Structural Studies Vaults

Figure 1 Astrodome in Houston, Texas, USA (1965)1

Spherical Domes I:
Shape, Loads, and Supports

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Geometry and Loads
3. Support Reactions and Tension Ring

Princeton University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering January 2019
Professor Maria E. Moreyra Garlock
Structural Studies Vaults

1. Introduction2
Large domes are made of a variety of structural materials, the most common are concrete
and steel. The Astrodome (Figure 1), for example, is made from a network of steel trusses.
Little Sports Palace (Figure 2), is made of reinforced concrete. Whatever the material,
the first steps of analysis and design are the same. A dome’s shape, loads and supports
determine the forces, as in any structure. Once these forces are found, the corresponding
stresses can be found and then compared to the specific material capacity.

Figure 2
Little Sports Palace, Rome, Italy (1960).
Designed by Pier Luigi Nervi.
Left: exterior view 3.
Right: interior view

Structurally, a dome is a surface of revolution generated by rotating a plane (2-dimensional)

curve about an axis of revolution as illustrated in Figure 3. The dome, however, does not
behave like a series of two-dimensional arches from a structural engineering point of
view. Domes act in three-dimensions as represented by the meridians plus the hoops4
(Figure 4). More discussion on meridonial and hoop forces will be given in Part II of this
Structural Study; this Part I begins the study of spherical domes with a brief description of
the geometry, gravity loads, and reactions at the support.

arch axis of rotation

rotating arch

Figure 3
The arch and the dome

dome created by
rotating arch

dome

Spherical Domes I — 2
Structural Studies Vaults

meridians
hoops

Figure 4
Defining the meridians and tension ring
hoops in a dome

2. Geometry and Loads

The geometry of a spherical dome is defined by a “spherical cap” sketched in Figure 5,
where a = the radius of curvature (spherical radius), and α = the angle from the top of the
dome to the bottom of the dome measured along the meridian. Once a and α are known,
the other geometric properties can be derived using simple geometric relationships.

r
h

a a
Figure 5
Spherical cap defining the
geometry of a dome

3D VIEW 2D VIEW FROM SIDE

The height (or rise) of the dome, h, equals:

Equation 1
The height (rise) of a dome
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)

𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼)

The planar radius of the dome at the base (e.g., the floor radius) can be determined from
trigonometric relationship of the triangle formed by r, a, and α.
𝐴𝐴 −
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 = 𝑎𝑎2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)

Equation 2
The planar radius of a dome ℎ =2 𝑎𝑎(1
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎 − (𝑎𝑎−−cos
ℎ)2𝛼𝛼)==√𝑎𝑎
600 ft ∙−(1cos
2 ∙ (1 − 2cos
𝛼𝛼)32.3°) = 92.84 ft
at the base

= √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft

𝐴𝐴 = 𝑟𝑟2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ

span−=cos
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 2𝑟𝑟𝛼𝛼)
== (321ftft∙ )(1=−642
2 ∙600 cosft32.3°) = 92.84 ft
Spherical Domes I — 3
2 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84
𝐴𝐴 =2 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 2 ft) = 350,010 ft 22
Structural Studies Vaults

ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)

The surface area of the dome is found by integration over ϕ (which ranges from 0 to α as
shown in Figure 5) and results in:
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼)

Equation 3
The surface area of a dome
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ

ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft

This surface area will be used later to find the weight of the dome. Note that this area will
always be larger than the floor area that the dome covers, which is equal to πr2.
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 =
The primary load of a dome that is designed specifically to enclose a large span is its own
weight (self-weight); this is characteristicspan
of a=long-span
2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (roof.
321 ftSelf-weight
) = 642 ft load is uniform
over the surface of the dome (as shown on the left of Figure 6), and referred to as q in
units of force/area. Other loads on a dome (such =
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ as2𝜋𝜋
some “live
∙ (600 ft)loads”) are
∙ (92.84 ft)uniform overft 2
= 350,010
its horizontal projection (as shown on the right of Figure 6), and referred to as p in units
of force/area. Examples of live loads include snow,
𝑄𝑄 wind, and precipitation. If the dome is
𝑉𝑉 =
fairly flat (small α) then the difference between
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋using q or p to determine the forces and
stresses is small.
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
q p
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼

Figure 6
Gravity loading on a dome 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟

𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips
uniform over surface 𝑉𝑉 = uniform
= over horizontal projection
= 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6 ft)

𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft

Example 1
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/
Astrodome Sports Complex, Houston TX
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
The Astrodome Sports Complex in Houston has one of the largest interior spaces
covered by a dome (Figures 1, 7). The𝑞𝑞examples
total = 𝑞𝑞dead
to + 𝑞𝑞live =
follow will30
bepsf + 15on
based psfthis
= dome
45 psf5. = 0.045 ks

Determine:
𝑄𝑄total = 𝑞𝑞total ∙ 𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 k
Find the height (h), span (2r), and surface area (A) of the dome. Also find the total
weight of the dome, Qtotal , for the given𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
loads (qdead𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
and qlive).
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
2 2
Given:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
• a = 600
The Astrodome’s spherical radius,𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 ftsin
= 𝑇𝑇 [2 and( angle
)] α = 32.3° (Figure 7).
2
• Total dead load, qdead = 30 psf (comprised of steel trusses = 18 psf; plus decking
and roofing = 12 psf). 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0
• Total live load , qlive = 15 psf.
6
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0

𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.

Spherical Domes I — 4
Structural Studies Vaults

ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)

𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 −span
(𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼) span = 2r
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ h
Figure 7 𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼) r
Astrodome and dimensions
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ

a
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft

ius =
ℎ= r 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft

d
cal ra
span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft

ri
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 2

sphe
ℎ
span = 𝑎𝑎=−2𝑟𝑟 𝑎𝑎 ∙=cos2 ∙𝛼𝛼(321
= 𝑎𝑎(1ft)−=cos642 𝛼𝛼)ft
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 𝑄𝑄 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)
𝑉𝑉 = √𝑎𝑎2 2 = √𝑎𝑎 2 ∙ (1 − cos 2 𝛼𝛼)
𝑟𝑟𝐴𝐴
ℎ= − 𝑎𝑎−∙=(𝑎𝑎
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
= 𝑎𝑎2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ cos −𝛼𝛼∙ℎ)
2𝜋𝜋 (600
= 𝑎𝑎(1ft) 𝛼𝛼) ft) = 350,010 ft 2
(92.84
− ∙cos
Solution
2 2 2 ∙ (1𝛼𝛼)− cos2 𝛼𝛼)
𝑟𝑟ℎ == √𝑎𝑎
𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎−∙ (𝑎𝑎 cos−𝛼𝛼ℎ) = √𝑎𝑎
= 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos
𝑉𝑉
𝐴𝐴 𝑁𝑁′
= √𝑎𝑎
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝑄𝑄2𝜙𝜙 −sin 𝛼𝛼
The height
𝑟𝑟 =
𝑉𝑉 = is determined (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2though
= √𝑎𝑎2Equation
∙ (1 − cos1:2 𝛼𝛼)
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼)
ℎ=
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑎𝑎(1
𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙−cos cos𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
The span
𝐴𝐴 =equals
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ twice the radius of the dome. Using Equation 2:
𝑇𝑇
𝑟𝑟 =
ℎ = √𝑎𝑎
= 𝐻𝐻 ∙2𝑟𝑟−
𝑎𝑎(1 − cos
(𝑎𝑎 − 2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft
𝛼𝛼)ℎ)= 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′2𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft
𝑟𝑟ℎ == √𝑎𝑎
𝑎𝑎(1 − − cos
(𝑎𝑎 − 2 = √(600
𝛼𝛼)ℎ)= 600 ft ∙ (1ft)− cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
span 𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips
= 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642ft)ft2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft
𝑟𝑟 =
𝑉𝑉 = √𝑎𝑎2 −=(𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 = 7.82 kips/ft
Therefore,
𝑇𝑇
span = 𝐻𝐻2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 𝑟𝑟 =2𝜋𝜋
=∙ 2𝑟𝑟
∙ (320.6 ft)
2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 (∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 2
span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ 321 ft) = 642 ft
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′ 𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼15,750
= 14.63 kipskips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝑉𝑉 == 2𝜋𝜋 (∙ (600 ft) ∙=(92.84
