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Monolithic Dome Construction | Advantages & Disadvantages | Materials | Profiles | PPT

Monolithic Dome House

Monolithic Dome House

Introduction

Monolithic Dome is thin wall reinforced concrete shell structure. The structure provides safe shelter
for the people in the area with hurricanes and earthquakes. This technique is an effective alternative
to conventional methods. A Monolithic Dome is a structure cast in a one-piece form. A curve rotated
about a central axis to form a surface, creates a Dome. Monolithic domes are not only unique and eye
catching, but studies have shown them to be exponentially energy efficient. They use 50% less energy
than traditionally built structure of similar size.

Monolithic Dome House

Monolithic Dome House

Domes are designated as tornado shelters. Three brothers David, Barry and Randy built and patented
the first monolithic dome in 1975. The construction of monolithic dome with proper earth sheltering
will withstand bomb blast more effectively. Sizes : very small 2.5 m- very large 80m diameter
domes. Building consist of :

an outer airtight form

polyurethane foam

reinforced concrete

Materials Used

Airform Kits – The air form kit was obtained from monolithic constructors, Italy. The kit consisted of a
40ft diameter form along with reinforced steel anchors. It is ordered in the shape of half sphere.

Polyurethane Foam– Sprayed on polyurethane foam insulation was of type using a part process in
which Diaphenylmethane-4, 4-di isocynate was mixed with blended polyol resin.

Reinforcing steel – Steel in the foundation and slab was 5/8 inch and grade 40 rebar. Dome shell
13mm and 9.5mm grade 60 rebar was used.

Concrete – Foundation and slab a standard sack concrete foundation mix was used. Concrete used in
the dome shell was 9 sack per cubic yard mix.

A Monolithic Dome structure

A Monolithic Dome structure

Construction of Monolithic Dome

Monolithic dome is a rounded building structure typically made of concrete and rigid steel rods. It
consist of an outer airtight form, polyurethane foam insulation and reinforced concrete. The building
process of monolithic domes entailed:-

Lay down the foundation of the dome, usually made of reinforced concrete.

An air form or fabric is inflated over the foundation.

Poly urethane foam is then added to the inside of the form.

Special clips are affixed to the foam interior, and rebar is installed. Finally concrete is poured over the
air form, rebar, and foam supporters and dome like shape emerges.

Steps of Construction

Step 1

Ring Beam Foundation

Monolithic Dome starts as a concrete ring foundation.

Continuous reinforcing bars are embedded in the ring beam foundation.

The ring creates a solid base to construct the dome.

Concrete ring foundation

Concrete ring foundation

Step 2

Inflate Air form

Made of tough, weather -impermeable material.

The air form is inflated with dual inflator fans.

It determines the final shape of the dome.

Application of Airform

Application of Airform

Step 3

Polyurethane foam

Foam is applied in the interior to stiffen the air form, and provide a secure surface to which
reinforcement bar is affixed.

It get hardens and creates a superior insulation layer.

Application of Polyurethane foam

Application of Polyurethane foam

Step 4
Steel Reinforcing

Steel reinforcing rebar is attached to the foam using a specially engineered layout of hoop and
vertical steel bar.

Small domes need small diameter bars with wide spacing.

Large domes require larger bars with closer spacing.

Steel reinforcing rebar

Steel reinforcing rebar

Step 5

Shotcrete

It is a special spray mix of concrete, applied to the interior surface of the dome.

The steel rebar is embedded in the concrete and when about three inches of shotcrete is applied.

Application of shotcrete

Application of shotcrete

Profile & Shapes of Monolithic Dome

The profile of a dome determines the size of its surface area or dome shell, and the amount of
surface area affects the construction cost. The surface area of hemisphere dome is twice that of its
floor area i.e., 2*pi*radius*radius. Most of the monolithic dome have an oblate ellipse profile.

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Shapes of Monolithic Dome

Low profile spherical segment

Most efficient shape .

Used for large domes.

Hemisphere

Surface area is double the floor area.

Useful for high-volume storage buildings and smaller structures ,such as homes.

High profile spherical segment

Most volume for the least floor area.

Used for water tanks, storage buildings, homes etc.

Oblate ellipsoid

Very efficient for single structures.

Wall have maximum vertical slope vs. structure size.

Prolate ellipsoid (Long axis horizontal)

Elliptical base creates a very unique space

Prolate ellipsoid (Long axis vertical)

It is very tall.

Useful for bulk storage and buried building.

Monolithic Dome Profiles

Monolithic Dome Profiles

Dome Profiles

Lower the profile the less expense.

Windows and doors on the second floor can be augmented.

If the land is a premium, go up with integrated stem wall

Multi-dome Combination

The caterpillar is great design . It can span 60 feet wide , 300-500 feet long. It is easy to build and
allow for linear functions.

Advantages of of Monolithic Dome

Advantages of a monolithic dome fall in to three general categories :

Economy

Security

Aesthetics and comfort

1. Economy in construction

Cost of a dome is less.

Streamlined construction process and use of only four ingredients contribute to the domes economy.

Require less maintenance.

2. Security

Ability to survive tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes.

Provides fire protection .

3. Aesthetics and comfort

Any structure appears bare and unattractive when its first built.

But just as enhancement can soften and beautify straight lines and corners.

Disadvantages of Monolithic Dome

Engineering

Only specially trained construction crews.

Using the modern techniques.

Wasted space in narrow corners.

Lack of seams.

Social

Different appearance of the domes decreases the appeal for their use as private residences and the
strange appearance and design may run afoul of neighborhood building covenants.

Depending on the situation a large variety of variations available from the standard circular shape can
avoid some of these problems.

Building permits may be difficult to obtain if local officials are not familiar with the monolithic dome.

Resale of a monolithic dome home may be difficult because of its unconventional appearance.

Conclusion

Monolithic Dome building technique is an effective alternative to conventional methods.

Monolithic domes are disaster -resistant, energy efficient and cost effective.

Safest buildings that can be built and can be designed for many uses.

Monolithic domes are designated as tornado shelters.

Monolithic domes are used throughout the United States, Russia, and Indonesia.

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