UNIT VI - Geodesic dome

A geodesic dome is a hemispherical thin-shell structure (lattice-shell) based on a geodesic

polyhedron. The triangular elements of the dome are structurally rigid and distribute the
structural stress throughout the structure, making geodesic domes able to withstand very
heavy loads for their size.

Methods of construction

Steel-framework can be easily constructed of electrical conduit. One flattens the end of a
strut and drills bolt holes at the needed length. A single bolt secures a vertex of struts. The
nuts are usually set with removable locking compound, or if the dome is portable, have
a castellated nut with a cotter pin.

Domes can also be constructed with a lightweight aluminium framework which can either be
bolted or welded together or can be connected with a more flexible nodel point/hub
connection. These domes are usually clad with glass which is held in place with a PVC
coping. The coping can be sealed with silicone to make it water tight. Some designs will also
allow for double glazing or insulated panels to be fixed in the framework. This allows a fully
habitable building to be formed.
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 Advantages and Disadvantages of Geodesic Domes

Advantages of Geodesic Domes

1. Minimum amount of materials are required for the construction of geodesic

domes when compared to ordinary domes.
2. Elliptical geodesic domes have the advantage that they can cover elongated or
irregular shaped spaces that vary in elevation.
3. They are lightweight, strong and require no interior supports.
4. They are structurally simple and once a module is prepared, it can be duplicated
many times for assembling into a specified plan.
5. Transportation is easy because of their light weight

Disadvantages of Geodesic Domes

1. Even though they are strong, they, some times, act against the basic principles,
followed in engineering practice
2. The behavior of geodesic domes under forces is not well researched, and hence it
is difficult to predict their performance in real time.
3. It is difficult to permanently seal the geodesic dome,s as there are many seams.
4. Also, heat of the sun causes flexure of the geodesic dome material.
5. Architectural problems arise due to imperfection of these elemental shapes.

Uses of Geodesic Domes

•Residential Homes

•Green Houses

•Warehouses

•Water Reservoirs

•Entertainment Spots

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 THE CABLE SYSTEM

Non rigid, flexible matter shaped in a certain way and secured by fixed ends, support itself &
span space. The transmit loads only through simple normal stresses, either tension or through
compression. Two cables with different points of suspension tied together form a suspension
system. A cable subject to external loads will deform in a way depending upon the magnitude
and location of the external forces. The form acquired by the cable is called the
FUNICULAR SHAPE of the cable

Cables System Materials :

❖ PTFE (poly tetra fluoric ethylene) : coated glass

fiber fabric PTFE coated glass fiber fabric is a
dynamic tensile material unmatched for its
aesthetics and durability making it ideal for large
scale roof and tensile membrane structures.

• It has the properties of high durability and flame

resistance.

• Usually, this kind of glass fibers are not affected

by UV light but they are easily damaged by the
water.

• The PTFE itself is completely inert and not

affected by the weather.

• In all words, PTFE coated glass fiber has a longer

life span and avoids the problem of dirt retention
and discoloration. This is why it always stay
looking clean.

❖ Reinforced concrete :

• Reinforced concrete is a composite material which are count erected by the

inclusion of reinforcement, having high compressive and tensile strength.

• In fact, there are 24 spots of reinforced concrete, standing on top of the

ground and are attached to main cables of the building. It has been used as an
anchorage points to support the whole structure.

• Concrete, if unreinforced, is notorious for cracking easily at any sourced of

stress. 3
• It will cracks at all thickenings, ends of embedded steel and even down the middle of aisles.

• Hence, it has to undergo several retrofitting, like reinforcing the concrete by adding steel
rods to the concrete mixture, allowing concrete to set solid.

• The steel rods ensures that reinforced concrete can withstand tensile forces and hence, it
become a versatile and composite material.

❖ Rubber :

• The aim of using rubber for this building is to achieve a maximum of weight saving in
individual components and parts.

• Rubber offer a considerable potential due to its low density and flexibility compared with
metal counterparts.

• At the bottom of each 12 masts, there is a rubber pot bearing with a single locating bolt.

• The bearing allows slight rotation of the mast at the connection point with the pyramid.

• Usage of rubber at the pot bearing helps to improve resistance to surface cracking due to
higher binder of contents.

• At the same time, it also helps in improving the aging and oxidation resistance of surface
construction .

❖ Steel :

• Steel is used mainly for its roof construction.

• Arranged radially over the fabric surface area the 72 tensioned steel stringer cables in pairs
of 32mm diameter steel spiral strand.

• The stringers are supported at a radial spacing between 25m and 30m by an arrangement of
upper hanger and lower tie-down cables set out around the twelve 100m high primary
steelwork masts.

• All these masts, jut out from the fabric ceiling, representing the months of the year and the
hours on a clock face.

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Advantages of the structure: -

• Extremely light weight - Large span (size) - Minimum

amount of structure - An open and unobstructed interior -
The low weight of the materials makes construction easier
and cheaper than standard design

•Cost efficiency: Depending on the requirement, the shaped

fabric under tension is able to reduce the cost of construction
by increase its spanned area under tension. In addition, the
membrane provides both structure and roofing shell.