7.82 ft) = 350,010 ft 2
kips/ft
span 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋=𝑄𝑄2𝑟𝑟 =2𝜋𝜋 321 ft)ft)
2 ∙∙ (320.6 = 642 ft
The dome surface area equals (Equation 3):
𝑉𝑉 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 2
𝐴𝐴
𝐻𝐻 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋𝑁𝑁′
𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝑉𝑉 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝐴𝐴
𝑉𝑉 𝑁𝑁′ =
sin 2𝜋𝜋
𝛼𝛼 = ∙ (600
14.63 ft) ∙ (92.84
kips/ft ∙ ft)
sin = 350,010
32.3° = 7.82ft 2
kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑄𝑄
𝜙𝜙
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋∙𝜙𝜙𝑟𝑟 sin 𝛼𝛼
= (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
The total surface𝑄𝑄 load of the dome (qtotal) equals qdead + qlive:
𝐻𝐻
𝑉𝑉 =
=
𝑉𝑉 = 𝜙𝜙 𝑁𝑁′
𝑁𝑁′ 𝜙𝜙 cos
sin 𝛼𝛼
𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝐻𝐻 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑁𝑁′ cos 𝛼𝛼
𝑞𝑞
𝑉𝑉total
= 𝑁𝑁′= 𝑞𝑞 + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
sin 𝛼𝛼
𝜙𝜙dead
𝜙𝜙
𝑇𝑇
𝐻𝐻 = = 𝐻𝐻𝑁𝑁′∙ 𝑟𝑟 cos= (12.37𝛼𝛼 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
(note, ksf
𝑇𝑇 = = kips per∙ square foot) ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 kips
𝑄𝑄 = 𝐻𝐻𝑁𝑁′
𝐻𝐻total =∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑞𝑞total
𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐴𝐴 = (0.045
𝑞𝑞total
𝑇𝑇 𝐻𝐻=∙ 𝑞𝑞𝑟𝑟dead
=dome’s + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf 2+ 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
Over the
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′ cos
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙
area 𝛼𝛼 of 350,010 ft the total weight of the dome equals:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑15,750 kips
𝑇𝑇
𝑉𝑉 2= 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = 2 )
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( = 7.82 kips/ft
𝑄𝑄total 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
=𝑄𝑄 𝑞𝑞total2𝜋𝜋 𝐴𝐴∙ (320.6
∙15,750 ft) ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 kips
= (0.045
kips
𝑉𝑉 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 =
𝑇𝑇 = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑄𝑄 2𝜋𝜋 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑∙ (320.6
15,750 ft)
kips
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin ( )]
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑𝛼𝛼 2= 14.63 kips/ft = 7.82 kips/ft
∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
=
𝑄𝑄𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( 2𝜋𝜋 ) ∙ (320.6 ft)
2 215,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′ − 𝜙𝜙
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
sin
= 𝛼𝛼0= 14.63 kips/ft
𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
= 7.82∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6 ft)
𝐻𝐻
𝑉𝑉 = = 𝑁𝑁′ 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sincos𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑== 14.63
14.63kips/ft
kips/ft ∙∙(sin
cos32.3°
32.3°)==7.82
12.37 kips/ft
kips/ft
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝜙𝜙[2 sin (
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − = 𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇= 0 )]
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 2= 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇 =
= 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝐻𝐻 = 𝐻𝐻𝑁𝑁′
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 cos=𝛼𝛼0 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
− 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝜙𝜙
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝐻𝐻 =− 𝑇𝑇𝑁𝑁′=𝜙𝜙 0cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 (0.045 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965
2 ) kips
𝑄𝑄 = 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞total +
𝑞𝑞 total = ∙ 𝐴𝐴𝑞𝑞 = = 30 psf
ksf) ∙ (350,010
+ 15 psf = 45ftpsf== 15,750 kips
0.045 ksf
total dead live
𝑄𝑄total = 𝑞𝑞total ∙ 𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 kipsSpherical Domes I — 5
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
𝑄𝑄total ==𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
𝑞𝑞total( ∙ )𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 kips
Structural Studies Vaults

