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TYPICAL USES

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 In this section different types of domes will be discussed. When domes are mentioned most people will
immediately think of antiquity and all the masonry domes that will never be duplicated. We want to show
that not only are domes still being created today, but in new interesting and applicable ways.

Grid Domes
 The diagram below depicts twelve different grid dome patterns. These represent the basic grid dome
patterns being created today but in no means represent all. Other patterns could be variations of the ones
shown below or they could be multilayer patterns combining patterns.

http://www.surrey.ac.uk/eng/research/ems/ssrc/intro.htm
Grid domes are created by projecting a plane grid pattern onto a curved surface. The curved surface used
could be a sphere, polyhedron or in the case of (k) a icosahedron, or 20-faced regular polyhedron. The
possiblities are endless with designing grid domes.

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In general grid domes have a large span vs. height ratio. They tend to be rather shallow compared to other
dome types, which can be very useful. The patterns allow for varietablity in the structure, one could put
glass or another filler between the grid. These features make this type of dome perfect for observatories
and atriums. The large span to height ratio is also useful when the site has height limits.

Air-Inflated Membrane

 
http://www.takenaka.co.jp/takenaka_e/dome_e/history/tech/air.html
This type of dome uses the same technology as a hot air balloon. The air pressure inside is greater than  the
external air pressure pushing on it which gives support to the roof. In this type of construction sunlight is
able to penetrate the membrane allowing for brighter interiors. This method is commonly seen in sporting
facilities.

The pictures above are of the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo and the B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.  Other
examples within the United States would be the Metro Dome, in Minneapolis, ballpark of the Minnesota
Twins, and the Silverdome in Pontiac, former home of the Detroit Lions.

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Suspendomes

This type is really a hybrid of a single-layer truss dome and a cable strut system. Combined the dome has
increased stiffness as well greater stability. This is accomplished by the cables, the outward thrust of the
dome is conteracted by the pull of cables.

These pictures show suspendomes, the first is the Georgia Dome, home to the Atlanta Falcons, and the
second is the Millenium Dome in Greenwich, London, constructed to hold celebration of the beginning of
the third millenium (January 1st, 2000). This type of dome is also popular for sporting or large public
facilities. 

Hyperbolic Paraboloid
Recently there has been a move to implement a new type of 3D compression system, the hyperbolic
paraboloid. Some may recognize this as a math term, which is the correct way of thinking. This form of
architectural design is derived from just that term. In architecture it is a structure with hyperbolic and
parabolic cross-sections. Seen below are several examples of this type of architecture:

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In order of appearances, starting at the top left, the Philips pavilion, Girls' grammar school in London,
Factory in Dallas Texas, the Herdez plant in Mexico, and the cosmic-ray pavilion at the University of Mexico.

This is a small sampling of what look a hyperbolic paraboloid building might take, but there are many
different and unique possiblities.

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