TRADITIONAL BUILT HOUSES TO GEODESIC AND MONOLITHIC DOME HOUSE

[Traditional Built Houses To Geodesic And Monolithic Dome House]

by

Acknowledgement

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible (Cohen, 2005).

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University (Cohen, 2005).

Signed __________________ Date _________________

Abstract

In this study, we try to explore the concept of “traditional built houses to geodesic and monolithic dome house” in a holistic context. The focus of the research is on energy efficiency, methods and materials, cost and waste generation of geodesic and monolithic and their durance in high wind load. The research also analyzes many aspects of high wind pressure and tries to gauge its effect on traditional built houses and geodesic and monolithic dome house. Finally, the research describes various factors, which are responsible for geodesic and monolithic dome house, and tries to describe the overall effect of hurricane on traditional, geodesic, and monolithic dome house. Building in hurricane prone zones in recent decades has been insufficient in withstanding hurricane winds, dealing with storm surge, and managing integration into the environment. In many cases, this disregard has only served to amplify the effects of hurricanes causing more damage. Years of greed, lack of knowledge and complacency have littered the coastline with buildings, which are ill suited to deal with the effects of a tropical cyclone. This is in large part due to a lack of sufficient structure capable of dealing with storm surge, flooding, and high winds often carrying debris. Additionally, the architecture of the gulf coast barrier islands has generally ignored or not dealt properly with the unique environmental issues characteristic to these islands in this highly volatile weather climate. This disregard has exacerbated the effects of a hurricane by destroying the natural barriers already in place.

Table of Contents

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT2

DECLARATION3

ABSTRACT4

TABLE OF CONTENTS5

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION7

Background of the study7

Wind Loading8

Storm surge and flooding9

Energy Efficiency9

Materials Use and Waste Generation10

Economics10

Research Aims and Objectives11

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW12

Theoretical framework12

Florida Building Code, Building14

Ancient Architectural Interaction15

The Building Boom of the 1900's16

Hurricane Building - Past, Present and Future17

Methods of construction20

An overview of Dome homes22

Weaknesses of dome homes22

Chord factors24

patterns26

Precedent Study - Dome Houses, Japan26

Wind Forces and Florida Building Code 2004 Standards28

Building And Wind Event Interactions30

Determination Of Wind Forces33

Basic Reactions To Wind Loads36

Design Criteria38

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY43

Materials and Methods43

Air form Kits43

Polyurethane Foam43

Reinforcing Steel43

Concrete43

Construction Procedure44

Pressure Testing and Durability Observations Pressure Testing44

Structural Observations45

Testing of Insulation45

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION AND RESULTS46

Results46

Discussion46

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION50

Conclusion50

REFERENCES52

Chapter 1: Introduction

Background of the study

Dome homes are energy efficient buildings. Except for below-the-earth buildings, dome homes have the least exterior outside area of any design. Thus, they lose less heat in the winter and stay cooler in the summer. Standardized dome home kits and installers are easy to find in most places in the ...