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Geodesic dome of
polystyrene and concrete
Saves money, space, and energy
BY M. K. HURD
ut 6-inch-thick triangles of crete dome are arranged in hexa- shape helps it resist strong winds,
C extruded polystyrene
foam, assemble a geodesic
dome, and encase it with
reinforced concrete. This method of
homebuilding requires no heavy
gons and pentagons to approximate
a spherical surface. Take a close look
at a soccer ball and you’ll see the
same pattern.
Dome designs are available in 32-
and snow tends to form its own arch
over the dome structure. The dome
is designed for a safe snow load of 50
pounds per square foot and for a
wind velocity of 120 mph.
equipment, uses locally fabricated and 40-foot base diameters. Each The shell of concrete and poly-
materials, and delivers a strong, en- dome is about three-eighths of a styrene has an R value of 27. This in-
e rg y-efficient dwelling suitable for complete sphere. The aerodynamic sulating capability can readily be in-
many climate zones. Shell costs are
moderate for the space enclosed.
Geodesic domes:
What and why?
A geodesic dome may be de-
scribed as a part of a sphere con-
structed of multiple straight bars
arranged to form triangles. The bars
are called geodesics and the trian-
gles are facets. Structurally, the geo-
desic dome is a space truss and is
the strongest known straight-line
form enclosing space. It is efficient
as well as strong; there is no
straight-line geometric form that re-
quires less surface skin to enclose a
given amount of space than a geo-
desic dome.
In the concrete and polystyrene
dome described here, folds in the
concrete shell replace the straight
bars. The folds, howe ve r, act just as
the bars would to transmit loads to
the foundation.
PUBLICATION #C881018
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