This paper develops a cellular automata (CA) technique for predicting the failure modes of single-layer latticed cylindrical shells to address computing time cost and explore computing results’ further application. Firstly, finite element analysis gives out the failure modes of the single-layer latticed cylindrical shells under harmonic loads and TAFT seismic waves. Then, two CA numerical modes are established: the dynamic instability modes of shells under harmonic ground motion, described by the normalized finite element node displacements; the strength failure mode under TAFT seismic waves, described by the logarithmic strain energy density of node domain. Moreover, the concept of node domain similarity is proposed and the corresponding criterion is established to match the node domain similarity between shells. Finally, the CA technique is formed to predict the dynamic instability modes and the strength failure modes of objective shells, based on the failure modes of base shells. The predicted results validate the CA technique, which could be a new way for analyzing shell structures.