Complete Outline (Sources Included)

Project:
To examine and compare monolithic dome construction to other forms of construction such as traditional wood-frame and other types of domes (geodesic). By making these comparisons I will determine if monolithic domes are an efficient building alternative. Different sizes of domes will be considered. A monolithic dome may be better for an arena/stadium than a house or other small building. I will also try to determine if domes are better suited for different climates (specifically Canada and British Columbia)

Thesis Question: Are monolithic domes a more economic and safe form of construction compared to traditional forms of Construction? And what climates in Canada/British Columbia are they best suited for?

Method:

To determine the design ramifications of monolithic dome buildings we need to take into account:
Structural stability: will determine how stable a monolithic dome is compared to other types of buildings,

Costs of: heating, lighting, insulation, materials, labor

Time: how long it takes to build a monolithic dome dwelling unit of a certain square footage.

How much material is required to construct a monolithic dome in comparison to others

Weather conditions: how monolithic domes react to extreme weather conditions, and to the weather conditions in cities like Kamloops

Special Problems:

1. Fewer materials are needed to build a dome, but it is more labor intensive. How will this affect the costs?
2. Multi-floor domes may be difficult to construct
3. Dome houses may have to remain single floor dwellings
4. Domes may be better for larger buildings than residential sized ones
5. Number of windows that can be put on a dome without hindering the structural stability

Also

What locations would monolithic dome houses be more suited for? If any?

Valleyview Dome

this is a picture of a monolithic dome taken up
in Valleyview(and yes i took this picture). Thanks for the tip Dale

Diagram

this is a section view of a basic monolithic dome.
This diagram is found at the Monolithic Dome Institute website.

Stadium

Example of a monolithic stadium. this picture is from wcnsport.com.

house

this is an example of a monolithic dome house. This picture was taken from unitedspinal.org

Update on Project Outline

I have said that my topic is about Monolithic Dome Construction, but i haven't given anything specific. I will be comparing Monolithic Domes to traditional forms of construction(wood frame), and other types of dome construction(Geodesic). For those who don't know a Monolithic Dome is a thin walled structure and is "a super-insulated, steel reinforced concrete structure used for homes, schools, gymnasiums, bulk storage facilities, churches, and offices". Certain aspects that i will be looking at are: costs, time, stability and how the building reacts to severe weather conditions. I want to determine if Dome structures are a better alternative to other types of buildings.

I am having trouble finding sources so any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

First Entry

this is my blog about the research project. My topic is on Monolithic Dome Construction