Numerical collapse simulations of large cooling towers checking their safety and durability

The safety and reliability of natural draught cooling towers are studied by physically and geometrically nonlinear collapse analyses. The simulations are based on the different safety concepts of the VGB-BTR and the Eurocode 2. Their results allow an assessment of the influences the new safety concept will have on the design and failure mechanism of these shells. Using a multi-layered shell element the mechanical behaviour is simulated by incrementally-iteratively following the load history up to failure. Critical load factors and crack widths yield insights into the probability of failure and the durability. (orig.)