3. Support Reactions and Tension Ring

For an arch, inclined reactions are supported at the base, for example through abutments
(e.g., Figure 3, left) or a tie (see Structural Study: Tied Arch Bridges). A dome also needs to
support inclined reactions (Figure 4); however, because the dome is 3-dimensional the way
that the horizontal component of that inclined force is supported is very different from an
arch. The vertical components of the inclined reactions are easily provided since a dome
typically sits on a wall (Figure 3, center) or on the ground (e.g. Little Sports Palace, Figure 2);
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 −
but the horizontal components usually require 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cosstructural
special 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)as discussed next.
details

The horizontal component (thrust) of the inclined reactions can be supported in two
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼)
ways: (1) walls that are thick and heavy (e.g. Pantheon) to support the induced bending
and/or (2) a tension ring structure at the dome’s base, which is forced into tension by the
𝐴𝐴 =is2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
horizontal component. The second solution seen in examples from the Renaissance, like
the Florence Cathedral, where heavy chains resist these thrusts. The majority of modern
ℎ=
domes have either a reinforced concrete =𝑎𝑎 −
ℎring or𝑎𝑎 a∙−cos
𝑎𝑎(1 cos𝛼𝛼𝛼𝛼)
steel = 𝑎𝑎(1 −ring
= 600
tension cos 𝛼𝛼) − Astrodome).
ft ∙ (e.g.,
(1 cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)
The vertical reaction, V, to the loads of a dome2 can be calculated
2 2 2in two manners:
2 2 (1) using
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎√𝑎𝑎− −
𝑟𝑟 = 2 (𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎
−−ℎ)ℎ)= = √𝑎𝑎√(600
∙ (1 −ft)cos− (600
𝛼𝛼) ft − 92.84 ft)2 =
the weight of the dome, Q ; and (2) using the meridonial linear force (N’ϕ). Both approaches
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 −
will lead to exactly the same solution measured as(𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 force,
a linear
2 ∙ (1 − cos 2 𝛼𝛼)
= √𝑎𝑎meaning in units of force/
𝐴𝐴 span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
= 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
length. Using the first approach, the vertical reaction equals Q divided by the circumference
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
of the dome, equal to 2πr, where r is based on Equation 2:
ℎ= 𝑎𝑎(1
𝐴𝐴 = − cos
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 𝛼𝛼)
2𝜋𝜋=∙ (600
600 ft
ft)∙ (1 − cos ft)
∙ (92.84 32.3°) = 92.84ftft
= 350,010 2

ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft

Equation 4
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2𝑄𝑄− (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 3
Vertical reaction of dome 𝑉𝑉 =
based on Q 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 3
span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
The second approach to calculating the span vertical = 2 ∙ (321
= 2𝑟𝑟 reaction ft) = 642
is based on the
ft meridonial linear
(600 (92.84 2
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ ft) ∙
force (N’ϕ), which will be studied in Structural Study: Domes II. Figure 8 illustrates ft) = 350,010
howftN’ϕ
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
is divided into a vertical component (V 𝐴𝐴),=and a horizontal
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 component
ft) ∙ (92.84(H),
ft)via
= the following
350,010 ft 2
trigonometric relationship: 𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉 𝑇𝑇
= = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉 =
Equation 5 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
Vertical reaction of dome 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝑄𝑄sin 𝛼𝛼 15,750 kips
based on N’ϕ 𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6 ft)
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
Equation 6 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
Horizontal reaction of dome 𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
based on N’ϕ 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟
Note that V and N are also linear forces (i.e., 𝑄𝑄measured 15,750 kipsper unit length)
in force
𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
𝑇𝑇 =2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋(12.37
𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = ∙ (320.6 ft)
kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6 ft)
𝑉𝑉 𝑞𝑞=total
𝑁𝑁′=𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 =
𝑞𝑞dead + 14.63
𝑞𝑞live =kips/ft
30 psf +∙ sin 32.3°
15 psf == 457.82 kips/ft
psf = 0.045 ks
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
𝐻𝐻 𝑄𝑄 𝑁𝑁′=
=total 𝑞𝑞total
𝜙𝜙 cos = (0.045
𝛼𝛼 ∙=𝐴𝐴14.63 (350,010
ksf)∙( ∙cos
kips/ft ft 212.37
32.3°) = ) = 15,750
kips/ftk
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝑇𝑇 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
= 𝐻𝐻 ∙=𝑟𝑟𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
= (12.37 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
( ) kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
2 2
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞𝑇𝑇 [2 sin
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = dead
+ 𝑞𝑞 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
( live)]
2
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf + 15 psf = Domes
Spherical 45 psf I=—0.045
6 ksf
2
𝑄𝑄total =−
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑∙ =𝐴𝐴0= (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft ) = 15,750 kip
𝑞𝑞total
Structural Studies Vaults

ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)

𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √𝑎𝑎2 ∙ (1 − cos2 𝛼𝛼)

𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
Figure 8
Horizontal and vertical
reactions derived from N’ϕ
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft

𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 =

span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft

𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 2

The horizontal component of the meridonial linear

𝑄𝑄 force is entirely carried by the circular
𝑉𝑉 =
structure of the tension ring, which (as the name
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 states) is acting in tension. This tension
ring is self-equilibrating, meaning it does not require any exterior structure for horizontal
support because of its basic structural nature.
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′The tension
𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 force in a tension ring is found
by converting H (measured in force/length) to units of force by multiplying it by a length.
That length is the dome radius7: 𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼

Equation 7
Tension force in a tension ring
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟

𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 =in the ring.
This force T is the most critical force acting = = 7.82 kips/ft of the
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋Also, the ft)
∙ (320.6 vertical component
meridonial forces is transferred through the ring to the walls and/or supporting columns.
The ring does experience bending as an ordinary beam, however, this force is negligible in
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
comparison to the tension force for which the ring is designed.

𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/

Example 2 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips

𝑞𝑞total
Vertical and Horizontal Reactions in the = 𝑞𝑞dead +Sports
Astrodome 𝑞𝑞live =Complex
30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ks

Determine: 𝑄𝑄total = 𝑞𝑞total ∙ 𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 k

The vertical and horizontal support reactions of the Astrodome and the force in the
tension ring. 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
2 2

Given: 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
• 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 1.
The information and results of Example 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin ( )]
2
• The meridonial linear force at the support, N’ϕ = 14.63 kipt/ft compression. This
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
value will be calculated in Structural − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Study: Domes= 0 II.

𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0

𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.

Spherical Domes I — 7
Structural Studies Vaults 𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
2 2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 2
𝐴𝐴 = √𝑎𝑎
𝑟𝑟 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ−=(𝑎𝑎2𝜋𝜋
− ∙ℎ)
(600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 2 ft) = 320.6 ft
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
span =𝑄𝑄2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
𝑉𝑉 =
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ) 2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 2
Solution
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
span =𝑄𝑄2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
Step 1:𝑉𝑉Calculate
= the vertical reaction
𝐻𝐻 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
The vertical = 2𝜋𝜋
reaction ∙ (600
will ft) ∙ (92.84
be calculated ft) =
using 350,010
both ft 2 4 and 5 to show that they
Equations
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′same
both give sin 𝛼𝛼result.
𝑇𝑇 =the
𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝜙𝜙𝑟𝑟
𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉 =
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′
𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
15,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6 ft)
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
15,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
𝐻𝐻 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑁𝑁′ 2𝜋𝜋
cos 𝛼𝛼 ∙ (320.6
= 14.63 ft)
kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
Step 2:𝑇𝑇 Calculate
= 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 the horizontal reaction
𝜙𝜙

𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′ sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft

Using Equation
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝜙𝜙𝑟𝑟 6,
= (12.37 kips/ft) ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965 kips
𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6 ft)
𝐻𝐻 = =
𝑞𝑞 𝑁𝑁′𝑞𝑞
𝜙𝜙 cos+𝛼𝛼 𝑞𝑞= 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
total dead live = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf

𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft

𝑇𝑇 Calculate
Step 3:𝑄𝑄 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 =the
(12.37 kips/ft)
tension force∙in
(320.6 ft) = 3,965
the tension ring
2 kips
total = 𝑞𝑞total ∙ 𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft ) = 15,750 kips

𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 7,
Using Equation cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑+ 𝑞𝑞live
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
2 2
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻=∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑞𝑞 = (12.37
𝑄𝑄total kips/ft)ksf)
𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ∙ (320.6 ft) = 3,965
∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) =kips
total ∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 15,750 kips
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin ( )]
2
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 + 𝑞𝑞live = 30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
2 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
20

𝑄𝑄 − 𝑇𝑇==𝑞𝑞total
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻total 𝐴𝐴 = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 kips
0 ∙ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin ( )]
2
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
2 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 20

𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin ( )]
2
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0

𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0

𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.

Spherical Domes I — 8
 ℎ
ℎ== ℎℎ𝑎𝑎
𝑎𝑎 =
− 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ∙∙−
−
= 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 ∙∙𝛼𝛼
−cos
cos 𝛼𝛼cos
= 𝛼𝛼
=
cos =
= 𝑎𝑎(
𝛼𝛼𝑎𝑎(1
𝑎𝑎(1 −
𝑎𝑎(
−
Structural Studies Vaults
22 − (𝑎𝑎 − 22 =
𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎=22√𝑎𝑎
= 𝑟𝑟√𝑎𝑎
𝑟𝑟 = −
− (𝑎𝑎
√𝑎𝑎(𝑎𝑎 −− ℎ)
−(𝑎𝑎
ℎ)−
2 ℎ)
ℎ)√𝑎𝑎
2 =
= √𝑎𝑎=

𝐴𝐴 = 𝐴𝐴
𝐴𝐴 = =
= 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝐴𝐴2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
Summary of Equations
ℎ=
ℎ = ℎℎ𝑎𝑎(1
== 𝑎𝑎(1
𝑎𝑎(1 −
𝑎𝑎(1
− cos
cos − cos
𝛼𝛼)
−𝛼𝛼) cos==𝛼𝛼)
𝛼𝛼)600
600== 60ft
60
ft
The height (rise) of a dome: ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 =
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎 − 𝑎𝑎 ∙ cos 𝛼𝛼 = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼)

𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟 ==ℎ √𝑎𝑎= 𝑎𝑎−−(𝑎𝑎

=22√𝑎𝑎
𝑟𝑟√𝑎𝑎
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎
− (𝑎𝑎
22 𝑎𝑎
−
−−
∙ (𝑎𝑎
− cos
ℎ)−
(𝑎𝑎
ℎ)
2
−
𝛼𝛼=
2 =
=√(6
ℎ) 22𝑎𝑎(
ℎ)√(6 =
=
2 2 2 2
The planar radius of a 𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 𝑟𝑟−=(𝑎𝑎√𝑎𝑎
− ℎ)−2 (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)
= √𝑎𝑎 2 ∙ (1 =− √𝑎𝑎cos∙ 2(1𝛼𝛼)− cos 𝛼𝛼)
= √𝑎𝑎
𝑟𝑟span 2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 =
dome at the base: spanspan
span = 2𝑟𝑟=
= 2𝑟𝑟 ===2𝑟𝑟 2=
2𝑟𝑟2 22 ∙∙ ((321
∙∙=((321
321 =ff
ft)) =
ft
321
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
The surface area of a dome: 𝐴𝐴 =
𝐴𝐴 = 𝐴𝐴 == 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
𝐴𝐴2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
= 2𝜋𝜋=
=∙∙ 2𝜋𝜋
(600
2𝜋𝜋
(600∙∙ (600
ft) ∙∙
(600
ft)
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − ℎ cos
= 𝑎𝑎(1
𝛼𝛼) −= cos
600𝛼𝛼) ft ∙=(1600− cosft ∙ 32.3°)
(1 − cos = 32.3°)
92.84 ft =
ℎ= 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄
𝑄𝑄 𝑎𝑎(1
𝑄𝑄 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 60
Vertical reaction of dome based on Q: 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉2 = 𝑉𝑉 = = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎 𝑟𝑟−=
2 (𝑎𝑎√𝑎𝑎 2
− ℎ)− (𝑎𝑎
2 − ℎ) =ft)√(600
= √(600 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
2 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
− (600 ft) ft−−(600 92.84ft ft−
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 =
Vertical reaction of dome based on N’ϕ : 𝑉𝑉 =
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉𝑁𝑁′= 𝑁𝑁′
sin
=𝜙𝜙 642 𝛼𝛼sin
𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙𝛼𝛼sin 𝛼𝛼
𝛼𝛼
span = 2𝑟𝑟 span
= 2=∙ (2𝑟𝑟
321 (321
= ft2)∙ = 642ftft)𝑁𝑁′=𝜙𝜙 sin ft
span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 f
Horizontal reaction of dome based on N’ϕ : 𝐻𝐻 =
𝐻𝐻 =𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻 𝑁𝑁′=
=
𝑁𝑁′ 𝑁𝑁′
cos
𝑁𝑁′
cos 𝛼𝛼cos
𝜙𝜙 𝛼𝛼 cos 𝛼𝛼
ft)𝛼𝛼 = ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ𝐴𝐴 =
= 2𝜋𝜋
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋
∙ (600 ft)∙∙(600
(92.84 ft) 𝜙𝜙(92.84
∙𝜙𝜙
ft) =𝜙𝜙350,010 350,0
2

𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600

Tension force in a tension ring : 𝑄𝑄 𝑄𝑄 𝑇𝑇 = 𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻=
𝑇𝑇𝐻𝐻 =∙∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻 ∙∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉 =
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑄𝑄 15,750
𝑄𝑄
𝑄𝑄 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 𝑄𝑄 15,750
15,750 kipskk
kips
15,750
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉 = = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 =
=
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋2𝜋𝜋
== 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.
2𝜋𝜋 ∙∙ 2𝜋𝜋
(320.6 ft)
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 𝑉𝑉sin=𝛼𝛼𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.
(320.6 ft)
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝐻𝐻cos
= 𝛼𝛼𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′=
𝑉𝑉𝑁𝑁′=𝜙𝜙 𝑁𝑁′
𝜙𝜙
sin 𝛼𝛼sin
𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙𝛼𝛼
sin = 𝛼𝛼
=
sin =
= 14.63
𝛼𝛼14.63
14.63 kip
14.63
kip
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻 ==𝐻𝐻 𝑁𝑁′=
𝐻𝐻𝑁𝑁′ =𝜙𝜙 𝑁𝑁′
cos 𝛼𝛼cos
𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙𝛼𝛼
𝜙𝜙 cos
= 𝛼𝛼
cos
= == 14.6
14.63
𝛼𝛼14.63 kip
14.6
kip
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟
𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips 𝑇𝑇 = 𝑇𝑇
𝑄𝑄 15,750 𝑇𝑇 =kips 𝐻𝐻=
𝑇𝑇𝐻𝐻 ∙∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝐻𝐻
= =∙∙ 𝑟𝑟(12.37
𝐻𝐻= 𝑟𝑟 = = (12.37
(12.37 kips/ft
(12.37
kips/ftkip
kip
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑉𝑉== = = 7.82 kips/ft = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
∙ (320.6 ∙ (320.6 ft) 𝑄𝑄
2𝜋𝜋ft) 15,750 k
𝑉𝑉 = =
𝑞𝑞total𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞=
𝑞𝑞 =
total 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
=
= 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞+
𝑞𝑞dead
𝑞𝑞 + 𝑞𝑞2𝜋𝜋
𝑞𝑞
dead +
live
∙=
+ 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞(320.
30=
=live
30 p
=p
total total dead deadlive live
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 𝑉𝑉sin=𝛼𝛼𝑁𝑁′ sin 𝛼𝛼 kips/ft
=𝜙𝜙14.63 = 14.63∙ kips/ft
sin 32.3° ∙ sin 32.3°kips
= 7.82 =
𝑄𝑄
𝑄𝑄total 𝑉𝑉
total𝑄𝑄
𝑄𝑄=
= =𝑞𝑞 𝑁𝑁′
=
𝑞𝑞total
total total
sin
𝐴𝐴 𝛼𝛼
=𝜙𝜙𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞∙∙total
𝐴𝐴 =
= =
∙∙ 𝐴𝐴 14.63
= (0.
𝐴𝐴(0.045
=
(0.045(0.
total total
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝐻𝐻cos = 𝛼𝛼𝑁𝑁′ cos 𝛼𝛼 kips/ft
=𝜙𝜙14.63 = 14.63∙(kips/ft
cos 32.3°) ∙( cos = 32.3°)
12.37 k=
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 =
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑁𝑁′ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 cos𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝜙𝜙 ) ( ) = 14.6
𝛼𝛼
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= (𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = (𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
2
2
=2 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
2 2 ) ( 22 )
2
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑇𝑇==(12.37
𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 =kips/ft)
(12.37∙kips/ft) ∙ (320.6
(320.6 ft) = 3,965 ft) = 3,9
kips
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟 =
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (12.37
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 kip
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 =
= 𝑇𝑇 =
𝑇𝑇 [2
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇 [2
=sin
[2 sin (( sin
[2 )](( 2 )]
sin)]
2 )]
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞𝑞𝑞total+=𝑞𝑞live
dead 𝑞𝑞dead
=+30𝑞𝑞psf
live =
+ 30
15 psf +=15 45 psf2=
2 psf = 45 p
0.04
𝑞𝑞 = 𝑞𝑞
total − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 + 𝑞𝑞
dead= 0 live =
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
− 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =0
= 0 =0
− 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑄𝑄total = 𝑞𝑞𝑄𝑄total∙ =
total 𝐴𝐴 𝑞𝑞
=total (0.045
∙ 𝐴𝐴 =ksf)
(0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010
(350,010
∙𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 ft 2
ft 2 ) = 15,7
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 −𝑄𝑄𝑇𝑇 =−
= 𝑇𝑇
0 = 0
− 0𝑇𝑇 = 0
total = 𝑞𝑞total ∙ 𝐴𝐴 = (0.
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑇𝑇 =
𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇
𝑇𝑇 =
= 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
= 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻. 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( = ) 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
2 2 2 2 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( )
2 2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin (= 𝑇𝑇)][2 sin ( )]
2 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin ( )]
2
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0− 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
0 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻. 𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
Spherical Domes I — 9
 𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ
Structural Studies Vaults span = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
ℎ = 𝑎𝑎(1 − cos 𝛼𝛼) = 600 ft ∙ (1 − cos 32.3°) = 92.84 ft
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft 22
𝑟𝑟 = √𝑎𝑎2 − (𝑎𝑎 − ℎ)2 = √(600 ft)2 − (600 ft − 92.84 ft)2 = 320.6 ft

Notes 𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉span
= = 2𝑟𝑟 = 2 ∙ (321 ft) = 642 ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
1 Image obtained from Wikimedia from author EricEnfermero (https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Reliant_Astrodome_
in_January_2014.jpg), licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
2
𝐴𝐴 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋ℎ = 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (600 ft) ∙ (92.84 ft) = 350,010 ft
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼
2 Parts of this Structural Study are based upon Structures and the Urban Environment, Structural Studies, by David
P, Billington and Robert Mark, 1983. 𝑄𝑄
𝑉𝑉 =
𝐻𝐻 = 2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋
𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼
3 Photo by Gherardi-Fiorelli from Nervi, Pier, Aesthetics and Technology in Building, Harvard University Press,
Cambridge, 1965, pg. 136.

