DIFFERENT DOME

CONSTRUCTION
TECHINIQUES

DAVIDSIBY
RA1811201010043
ADVANCED
CONSTRUCTION
TECHNOLOGY
DIFFERENT DOME CONSTRUCTION
TECHNIQUES

Flattened conduit

Tube and hub

Beam and hub. ...

Panellised timber frame. ...

Stressed skin. ...

Monolithic. ...

Space frame. ...

Brick and former.

20XX PRESENTATION TITLE 2

FLATTENED
CONDUIT

Probably the simplest way to build a geodesic

dome frame, all you do is flatten the end of some
metal tubing bend it slightly then drill a hole. Do this
to both ends get yourself a bag of bolts and you
can easily build a dome framework in a day. Used
for burning man, climbing frames and other small
projects.

Advantages: Really easy to build, easily

assembled/disassembled, no special tools required,
just make sure you don't split the tube when you
flatten it and that you flatten enough so you can
put the bend in without interfering with other struts.

Disadvantages: Quite crude, can only be covered

with material because joints don't finish level.
TUBE AND
HUB
Another simple construction technique, slightly
more work than the flattened conduit method but
is a more professional and flexible system.
Instead of joining the struts directly together a
larger diameter pipe is used as a hub holes are
drilled through the hub and the struts are bolted
to it.

Advantages: Makes a nice neat job with all

struts finishing level while still being cheap and
easy to build.
Disadvantages: Great for material covers but
there
is no easy way to fix a hard covering material.
 BEAM AND
HUB
Wooden beams are attached to specially made hubs
to form the dome framework; the angles are taken
care of by the hubs so all you have to do is cut the
beams to the correct length. More expensive to build
than a tube type framework but makes a solid
permanent dome.

Advantages: Simple dome construction system that

doesn''t require specialist tools or knowledge to
build.

Disadvantages: The hubs can be expensive and hard

to find because they have to be specially made.
When the beams have board nailed on both sides
there is no way to ventilate the void between, in a
heated dome this can lead to damp, dry rot and a
number of other problems.
 PANELLISED
TIMBER FRAME

This system uses wooden beams but instead of

metal hubs at the joints panels are made that join
at the edges and have the outside material
attached (usually plywood). These panels are
factory made so all you have to do is nail them
together in the correct order to build a dome.
Advantages: Simple and extremely fast way
to build a permanent dome structure.
Disadvantages: Because the panels are factory
made you don''t get much design choice.
Ventilation problems can occur when material is
fixed to both sides.
STRESSED
SKIN
Metal or fiberglass panels are bolted/riveted
together to form the dome, there are no beams,
hubs or separate support structure the skin does
everything.

Advantages: Probably the most cost effective and

efficient way to build a dome. Some simple
fabrication is required but this can be easily
sourced locally.
Disadvantages: Metal sweats when it gets cold so
some form of insulation has to be glued to the inside
of the panels to prevent condensation forming.
Cutting holes for doors and windows can seriously
weaken the dome structure.
MONOLITHIC
There are basically three stages involved in building
a monolithic dome: First an airform membrane made
from PVC is inflated on the site were the dome is to
be built; this acts as the out weatherproof skin on
the finished dome. Next the inside is sprayed with
polyurethane foam to insulate the structure;
reinforcing bar is fixed to the foam ready for the
next stage. Finally a concrete mix is sprayed on top
of the urethane to finish.
Advantages: Very strong efficient structure requiring
very little in the way of heating/cooling.

Disadvantages: The outer airform that acts as a

weatherproof membrane can be damaged easily
allowing water into the insulation layer.
 BRICK AND
FORMER
This building method dates back hundreds of years
and was also used to build arches, bridges etc. A
wooden former is made to the shape required then
stone, brick, or concrete is laid on top of the former
to produce the final dome shape. The former is used
to hold the brick, stone or concrete in place until it
sets and is able to support its own weight. Usually the
former is removed but there is no reason why it
couldn''t be left in place.
Advantages: Makes a very strong long lasting dome
that can be built using reclaimed materials.

Disadvantages: A lot of expense is involved in

making the former that MUST support the whole
weight of the dome when the dome is finished the
former becomes redundant.
FOAM AND
RENDER
This method uses polystyrene foam or
urethane foam as a former. Cut and glue
the foam together to form the dome shape.
Next tie chicken wire over the foam to act
as reinforcing mesh. Finally apply a thin
layer of cement render over the whole
structure to weatherproof and finish the
dome.

Advantages: Easy to change or alter the

foam former

Disadvantages: Only suitable for very

small domes.
THANK YOU

20XX 11