Design of dome using green technology

Jonrey G. Aron, Diomedes G. Cuer, Juralf A. Sanico

College of Engineering and Information Technology
Surigao State College of Technology Surigao City, Philippines
aronjonrey@gmail.com, diomedescuer26@gmail.com, sanicojuralf@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to propose a design of dome that is based on the green building code.
The Domes have been a prominent part of construction dating back from ancient times due to its
uniqueness in providing maximum space with area. The paper brings out the various advantages and key
aspects of these types of domes as the modern world looks out for energy efficient, eco-friendly and
durable. We evaluate the design dome with the help of the LGU-Sison and other personalities involved in
the project study. Using solar panel is one of the researchers objectives to comply the green building
requirement. The design of structure is based on National Building Code of the Philippines and Natinal
Structural Code of the Philippines.

1. INTRODUCTION
Facilities for indoor activities are necessary because of their usefulness in any weather conditions.
Indoor facilities like gymnasium, convention center, sports arena are widely being used for large events
without the worry of the weather conditions. Another structure that is known for its geometric
uniqueness of design is the dome. A dome is a rounded vault forming the roof of the building or
structure typically with a circular base.
Large occasions and events should be held inside the facility that allows attendees to be more
comfortable. Such a facility requires enough space to cater to the number of attendees. Dome encloses
a large amount of space. Thus, dome structure is one of the most suitable facilities for some indoor
events.
The municipality of Sison has not enough facilities for their indoor activities. Due to the community
development program, the municipality is requesting for a design that will suit their program in the
development of their community. “Kapayawan Festival” is one of their biggest celebrations in which
there is competition of every barangays within the municipality. The current facility, such as their
gymnasium cannot handle large events like festival activities, school programs and conventions due to
its limited space. As well as the current venue of the “Kapayawan Festival” dance competition is limited
in space and when bad weather condition occurs, the participants might be in trouble because of the
uncovered area.
The researchers are proposing a design of a dome in which multiple activities can be made such as
sports, conventions, festival activities, and any other large events in the municipality. The design of the
dome must pass the Building Code of the Philippines and National Structural Code of the Philippines that
considered the design load of the structure.
The realization of the project might give a challenge to the researchers because of the geometric
design of the dome. As well as the geological characteristic of the location site of the dome including the
topography must be analyzed because the stability of the soil for the foundation is considered one of
the factors that make the cause of the structural failure. In order to give a solution to the problem, it is
significant to analyze these factors that make the structure unstable aside from various environmental
phenomena.
 In these modern days, several technologies have been made and produced to make solutions on
problems, like the analysis of structures, that usually takes weeks or even months when manual
calculation is performed. Via engineering software, the analysis can be calculated accurately and is more
efficient in terms of time and duration. More likely, different engineering software is produced to
lighten the engineering works. For architectural drafting, AutoCAD is widely being used. For the
structural analysis that can give load calculations of the structure, STAAD for example. Software that is
able to estimate and predict the activities in a certain project, Primavera can help.
The municipality of Sison, Surigao del Norte is deliberately raising for the development of their
municipality in such a way that they can have indoor facilities not just only for their own benefit but also
for the accommodation of any out of town events like regional sports meet.

2. RELATED LITERATURE
In this section, several related literatures are reviewed concerning the factors to be considered in
analyzing the design of the dome. Such literatures can be used as a reference in the process of realizing
the project.
Engineering works have been known for its enormous design of many infrastructures in the world.
Their works are evidently provided great success in the world of economic competency. Strength and
economy are among the significant considerations in the design of the structure. Because of the
uncertain effects of technology in the environment, green technology is being implemented to reduce
the harmful effects of human production in the environment. Green technology can and will help us
preserve our natural resources for future generations.[1] Thus, the concern of engineering for this
generation construction planning process is to design a structure that reduces harmful effects in the
environment.
The site development plan is the first to evaluate before the plan of structure is executed. The Site
Analysis Plan forms the basis for good site planning, retention of desirable landscape elements,
establishing building footprints, determining building orientation, and protecting heritage fabric.[2] The
general categories will be looking at to carry out the architectural site analysis are location,
neighborhood context, zoning and size, legal information, natural physical features, man-made features,
circulation, utilities, climate, sensory and, human and cultural.[3]
Building structure like a dome is a challenge for the researchers, especially the structural analysis of
the building due to its stresses. Domes are self -supporting structures they take the form of an arch
distributing external loads around the sides and down to the foundations. They are tightly compacted by
gravity and any external loads are carried by the compressive forces that develop internally.[4]

