter houses a sitting arrangement to enable a user to sit. 
     
     
         19 . A method of constructing a storm shelter comprising the steps of:
 Installing a structure on the earth to enable anchoring of said storm shelter;   Assembling a plurality of shells having a first surface with a recess, second surface and a third surface by connecting the shells to each other by a connecting mechanism by connecting a member on the shells to a flange housed in the recess of said first surface at an angle to strengthen said shells by allowing load bearing;   Anchoring said shells to the structure by connecting said second surface of the shells with the structure by a connecting device; and   Supporting the shells by a supporter by connecting the third surface of the shell to the supporter.   
     
     
         20 . The method according to  claim 19 , including assembling the shells by connecting the member perpendicularly to the flange. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 19 , including assembling the shells by covering a connecting edge of the shells by a substance to provide adhesion between said shells. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 19 , including connecting said shells circumferentially to each other by the connecting mechanism. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 19 , including installing reinforced concrete with a plurality of rebar as the structure to enable anchoring of said storm shelter. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 19 , including covering an opening of the supporter by a covering device. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 19 , including post tensioning said shells having a channel by a tensioning device housed in the channel. 
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 25 , including coupling said tensioning device circumferentially to the shells. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 26 , including anchoring said tensioning device in a cavity on at least any on of said shells. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 19 , including installing a door on any one of said shells to allow access into the storm shelter. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 28 , including installing a door with a resistive layer to enable the door to resist puncture by flying debris during weather event. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 19 , including housing sitting arrangement to enable the user to sit.