Academic Theses About Monolithic Domes

Energy Efficiency of Monolithic Domes

University of South Florida
Patel School of Global Sustainability
Alba Polonkey
August 2013

This report discusses America’s dire need for structures that are energy efficient and how Monolithic Domes can alleviate that need.

Fabrication of Concrete Modular Surfaces for Architecture

The University of Texas at Arlington
Michael L. Lowenthal
December 2010

This is an examination of the past, present and future of concrete surface structures, and an argument for the continued and expanded application of these structures through the use of modular design and fabrication with the use of textiles. 

Literature Review: Building Envelope, Heating, and Ventilating Practices and Technologies for Extreme Climates

National Research Council Canada
Bart Quimby
December 2006

This report documents the findings of the literature review, which includes significant information on practices, issues, and technologies regarding building envelopes, construction, heating, ventilating, indoor air quality, utilities, and socio-housing issues.

Optimization of Dome Housing in Sri Lanka

A Thesis Presented to the Building and Structural Engineering Department
Delft University of Technology
Carli Hammer
September 2006

The Solid House Foundation (SHF) uses inflatable hemispherical formwork to build concrete dome dwellings. In this thesis a study is made of possible optimization of the dome buidling concept. Main occasion is the increasing price of rebar and the bad availability of rebar in most regions where the SHF is active. As SHF is now involved in a large housing project in Sri Lanka, a first focus in on the region.

A Finite Element Analysis of the Monolithic Dome

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Civil Engineering
Idaho State University
Nanette South
December 2005

Its ten chapters, figures and tables discuss the history of thin-shell and Monolithic Domes, shell theory, finite element analysis, comparisons of shell theories and a buckling analysis.

Bond Strength Between Layers of Concrete

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Civil Engineering
Brigham Young University
Joseph L. Bingham
April 1997

Carlton Akeley, the inventor of sprayed concrete, or shotcrete, was looking for a method of producing concrete shapes that could not be formed using conventional means. This is still the basic philosophy behind the use of shotcrete for new construction. A common application of shotcrete is in the construction of thin-shelled dome structures using air supported forms.

Analysis of a Circular Concrete Floating Floor

A Project Presented to the Department of Civil Engineering
Brigham Young University
Michael Neal Anderson
February 1992

The modern structural engineer is always searching for innovative, efficient building functions which protection from the elements (earthquake, weather, etc.) and serve the purpose of the structure….A concrete floor designed as a turntable would provide access to all airplanes from one small common door much like a roundhouse in a train station.

Large Thin Shell Concrete Domes Using Air Supported Forms and Cable Nets

Thesis Presented to the Department of Civil Engineering
Brigham Young University
Robert J. Hatch
August 1994

The objective of this thesis is to show how steel cable nets can be incorporated into an air-supported forming system to facilitate the construction of large spherical concrete domes. The steel cable nets not only provide additional resistance to external forces, but assist in reducing the radius of curvature of air-supported forms.

Spherical Concrete Water Tank Design

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Civil Engineering
Brigham Young University
Steve James Hoggan
April 1982

The intent of this thesis is to suggest that a possible solution to the ever-increasing need to preserve and store water with the use of a concrete thin shell structure. A thin shell is a curved surface or shell whose thickness is relatively small compared with its other dimensions and its radius of curvature. The first and foremost advantage is its inherent shape which yields strength and stability. This means that large quantities of materials are not needed to obtain structural soundness.

Thin Shell Concrete Water Tower

Constructed with Balloon Formwork
A Project Presented to the Department of Civil Engineering
Brigham Young University
Kurt A. Warren
August 1983

This thesis describes the construction method for a water tower designed entirely of reinforced concrete. It will consist of a spherical tank supported by a hollow cylindrical tower resting on a square spread footing. Many shapes have been used for elevated water tanks. The most efficient shape, in terms of inside surface area of tank per capacity, is the sphere. This shape should, therefore, be the most economical.

Snow Control Study for Monolithic Domes

Mr. R.B. Durksen
Richmond, B.C.

The object of this study was to determine the snow drifting conditions on the structure of the domes. This study includes the results of the snow control study as carried out in the laboratory of Morrison, Hershfield, Theakston and Rowan Limited.

Lethbridge Concrete Dome Analysis for Unsymmetrical Loading

Arnold Wilson
March 19, 1979

Results of a finite element computer analysis for the two inch thick concrete domes at Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada are included in this report. This analysis shows that a dome is suited to almost any type of loading and that local bending induced by unsymmetrical loading is not critical as it is an arch.

Large Diameter Low-Profile Air Forms Using Cable Net Support Systems for Concrete Domes

A Thesis submitted to the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Brigham Young University
Scott E. Jacobs
June 1996

The objective of this thesis was to show that a cable net based on the geometry of the Pantheon roof would control distortions of a large-diameter, low-profile air form. A secondary purpose of this research was to show that this method of construction is cost effective, and optimizes construction time.

Alternate Forming System of Small Diameter Concrete Domes for Living Structures

A Project Presented to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Brigham Young University
Christopher Scott Zweifel
May 17, 1997

My project originated from a desire to develop a forming system for the construction of small diameter concrete dome homes. The objective was to minimize the need for expensive tools and technical expertise. The construction method provides a good opportunity for areas where cheap labor is readily available.

Pull-Out Testing of Cast in Place Epoxy Grouted Reinforcement Sleeves

College of Engineering and Technology
Brigham Young University
Glenn P. Peterson

This report details the preparation and testing of reinforcement sleeves. The testing was based on ASTM C 234-86 bond tests. The objective was to test various reinforcement sleeves and compare the results to a control set of standard deformed bars.