Theoretical Framework
The Site Analysis Plan allows a comprehensive view of the constraints and opportunities of
the development site. It forms the basis for a designer to develop a proposal that utilizes the positive
aspects of the site and ameliorates the negative aspects.[2]
Reinforced Concrete Design is a systematic way of enhancing the strength of concrete by
imposing reinforcement like steel to acquire tensile strength. Reinforcements for concrete define the
number and size of bars on structural members and supports including the spacing of bars.
Steel Design is a method of calculating the section of steel to be used on a certain loading. Steel
design is a very useful tool, of course, for any steel structure, it is significant to classify the structural
steel properties to be used.
Construction Estimate is a reasonable prediction of the total cost of a project before the
realization. It includes the prediction of the material cost, mobilization cost, labor cost on a stipulated
time of completion. It is being required to present the program of works of the construction project.
 Values Engineering, is the review of new or existing products during the design phase to reduce
costs and increase functionality in order to increase the value of the product. The value of an item is
defined as the most cost-effective way of producing an item without taking away from its purpose.[5] The
researchers should able to use this concept to produce economical design without compromising the
design purpose of structure, simply the strength.

Conceptual Framework

PROCESS

Site development plan analysis

INPUT
Conceptual design
Structural Code of the Philippines OUTPUT
Data gathering
Data analysis (NSCP) Evaluation
Structural design Design of dome
Cost Estimate

Fig. 1 Flowchart for the study

The diagram shows the study concept of the flow of the research. The input or the starting point
of the research is gathering relevant data for the project. Using the data from the previous experiment
or surveys the time of research might not be a burden to the work of the researcher. Using the data
available on the location, analysis can be made.
Conceptual design or the preliminary phase is formulated based on the location and the
concerns of the LGU-Sison that is upon the evaluation of the Building Code of the Philippines as well as
the National Structural Code of the Philippines. When the design of the structure is done the project
cost estimate will follow. In this process, the approximate amount of the proposed structure will be
determined. After reviewing the whole plan, the design output can be realized.

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study is to design a dome using green technology specifically, by installing solar
panels as renewable energy. The analysis of the capacity of the structure based on the future number of
attendees it can cater to. Thus, the study aimed to achieve the following objectives:
1. To analyze the location site of the proposed dome.
2. To design and develop the proposed dome using green technology.
3. To evaluate the acceptability level of the dome based on the building code requirements.
4. To determine the financial estimate of the dome.
 3. METHODOLOGY
Project Design
The study will be discussing the parameters to consider in analyzing the location site of the
proposed dome. The project is based on site development guidelines. Hence, the location site is sloped,
cut and fill analysis is significant to make the dome accessible in terms of parking spaces and the dome
structure itself.
The architectural design of the dome will be according to the materials available here in the
country. And will be based on the suggestions of the involved persons in the study. Multiple facilities are
within the structure aside from sports court and oval. Solar panel is recommended for green technology
applications.
The structural design of the dome must not be compromised considering the different
calamities. The structure must be strong enough to withstand the possible occurrence of disastrous
calamities. The codes in construction will be followed strictly for the design.

Project Development
The project process in planning the facility, organizing, and coordinating for the accomplishment
of the project is to be the project development plan. Below is the step by step concept in the planning of
structure.

Architectural Design

Structural Design

Electrical Design

Plumbing Design

Mechanical Design

Cost Estimate

Fig. 2 Project Development Flow

The design flow is generated to show how the development of the project is done. It shows the
conceptual building plans for the project. Architectural design is showing the physical plan of the
structure. Structural design will introduce the structural members and support to make the physical
structure stand. It is the art and science of understanding the behavior of structural members subjected
to loads and designing them with economy and elegance to give a safe, serviceable and
durable structure. The electrical design is the interior power and lighting plan. Documentation
(like electrical calculations, panel schedules, single line diagrams, and energy requirements of
lighting system).[6] The layout of the electrical components in this section is being shown. Next is the
Plumbing design, in this section the layout of the pipes and plumbing fixtures and fitting are shown. The
mechanical design includes the air conditioning system of the facility. Lastly is the cost estimate of the
structure in which the approximation of the cost of program, project or operation.

