Design Of Domes Research Articles

Experimental and numerical evaluation of fibre-reinforced concrete vault forming slabs subjected to low-velocity impact loading

Vaults and dome structures are attractive in architecture due to their ability to evenly distribute weight and support substantial loads without internal columns. Fibre-reinforced concrete is ideal for these compressive structures, which experience low tensile stress. Assessing their performance under impact loading is crucial for safety, financial protection, and preserving cultural heritage. In this study, twelve arch-shaped slabs with thicknesses of 50, 75, and 100 mm, incorporating varying fibre percentages, were tested using a drop-weight impact test machine. Finite element analysis, validated against experimental results, was employed to evaluate the slabs’ behaviour under low-velocity impacts. The analysis revealed multiple flexural cracks in fibre-reinforced specimens, with maximum crack widths decreasing as fibre ratios increased. Although the number of microcracks rose with higher fibre content, crack spacing diminished. Results indicated that adding steel fibres significantly enhances tensile strength and energy absorption—showing a 90% increase in the 100 mm thick dome with 1.5% fibres—while reducing cracking. These improvements contribute to the durability, stability, and safety of concrete domes, lowering maintenance costs. Thus, incorporating steel fibres in the design and construction of impact-resistant concrete domes is highly recommended.

Influence of the Initial Prestress Level on the Distribution of Regions of Dynamic Instability of Geiger Domes

This paper provides a parametric analysis of cable–strut tensegrity domes subjected to periodic loads. This analysis aims at determining the main regions of dynamic instability (unstable regions). From the point of view of the physical interpretation of the phenomenon, if the load occurs in these regions, the amplitudes of the resulting vibrations increase, posing a risk to the durability of the structures. The consideration includes cable–strut structures called Geiger domes. Four dome design solutions known from the literature are compared, i.e., regular (patented by Geiger) and modified domes with a closed and an open upper section. In contrast to conventional cable–strut structures, Geiger domes are characterized by a self-equilibrated system of internal forces (initial prestress), which affects the shape and range of unstable regions. The main purpose is to answer the question as to which type of design solution is more sensitive to the risk of excitation vibrations. A nondimensional parameter λ is introduced for this quantitative assessment. This parameter reliably determines the change in the area of unstable regions as the initial prestress level increases. The range of the parameter λ is defined as a value between 1 and 0. In the case of λ=1, there is potential for the excitation of unstable motion, whereas in the case of λ=0, such a risk is absent. The analysis presented in this paper can be employed in the process of optimizing the initial prestress level, which will constitute the subsequent stage of this research. A geometrically non-linear model is used to evaluate the behavior of the considered structures.

Speech intelligibility evaluation of small-scale mosque with multiple domes design

PurposeMosques are built with dome-shaped ceilings for communal worship with common architectural styles worldwide for prayer. Since the acoustics of worship buildings are just as significant as their aesthetics, they should enhance people’s sense of hearing. This study evaluates the speech intelligibility of a small mosque with multiple domes to determine the space acoustic conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe investigation involved extensive literature reviews to collect relevant data to model the case study. The Enhanced Acoustics Simulator for Engineers (EASE) software program was used to integrate critical parameters such as the absorption coefficient of materials, dome shapes and the number of domes in the simulation. The study employed speech intelligibility parameters such as C50, S.T.I. and %ALcons to assess the acoustic conditions. The assessment model was validated through statistical analysis and a paired t-test.FindingsThe study discovered that varying shapes of the multiple domes showed no significant impact on speech intelligibility. However, different multiple domes materials resulted in significant disparities in speech intelligibility. Applying high-absorption materials in multiple dome designs achieved the most effective acoustic performance. Except for C50 in some circumstances and receiver positions, all other alternatives met the optimal value for overall speech intelligibility because the sound was not sufficiently diffused early on, suggesting that the early reflection sounds were either weak or insufficient.Originality/valueThis study not only helps to determine the multiple-dome effect on mosque acoustics but also empowers archaeoacoustics and historic conservation by documenting these significant places of worship. The findings advocate using high-absorption materials in multiple dome designs and offer practical insight into mosque design material selection. By enhancing the understanding of the acoustic conditions in small-scale mosques, this study equips architects, engineers and builders with the knowledge to create spaces prioritizing speech clarity and intelligibility.

