Theory of the Spherical Or Conical Dome of Reinforced Concrete Or Metal

Abstract

The domes that will be considered in this paper are supposed to be solids of revolution, as to figure; and to be constructed of material such as metal or reinforced concrete, capable of sustaining either tensile or compressive stresses. The masonry dome can only resist compressive stresses, and, as it has been considered somewhat in detail by the writer† it will not receive special mention in what follows. It may be remarked, however, that the theory concerning the upper part of any dome, where compressive stresses only are experienced, is common to all domes, whether of metal, reinforced concrete or masonry, so that much that follows pertains to both classes of domes. Both analytical and graphical methods of solution will be given, though the former only applies to the spherical or conical dome of constant thickness, while, in the latter, no such restriction is imposed. Another advantage in the graphical method lies in its simplicity and clearness in interpreting results exactly. In this way it is an aid to the analytical method.