Project Implementation

Notice to Proceed

Data gathering & Field Investigation

Site Location Analysis

Design Analysis of Dome

Project Cost Estimate

Final Project Design

Fig. 3 Project Implentation Flow

Legal entities should be done before the study is executed or performed. The researchers have
been writing a letter addressed to the Mayor of the municipality of Sison to allow us to access the data
available for the study. The time when the mayor’s office received and reviewed the letter, the letter is
being approved and let the researchers conduct the study and allow getting the data that are needed for
the study.

The chart shown in figure 3 is the flow of the implementation in conducting the study. The letter
that was sent to the LGU-Sison is one of the legal processes before conducting the study. The notice to
proceed was done through verbal agreement. The mayor itself told that the researcher will now perform
their interest in the study.
After the notice to proceed given by the mayor, the researcher will have to gather the data
available for the sake of the study like the location map. Having the location map including the
topographic characteristics of the location, the field investigation will be the next. After investigating the
physical characteristics of the location, the analysis will be formulated. The analysis of the site can give
the desired development plan for the design of a dome. Before that, the researcher will have to set an
appointment to speak with the mayor and the engineering personnel in LGU-Sison to discuss their
intentions and suggestions for the dome structure as well as the exact location of the structure to be
located. And of course, with the help of the co-author of the study, the process in performing the
analysis will be executed in a manner of precise procedure.
After the analysis of the location site, the design and analysis of the dome structure will be the
next on the list. That includes the plans and specifications for the design. The analysis of structure is
based on the latest National Structural Code of the Philippines. Through the aid software, the plans and
specifications can be made in such a way that the project will be done on time.
Evaluation of the project by the LGU- Sison respondents will be conducted to determine the
acceptability level of the design in accordance with the Philippine code requirements. This is made by
showing the plan and analysis of the dome.
The cost estimate will be the last objective of the researchers in which the approximate financial
cost of the proposed dome must be acquired. The forecast of the financial cost of the proposed dome
will be the bases for the request in the national budget. This is done either by manual calculation or by
using software. The researchers will prefer to estimate manually because purchasing software for an
estimate will burden the financial budget of the researchers.
When all the processes performed according to plan then the final project can be realized. To
summarize the finalization of the study, the contents are plan and specifications, structural analysis and
design, cost estimate and any other relevant matters for the provision of construction, it is by the
authority of the LGU- Sison.

Project Setting
The project setting of the study is in Poblacion Sison, Surigao del Norte. It is located behind the
Municipal hall of Sison. The location site is on the mountainous side of the municipality. The data and
information for the study will be available at the LGU-Sison.

Participants of the study

The participants of the study for the evaluation of the acceptability of the dome is the LGU-
Sison respondent – the mayor and the engineering personel. The co-author of the study can help the
researchers to make sure that the project flow is going well.

Instrumentation
Software that are needed to use in designing a dome.
AutoCAD – this is the basic software in designing a dome, we can easily draw a dome on its
worksheet with a correct and accurate dimensions and measurement. We can draw the dome from its
2D to 3D model.
SketchUp – after designing the dome in the autocad , we can enhance its 3D model via
SketchUp and put some additional materials to make it more artistic.
StaadPro – is use to analyze the structural behavior of the dome and in order to determine what
is the exact size of materials needed to use when constructing a dome without any failure of the
structural structure.
Microsoft Word – the software we used to input all our data and all the information that we
gathered during our research in order to organize to have a good presentation.
Microsoft Excel – an spreadsheet we used for estimating the bill of materials of our project.
References:

[1] Pros and Cons of Green Technology: The Cost of a Green Revolution (undated)
[Online]. Viewed 2019 November 6 Available:
https://www.greenandgrowing.org/pros-cons-green-technology/

[2] Site Analysis Guideline (11 June 2013)

[Online]. Viewed 2019 November 6 Available:
https://www.lakemac.com.au/downloads/2FB923B9925C9A540F1BC72C0B20F1D43DB96418.p
df

[3] ARCHITECTURE SITE ANALYSIS GUIDE (Oct 2018)

[Online]. Viewed 2019 November 6 Available:
https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/architecture-site-analysis-guide-2/

[4] Analysis of domes – Domes of different geometries (undated)

[Online]. Viewed 2019 November 6 Available:
https://concretedomestructures.weebly.com/analysis-of-domes.html

[5] Value Engineering-- Definition by Adam Barone (Apr 17, 2019)

[Online]. Viewed 2019 November 8 Available:
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/v/value-engineering.asp

[6] What Should Your New Building's Electrical Design Be? Michael Tobias (undated)
[Online]. Viewed 2019 November 9 Available:
https://www.ny-engineers.com/blog/what-should-your-new-buildings-electrical-design-be