ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

OF MONOLITHIC
DOMES
UNDER THE GUIDENCE OF:
V.R.SAI DEVAYANI
Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
SV College of Engineering
Tirupati
Presented By:
I.SANDHYA
20BF1A0121
CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
OBJECTIVES
SCOPE
MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY
CONSTRUCTION METHODS
PLANNING AND SOFTWARE
ANALYSIS OF MONOLITHIC DOME STRUCTURE
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION

 The monolithic dome, for a number of reasons, is very energy efficient.

The spherical sections of the dome offer minimal surface area for the
volume they contain, so there is less surface for heat transfer with the
outside air.

 The construction of monolithic dome with proper earth sheltering will

withstand bomb blasts more effectively than conventional structures. The
strength and stability of domes make them virtually immune to climatic
catastrophe, or earthquakes, as well as to fire, or corrosion hazards.
Monolithic Domes are the most energy efficient and
safest buildings that can be built and that can be
designed for many uses. Many schools now conduct
their classes in Monolithic Domes. Some are designated
as tornado shelters.
BACKGROUND

The igloo may be the earliest form of monolithic dome. While it is constructed

of blocks of compressed snow, these blocks melt and re-freeze to form a
strong, homogeneous structure. The dome-like shape of the igloo exhibits the
two major advantages of a dome-shaped structure: great strength, and good
insulation. The strength is due to the natural strength of the arch, and the
insulation is due to the minimal surface area of a spherical section.

The first modern monolithic dome structure was built in Provo, Utah, by architect
Lee C. Knell, and opened in 1963 as an ice skating rink. Called Turtle
Reams after its 1967 conversion into a general store by new owner Paul Ream,
the building stood until it was demolished in 2006 for new construction.
OBJECTIVES
1.The main objective of this project is to study analysis and design of Monolithic
Concrete Dome.
2. To study the design of dome structure such as shell structure, ring beam
structural elements of a column and footing.
3. To analyze the structure for carrying the various load like dead load live load
wind load and seismic load.
4. To design the structure according to Indian standards code provisions.
Following IS code will be used for designing RCC structure.
• IS 456-200
• IS 1893-2002/2005
• IS 875-1987
SCOPE

The monolithic dome, for a number of reasons, is very energy efficient. The

spherical sections of the dome offer minimal surface area for the volume they

contain, so there is less surface for heat transfer with the outside air. The one

piece construction of the monolithic dome also eliminates many of the seams

through which air can leak, though this is mitigated to some degree in residential

domes by the addition of multiple doors and windows. By placing the insulating

foam on the outside of the concrete shell, the concrete acts as a thermal mass

inside the building, reducing interior temperature fluctuations far more than the

traditional home's insulation inside of a brick or stone veneer.

METHODS AND METHODOLOGY

Generally standard materials and methods of monolithic dome construction were

used. Variations and options chosen are listed below
‣ Airform kits
The airform kit was obtained from Monolithic constructors,
Italy, Texas. The kit consisted of a 40 ft. (12 meter)
diameter form along with reinforcing steel (rebar) anchors.
The form was ordered in the shape of a half sphere with no
custom window, or door augmentations.
‣ Polyurethane Foam
Sprayed on polyurethane foam insulation was of a type
using a part process in which Diphenylmethane-4, 4’-
diisocynate was mixed with blended polyol resin.
‣ Reinforcing Steel
Steel in the foundation and slab was 5/8 inch (16mm)
and ½ inch(13mm) grade 40 rebar. In the dome shell, ½
inch (13mm) and 3/8 inch (9.5mm) grade 60 rebar was
used.

‣ Shotcrete
A special spray mix of concrete – is 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, the Monolithic Dome is
finished. The blower fans are shut off after the concrete
is set.
Construction Methods

Modern construction differs significantly from the original concrete-over-dirt

method. The current methods were developed by three brothers from Idaho: Barry,

Randy, and David South. The first dome built using this method was constructed

in Shelley, Idaho:

 A reinforced concrete foundation, or "ring beam", is constructed, defining the

shape of the base of the structure.

