MONOLITHIC DOME

by Rusheb Arab Maqbool (1DS09CV013)

Contents
Objectives
Stresses acting on Dome
Materials
Construction method
Advantages
Disadvantages
Conclusion
Bibliography

OBJECTIVES

TO STUDY THE DESIGN OF THE DOME

TO STUDY ABOUT MONOLITHIC CONCRETE
DOMES
CONSTRUCTION AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE

STRESSES ACTING ON
DOME
Generally, a spherical dome may be
imagining consisting of a number of
horizontal rings placed one over the
other. The diameters of the successive
rings increase in the downward
direction and the equilibrium is
maintained independently of the rings
above it. The circle of each ring is
called latitude while the circle drawn
through two diametrically opposite
points on a horizontal diameter and
the crown is known as a meridian
circle. The entire meridian circles
coverage at the crown of the spherical
dome. Two types of stresses acting on
the domes are

Meridional thrust (T) along

the direction of meridian
Hoop stress along
latitudes

The Process for building dome enclosures has been refined and
streamlined over the years. There are two principle types of dome
enclosures: Monolithic Domes, larger insulated homes and buildings,
and Ecoshells, smaller domes developed especially for hot weather
climates, disaster relief and redevelopment of substandard housing.
Ecoshells represent the best option for low cost safe housing in areas
where earthquakes, fires, floods and hurricanes are a possibility.
Although ecoshells are not
insulated, their design
maintains a cool, near
constant temperature.
Ecoshells are ideal for areas
with high summer and
moderate winter temperatures.
They are constructed using
concrete and rebar and can be

MATERIALS
AIRFORM

KITS
POLYURETHANE FOAM
REINFORCING STEEL
CONCRETE

CONSTRUCTION METHODS

A Reinforced concrete foundation ,or ring

beam, is constructed, defining the shape
of the base of the structure

The fabric form, or Air form, is attached to

the foundation and inflated with an air
blower

A layer of polyurethane is sprayed on the

interior of the form to give it rigidity

Rebar is attached to the outside layer of

the foam, using clips that are attached to
the foam
Several inches of concrete is sprayed over
the rebar frame
After the concrete is set the blower is
turned of
Surface treatment like paint or tile can be
applied

Grid foam mono dome

(below)

Concrete construction

Typical interior layout of a

Monolithic Dome

Largest monolithic dome

Faith Chapel Christian Center in Alabama, which is 72 feet (22 m)

tall, and 280 feet (85 m) in diameter. Inside is a floor area of 74,500
square feet (6,920 m2) in two levels

ADVANTAGES
Monolithic

domes are one of the

most Environmentally friendly
structures.
They are very rigid structures ,they
have been known to survive
tornadoes ,hurricane ,earthquake
and fire
It needs minimum energy to
maintain a comfortable interior
The dome shape give two major

DISADVANTAGES
Engineering
Only specially trained construction crew
are suited for the building of a dome using
modern techniques
The curved surface results in oddly
shaped room when divided ,which results
in wastage of space
The monolithic domes lack of seams make
it too well sealed ,Dehumidifiers are
required in dry climates

Social
The radically diferent appearance of
monolithic domes decreases the appeal
for their use as private residences.
Building permits are difficult to obtain
from govt. officials
Resale of monolithic domes may be
difficult because of its unconventional
appearance

CONCLUSION
Monolithic is dedicated to improving
peoples lives worldwide by introducing and
constructing Monolithic Domes ,for personal
and public use ,that are disaster-resistant
,energy efficient and cost efective.
Monolithic Domes are the most enery
efficient and safest buildings that can be
built and that can be designed for many
uses. Monolithic domes are designed as
tornado or storm shelters.

Monolithic domes are made into

gymnasiums ,auditoriums ,multipurpose
centers etc. Because Monolithic Technology
meets criteria for a structure that can
provide near absolute disaster protection
,and in most cases they save money on first
cost of the construction. The monolithic
dome has sufficient durability and which
ofers exceptional resistance to
earthquake ,fire and extreme wind.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Google

(www.google.com)
Wikipedia (www.wikipedia.com)
www.monolithic.com
www.domeofahome.com
Building monolithic domes by Sean
Lanham
Trinity Dome Construction log

THANK YOU