Types of Construction of

Domes
By
RUBANRAJ R
RA1811201010009
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 fibreglass 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. Both the PVC airform and the urethane foam insulation are oil
based chemical materials, which are not that environmentally
friendly. Most monolithic domes require dehumidifiers or heat
exchange systems due to the fact that they are so airtight.
Space frame

Building domes using space frame is

actually quite simple, the struts are made
from solid bar and they are connected
together with solid balls that have fixing
points machined into them. Very
commonly seen at airports and exhibition
halls. Too expensive for the DIY builder
but still interesting, the Eden project was
built using a space frame.
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. Building
very large domes is not cost effective using this system.
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.