•Design Freedom: With the flexible and highly formable

systems provided from the tensile fabric membrane, this
provide the architect to go all out by using conventional
construction materials. It also improve its functionality by
providing a well-designed tensile structure which adds
aesthetics to the building.

•Noise pollution: The fabric curved construction method is

able to diffuses both internal and external sound and whilst
absorbing at the same time.

Lower energy costs:

• The fabric have high sun reflecting properties and low absorbency of sunlight.
• Translucent materials provide a comfortable and natural light source by removing all
artificial lighting during the daytime.
• This greatly reduces the solar energy and heat that enters the structure.
• The woven base cloth combined with the appropriate coating allows a light transmission
value of around 10%.
• This provides a very comfortable level of illumination compared to the full brightness of
outside.

Semi-permanent nature:
• Tension membrane structures ‘historically’ have been closely tied to major events such as
exhibitions, where shelters are needed for short periods of time.
• Tension Fabric structures can be easily designed for rapid relocation and re-erection;
making them perfect for high impact event structures.
• Not only does this help with practicality it also helps with planning permission for fixed
term structures as they are classed by most authorities as semi- permanent structures.

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Disadvantages

• Poor performance ( Thermal & Acoustic )

• Exterior moisture and dehumidifier and address condensation

• Difficult making meaningful connections

• Easy to be damaged : Fabric structures, if properly engineered and installed are virtually
immune to damage and weather properties. Providing that they are not likely to be vandalize
or damage, they provide a reassuringly simple and durable solution.

• Difficulty of Maintenance : Dirt can be clearly seen glass or polycarbonate, however the
light diffusing properties of the fabric mean that the surface dirt is not easily identified.

In steel structures cables are used in many ways like

•bracings
•to support cantilever over hangings
•suspension bridges
•cable stayed bridges

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ACS1 - Compact Adjuster to Compact Adjuster

ACS2 - Jaw Turnbuckle to Jaw

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ACS3 - Threaded Terminal to Threaded Terminal

ACS4 - Open Jaw Socket to Open Jaw Socket

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Use of IS Codes in practice of Steel Structural Systems

Indian standard code for structural steel design for all types of structures are given below.
These are the codes which can be referred during design of steel structures.
IS: 800 : 2007 – Code of Practice for general construction in Steel
IS: 802 Part 2 : 1978 – Code of Practice for use of Structural Steel in Overhead Transmission Towers-
Fabrication, Galvanizing, Inspection and Packing
IS: 806 : 1968 – Code of Practice for USE OF Steel Tubes in General Building Construction
IS: 808 : 1989 – Dimensions for Hot Rolled Steel Beam, Column, Channel and Angle Sections
IS:814 : 2004 – Covered Electrodes for Manual Metal Arc Welding of Carbon and Carbon Manganese Steel
Specification
IS:816 : 1969 – Code of Practice for use of Metal Arc Welding for General Construction in Mild Steel.
IS:1161 : 1998 – Specification For Steel Tubes for Structural Purposes.
IS:1182 : 1983 – Recommended practice for radiographic examination of fusion welded butt joints in steel
plates
IS:1363 Part 1 & 3 : 2002 – Black Hexagonal Headed Bolts, Screws, Nuts & Locknuts of Product Grade C-
Hexagon Head Bolts (M5-M64)
IS:1367 Part 1 To 3 & 5 To 7 : 2002 – Technical Supply Conditions for Threaded Steel Fasteners
IS:1852 : 1985 – Rolling and Cutting Tolerances for Hot Rolled Steel Products
IS:2062 : 1999 – Steel For General Structural Purposes- Specification
IS:3502 : 1994 – Specification For Steel Chequered Plates
IS:3658 : 1999 – Code of Practice for Liquid Penetrant Flaw Detection
IS:3757 : 1985 High Strength Friction Grip Structural Bolts
IS:4260 : 2004 – Recommended Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Butt Welds in Ferritic Steel
IS:5334 : 2003 – Code of Practice for MagneticFlaw Detection of Welds
IS:5369 : 1975 – General Requirements for Plain Washers and Lock Washers.
IS:5372 : 1975- Specification – Taper Washers for Channels.
IS:5374 : 1975 – Specification – Taper Washers for I – Beams
IS:6639 : 2005 – Specification for Hexagon Bolts for Steel Structures
IS:7205 : 1974 Safety Code for Erection of Structural Steel Work
IS:7215 : 1974 – Tolerances for Fabrication Of Steel Structures
IS:7307 Part 1 – 1974 – Approval Tests for Welding Procedures Part 1- Fusion Welding of Steel
IS:7310 Part 1 : 1974 – Approval Tests for Welders working to Approved Welding Procedures Part 1-
Fusion Welding of Steel
IS:7318 Part 1 : 1974 – Approval Tests for Welders when Welding Procedure Approval is not required. Part
1- Fusion Welding of Steel
IS:8500 : 1991 – Weldable structural steel (Medium and High Strength qualities)
IS:9595 : 1996 Recommendation for metal arc welding of carbon manganese steel
IS:12843 : 1989 – Tolerances for Erection Of Steel Structures. 9