Thin-Walled Structures

The company name, which consists of an abbreviation of the words Thin-Walled Structures CONsulting, shows that we are focused to solving the problems of thin-walled structures.

Thin-walled structures are a specific kind of steel structures. This specification results from the effort to make walls as thin as possible is a natural optimization strategy to reduce dead weight and to minimize construction material. The design calculations required to estimate the strength, stability, and vibration of thin-walled structures are among the most complex problems encountered in structural design. In general, the calculations are limited to solutions of two-dimensional problems in elasticity or plasticity.

Our team has vast experience with analyses of several types of thin-wall structures. We have solved various problems – settlement, vibrations, buckling, loss of stability, thickness optimization, etc. Each of our solutions is based on our knowledge of structural mechanics and design principles. Within our own research & development activities and R&D in cooperation with Brno University of Technology we have drawn up several design rules that are our own know-how.

A big part of our services are focused on analyses of existing thin-walled structures. We are dedicated to improving asset integrity for our client through complex inspections support in whole lifecycle of structures. We are highly skilled in structural integrity analysis, management of inspection and decision making. Our solutions always seeking to reduce risk, assure safety, improve environmental performance and money saving.

Thin-walled structures main services range:

  • Stress analyses and stability analyses of all kinds of thin-wall shell structures (storage tanks, silos, containers, roofs, etc.).
  • Design of shell structures according to Eurocodes or other national standards.
  • Numerical analysis of shell structures using finite element method (FEM).
  • Analysis of the technical state of constructions, analysis of detected defects including a design of repairs.
  • Calculation of residual life time of structures and assessment of limit load.
  • Analysis of settlement of the structures.
  • Analysis of structures for seismic loads.
  • Visual inspection of steel structures and assembly of inspections plans.
  • Feasibility studies, consulting services in the field of thin-walled structures.
  • Draw up of non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, including the processing of evaluation of results.
Analyses of settlement of the structures

Settlement of foundations can occur due to various factors such as underground erosion, structural collapse of soli, thermal changes, frost heave, vibrations, effect of underground water, etc. In each case settlement have significant effect to structural integrity of structure. Our team have big experiences with numerical analyses of settlement.

Supervision and consultancy activities

We are an independent team that provide to our client supervision and consultancy activities as a third party independent member. We have extensive experience that are helpful, time reducing a money saving to our clients.

Buckling analyses of thin-walled structures

Buckling is one of the potential problems of thin-walled structures. Correct analyses of stability of thin-walled structures can prevent many problems and save a lot of money in the future. Our services are focused on design as well as failure analysis of thin-walled structures.

Cracks and failure structures analyses

Failure analysis is very important process of collecting and analysing data to determine the cause of a structure failure. It is essential always to learn from previous problems and mistakes. We have vast experience that is very helpful during solutions of new threads, because we “live and learn.”