Technical Seminar (15CVS86) ` Academic Year 2019-20

MONOLITHIC DOME

ABSTRACT
Dome is an element of architecture that resembles a hollow upper half of a sphere. Dome structures
made of various materials have a long architectural lineage extending into prehistory. It may be
defined as a thin shell generated by the revolution of a regular curve about one of its axis. The
shape of the dome depends upon the type of the curve and the direction of the axis of revolution.

When the segment of a regular curve revolves about its vertical diameter, a spherical dome is
obtained. Domes are used in variety of structures such as roof of circular areas, circular tanks,
exhibition halls, auditorium, bottom of tanks and bunkers.

With the introduction of monolithic dome structures find wide applications in many branches of
technology. From the point of view of architecture, the development of dome structure offers
unexpected possibilities and opportunities for the combined realization of functional, economic
and aesthetic aspects. Energy efficiency of building designs should be considered and is high in
monolithic domes. A monolithic dome is a structure cast in a one-piece form. The form may be
permanent or temporary and may or may not remain part of the finished structure. 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.

The energy saving features of domes are summarized by an architect who states, “Dome embody
the virtues of simplicity, economy, and energy conservation, and enclose the maximum amount
of space with the least surface area. It is this surface area which consists of building materials,
and comprises the exterior skin of the building through which heat is gained, or lost. This is the
essence of dome efficiency.”(Zimmerman,1992). For the construction of dome structures it
requires airform kit. With the exception of airform kit, locally available materials are all that is
needed to produce a dome.

Submitted By Under Guidance of

Dhanush N Manjunath M katti

1CG16CV014 Asst. Professor

CIT, Gubbi

Dept. of Civil Engineering, CIT, Gubbi Page 1