A circular cylindrical finite element is combined with beam elements to provide an efficient numerical method for the solution of stiffened shell problems. The analysis includes the transformation relations necessary to account for eccentricity of the stiffening of support members or both. The finite element used for the shell is a modification of the F. K. Bogner, R. L. Fox and L. A. Schmit 48 degrees-of-freedom element. The structure chosen was a roof shell with edge beams.