What are they - The Monolithic Dome |
by David B. South and Freda Parker
May 8, 2007
May 8, 2007
What is a Monolithic Dome? Simply defined, the Monolithic Dome is a super-insulated, steel-reinforced concrete structure that can be designed for virtually any use: office or business complex; school; church, synagogue or temple; gymnasium or sports arena; theater or amphitheater; airplane hangar; factory; bulk storage facility; house or apartment complex; military installation, etc.
What makes a Monolithic Dome a better structure and a better buy?Advantages of a Monolithic Dome fall into three general categories: Economy, Security, Aesthetics and Comfort.
Economy in Construction Generally, the construction cost of a Monolithic Dome is less than that of a conventional building of the same size with similar fittings and fixtures. A streamlined construction process and the use of only four major ingredients contribute significantly to the dome's economy. Those principal ingredients or materials are an Airform, polyurethane foam, rebar and concrete.
An Airform is an inflatable fabric structure, made of PVC coated nylon or polyester fabrics. When inflated, the Airform determines the shape and size of the finished building, and it remains on the structure as its roof membrane.
In the construction of a Monolithic Dome, a thickness of polyurethane foam is sprayed on the inside of an inflated Airform. Polyurethane foam is a superior insulator. When sprayed in place, it expands to thirty times its original size, sets in seconds and fills every nook and cranny, completely sealing a structure. This foam is virtually waterproof, forms its own vapor barrier and adds structural strength.
Rebar is a steel bar with ridges that is used to strengthen concrete. In Monolithic Dome construction, rebar hangers that will hold the rebar are placed into the foam, following a pattern predetermined by the dome's size and shape. As in the construction of bridges, tunnels and roads, rebar reinforces the dome's concrete.
Concrete used in the building of a Monolithic Dome is called Shotcrete. It's a special mix of concrete that is spray-applied to a specific thickness, depending on the dome's size. Shotcrete covers the foam and embeds the rebar on the inside of the dome. Click here to view an illustration of the construction process.
In the construction of a Monolithic Dome, a thickness of polyurethane foam is sprayed on the inside of an inflated Airform. Polyurethane foam is a superior insulator. When sprayed in place, it expands to thirty times its original size, sets in seconds and fills every nook and cranny, completely sealing a structure. This foam is virtually waterproof, forms its own vapor barrier and adds structural strength.
Rebar is a steel bar with ridges that is used to strengthen concrete. In Monolithic Dome construction, rebar hangers that will hold the rebar are placed into the foam, following a pattern predetermined by the dome's size and shape. As in the construction of bridges, tunnels and roads, rebar reinforces the dome's concrete.
Concrete used in the building of a Monolithic Dome is called Shotcrete. It's a special mix of concrete that is spray-applied to a specific thickness, depending on the dome's size. Shotcrete covers the foam and embeds the rebar on the inside of the dome. Click here to view an illustration of the construction process.