 The fabric form, or air form, is attached to the foundation and inflated with an

air blower. The air form contains an airlock to allow workers to enter the form

while it is inflated.
 CONTENTS

 A layer of polyurethane foam is sprayed on the interior of the form. (Its

purposes are to give rigidity to the air form, secure the rebar in place,

provide support for spraying in the concrete mixture, and insulate the final

structure.)

 Rebar is attached to the outside layer of foam, using clips that are

attached to the foam.

 Several inches of concrete are sprayed over the rebar frame.

SOFTWARE AND PLANNING

Software / Equipment used Various

software which will be used in this project are
• Auto CAD
• STAAD.Pro
• STAAD foundation
Autocad 2018
This software was used for sketching the plan, section, elevation and
reinforcement details for the proposed project.
STAAD PRO
This software was used for analysing the structure and calculating the moments
and loads coming on the structure. There by, designing the components of the
structure for the safe loads acting on them. The displacement at the nodes in the
structure is found using this software and it is checked whether it is within the
safe limits.
Planning
Planning of the monolithic concrete dome plays a very important role in
designing the structure. The plan of the dome, elevation was drawn in Auto
cad.

– Plan of the monolithic concrete dome

Analysis of Monolithic Dome Structure:
In Accordance with Thin Shell theory, In monolithic dome structure three types of load
are taken into consideration Dead load, Live load & wind load. While considering live
load, wind load and some accidental load are taken into consideration. In dome
structure, Hoop tension and meridional thrust are acting on the structure. The
meridional reinforcement provides vertically and hoop reinforcement provide
circumferentially. Following diagram shows the component of forces and provision of
reinforcement.
Figure shows,
Tu= Meridional thrust,
Hu= Hoop tension,
Wu= Uniformly
distributed load considering
wind and accidental load.
1) Step I: Dimensions of Dome.
While designing the dome structure dimensions are taken
into consideration such as Diameter, Central rise,
Thickness of slab, Radius, etc.
1) Diameter (D) of the dome is taken from given
conditions that is either given or to calculate.
2) Central rise (h): The rise/diameter (h/D) ratio
of dome varies from 1/5 to 1/8
 Advantages of Monolithic Dome

Advantages of a monolithic dome fall into three general classifications:

•The cost of a dome is less.
•Streamlined development interaction and utilization of just four fixings add to the domes
economy.
•Require less support.
•Ability to endure twisters, typhoons, and seismic tremors.
•Provides fire assurance.
•Any structure seems uncovered and ugly when it’s initially assembled.
•But similarly, as improvement can soften and embellish straight lines and corners.
Disadvantages of Monolithic Dome
•Only uncommonly prepared development groups.
•Using the cutting edge procedures.
•Wasted space in restricted corners.
•Lack of creases.
•The different appearance of the domes diminishes the interest for their
utilization as private homes and the odd appearance and configuration may cross
paths with neighborhood building pledges.
•Depending on the circumstance a huge assortment of varieties accessible from
the standard round shape can evade a portion of these issues.
•Building licenses might be hard to acquire if nearby officials are inexperienced
with the monolithic dome.
•Resale of a monolithic dome home might be troublesome given its whimsical
appearance.
Stages of the construction of a monolithic dome
Conclusion
Monolithic is dedicated to improving people’s lives worldwide by introducing
and constructing Monolithic Domes, for personal and public use, that are
disaster-resistant, energy-efficient and cost-effective. Monolithic Domes are the
most energy efficient and safest buildings that can be built and that can be
designed for many uses. Many schools now conduct their classes in Monolithic
Domes. Some are designated as tornado shelters. Others have Monolithic Dome
gymnasiums, auditoriums, multipurpose centers, libraries, cafeterias, etc.
Because Monolithic technology meets criteria for a structure that can provide
near-absolute disaster protection, And in most cases, they save money on first
cost for the construction. The monolithic dome has sufficient durability and
which offers exceptional resistance to earthquake, fire and extreme wind.
THANK YOU