𝑇𝑇𝑉𝑉 =
= 𝐻𝐻
𝑁𝑁′∙𝜙𝜙𝑟𝑟sin 𝛼𝛼
4 The analytical procedures used in this analysis, as well as information regarding the behavior and other properties
domes, has been taken from: Billington, David P., This Shell Concrete Structures, Second Edition, New York: McGraw-
Hill Publishing Company, 1982. 𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼15,750 kips
𝑄𝑄 15,750 kips
𝑉𝑉 = = = 7.82 kips/ft
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋 ∙ (320.6
5 The information on the Astrodome used in this analysis can be found ft) on the Astrodome in Engineering
in articles
𝑇𝑇 =
News-Record, published by McGraw-Hill Publishing 𝐻𝐻 ∙ 𝑟𝑟
Company.

𝑉𝑉 = far𝑁𝑁′outweigh
6 In Houston the force of a hurricane rainfall would 𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 the
= 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3°Wind= 7.82
loads kips/ft
𝑄𝑄𝜙𝜙 15,750loadkipsfrom any light snowfall. are
neglected in this simplified analysis because their𝑉𝑉influence
= =
on the meridians and= 7.82 kips/ft
hoops is negligible. However, they
2𝜋𝜋𝜋𝜋 2𝜋𝜋
are important factors in the overall design as they necessitate the∙ (320.6
inclusionft)
of the diagonals between the top and
bottom chords of the trusses. 𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
𝑉𝑉 = 𝑁𝑁′𝜙𝜙 sin 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙ sin 32.3° = 7.82 kips/ft
7 How the ring resists this thrust is best illustrated through Figure 9, which is a force diagram on a small element of
𝑇𝑇 =
the circular tension ring. This element is an arc that has𝐻𝐻an∙ angular
𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 kips/ft)
measurement of dθ
∙ (320.6 ft)of=the
. The length 3,965 kips
arc is found
from the geometric formula, s = r · dθ. The horizontal
𝐻𝐻 = 𝑁𝑁′ linear forces, H, act outward from the center, but on such a
𝜙𝜙 cos 𝛼𝛼 = 14.63 kips/ft ∙( cos 32.3°) = 12.37 kips/ft
small element they can be considered parallel, and thus acting in the same direction. These forces are resisted by the
inward-acting component of the tension in the ring, 𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞isdead
which
total + 𝑞𝑞live
assumed
dead = parallel
to be
live 30 psfto+the 15horizontal
psf = 45 psf To
forces. = find
0.045 ksf
𝑇𝑇 =of𝐻𝐻force/length)
the value of the tension force, T, H (which is in units ∙ 𝑟𝑟 = (12.37 must kips/ft)
first be∙multiplied
(320.6 ft)by=length.
3,965Thiskipslength is
the length of the arc s, which is rdθ, so the linear force H becomes the force Hrdθ. This force equals the sum of the
(0.045 22 )
two inward components of the tension force on either𝑄𝑄total = 𝑞𝑞oftotal
totalside ∙ 𝐴𝐴 =
the small
total element. ksf)
The angle∙ of(350,010
the tangentftcomponent
= 15,750 kips
to the tension force is dθ/2, therefore the following
𝑞𝑞total = 𝑞𝑞dead
equilibrium
+ 𝑞𝑞live = results:
equation
30 psf + 15 psf = 45 psf = 0.045 ksf

𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑞𝑞total( ∙ 𝐴𝐴) = (0.045 ksf) ∙ (350,010 ft 2 ) = 15,750 kips
𝑄𝑄total ==𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
2 2
which can be rewritten as:
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 ( ) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
2 = 𝑇𝑇 [2 sin 2 ( )]
2
Since dθ is such a small angle, the approximation that 2sin(dθ/2) 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑equals sin(dθ) can be made safely. By the same
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻equation
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 =−𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
[2 sin (reduced
is= )]
reasoning, sin(dθ) equals dθ. Thus the equilibrium 20 to a simple expression for the value of the
tension force, T:
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇 = 0
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 − 𝑇𝑇𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 0
𝑇𝑇𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻=−𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.
𝑇𝑇 = 0

𝑇𝑇 = 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻.

Figure 9
Force diagram on a small element
of the circular tension ring

Spherical Domes I — 10