Advantages of the geodesic domes - Different Spaces Domes

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Advantages of the geodesic domes

Characteristics and properties of Geodesic Domes

In the following lines, we will discuss A safe construction.

one by one the major factors

Stable, strong and solid

behind the success of Geodesic

Due to its shape, the geodesic dome

Domes.

is a stable construction as the

pressure applied on it is distributed

Economics: Lower initial cost

(to a certain degree) around the

entire structure.

A dome is the geometric shape that

encloses the largest amount of

Being comprised of triangles, we can

volume with the least amount of

say it has a unique stability, since the

surface area. This generates a

triangle is the only polygon that

greater saving of building material

keeps its shape by nature. This

to enclose usable space or work

gives the dome a unique stability. The

area than any other structure with a

triangles interconnect so that their

different form.

sides form a Geodesic network of

"great circles" (which are formed, in
turn, by rows), that provide

Control of external and internal

consistency and strength to the whole

temperature

building.

Airflows
The domes have an even distribution

Quick assembly time compared

with traditional constructions
Weeks, days and even hours can be
the time taken to build a geodesic
dome, depending on the complexity.
There is also the possibility in some
instances to disassemble and
reassemble.

Here are some historical examples:

Since their discovery, geodesic

of weight on the ground plane

domes have been one of the safest

through the bottom ring and a low

Dome for the Ford Rotunda in

havens in areas with the most

centre of gravity, which gives it a

Dearborn (Michigan), built in

extreme and violent climates on the

great advantage over other structures

1953. It has a span of 27.4

planet, since exposure to cold in

when facing earthquakes.

metres and was constructed in

winter and heat in summer is

5 weeks.

reduced.

Dome of the Honolulu Kaiser

High winds generated by tornadoes,

Auditorium, built in 1957. It

hurricanes and storms generate a

has a 50 metre span, and it

negative air pressure when they hit

https://sites.google.com/site/dsdomes/conceptos[2/8/2015 1:04:14 PM]

Advantages of the geodesic domes - Different Spaces Domes

took 38 workers and 22 hours

the eaves and cornices of

to erect it. An hour later, 2,000

conventional homes, capable of

people attended a concert of

getting in underneath and totally or

the Hawaii Symphony

partially destroying roofs and leaving

Orchestra.

the occupants exposed. However,

the aerodynamic shape of a
geodesic dome and the absence of
suction elements offer the best
protection against the winds,
whatever the direction.
The temperature transmission is a
direct factor between the exposed

Weight and Strength

surface or area of the outer wall. A

dome, being spherical, has less

Due to its high strength to weight ratio,

coated surface area per unit of

when we talk about geodesic domes,

internal volume, thus reducing the

we are talking about incredibly

temperature gain or loss.

lightweight structures.

The interior shape causes either hot

Let us look at an example:

or cold air flows to occur that can

be used to control the internal
temperature, stabilize it and make it
uniform, thereby eliminating
potential cold spots. Due to this
shape, it acts as a giant reflector
towards the bottom part, reflecting
and concentrating the heat on the
inside, preventing further radial
heat loss.

The Dome of the Pantheon

(Rome) weighs more than
400kg/m2 covering a span of
44 metres.
A modern concrete dome
weighs about 200kg/m2.
The Montreal Geodesic Dome
weighed 53 kg/m2 and
covered a diameter of 76

In this way, the dome becomes an

optimal construction for polar
climates, either as observatories,

metres.
Today we are talking about just
10kg/m2 or less.

laboratories or protecting radar

antennas.

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