Study on prestress distribution and structural performance of heptagonal six-five-strut alternated cable dome with inner hole

The cable dome structure is a highly efficient prestressed space structure with reasonable force, attractive shape, and large spanning capacity. It is increasingly widely used in stadiums, exhibition halls, terminals, and other large-scale public buildings and the roof structure of various transport hub projects. To solve the problem of weak overall structural stability of the traditional cable dome structure, a new type of prestressed space structure is proposed - heptagonal six-five-strut alternated cable dome with an inner hole. The composition of the structural system was given and a theoretical study of the distribution of structural prestress was carried out; based on the symmetry and periodicity conditions, the initial prestress distribution of the structure was accurately calculated using the node balance method, and the formulae for the geometric parameters of the structural cable-strut were derived; the numerical model was established by using the finite element software ANSYS 2022 R1, and the force characteristics of the structure under full-span uniform load, half span uniform live load, wind load, and temperature were studied. The effects of structural prestress, overall shape, and support stiffness, totaling three categories and six parameters, on the structural mechanical performance of the internal force of the member, node displacement, and support reaction force were analysed in detail and the sensitivity of the parameters is assessed quantitatively, accordingly, the values of the main design parameters such as thick-span ratio are given as suggestions. The analysis results show that the new structural system has a high load-carrying capacity and deformation resistance, and its proposal provides a new scheme and new ideas for the selection and design of the cable dome.

A multi-objective optimization design method for underwater composite sandwich structures with high acoustic transmission and low vibration performance

ABSTRACT To address the issue of reduced structural integrity and optimality resulting from the conventional serial design of sonar dome structures, this paper establishes a multi-objective optimal design model for composite sandwich structures, utilising the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The model's stability and reliability are subsequently validated. Upon this model, a structural optimization design technique is postulated for composite sandwich structures within the realm of Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) multi-physics coupling. This approach aims to optimize the lightweight, high-rigidity composite sandwich structure, enhancing its acoustic transmission and minimizing vibration performance under turbulent pressure pulsations. The suggested method notably enhances the efficiency of structural design while ensuring precision. The proposed method effectively addresses the deficiency of serially designed sonar domes by neglecting the synergistic effects among multiple disciplines. In summary, this approach offers technical support and new research perspectives for the design of sonar domes under the coupling of multiple physical fields.

A novel stability analysis method of single-layer ribbed reticulated shells with roof plates

The steel dome of liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks comprises a curved roof plate welded onto a single-layer ribbed reticulated shell (SLRR shell). However, the roof plate may cause diaphragm effects, which may resulting in instability of the steel dome at a relatively low load level. In this paper, an innovative equivalent single-layer ribbed reticulated shell (ESLRR shell) was proposed to investigate the impact of the diaphragm effect. Specifically, the roof plate and H-shaped radial beam were equated as radial irregular beams based on the principle of plate-shell composite action. Next, we performed a systematic analysis of the instability mechanisms in the ESLRR shell, revealing the interaction between the beam buckling and the overall structural instability. Finally, through parametric study, we explored the effects of roof plate thickness and rise-to-span ratio on the ESLRR shell, and obtained the optimal structural parameters. The results show that the proposed method effectively solves the challenges associated with the presence of roof plates in LNG storage tanks steel dome stability analysis; Under the combination of weak boundary stiffness and high bending moment, radial irregular beams are more prone to buckling; Increasing roof plate thickness or rise-to-span ratio can reinforce the stability of the ESLRR shell. Overall, this research work provides theoretical guidance for the future design and optimization of LNG storage tank domes.

On Vaulting: Heron’s Manuals and Their Role in Roman Dome Design

The subject of domes in the Roman world is complex and can be studied from different perspectives. In this paper we focus on the relationship between Heron of Alexandria's manuals and the vaulting systems of the Hadrianic age. Our aim is to compare a selection of formulae from the critical edition by Johan Ludvig Heiberg with a series of buildings recently documented using photogrammetric and laser scanner technologies. The collection of writings Heronis Alexandrini opera quae supersunt omnia (mainly books IV and V) presents an interesting set of formulae for calculating vaults and domes: volumes and areas of niches, spherical segments, lunettes, as well as empirical strategies for calculating complex shapes. This approach, which integrates practical knowledge with Vitruvian graphic schemes, allows us to clarify the work of the ancient architect and consequently to investigate the architectural problem within the more general framework of archaeology with new conceptual tools.

MUST dome design based on dome seeing quantitative evaluation

ABSTRACT The Multiplexed Survey Telescope (MUST) project is led by Tsinghua University, which entrusted the European Industrial Engineering (EIE) GROUP with the design, manufacture, and assembly of the dome. Located on Saishiteng Mountain in Qinghai Province, MUST benefits from exceptional atmospheric seeing conditions etc. Local dome seeing may be comparable to atmospheric seeing and requires careful consideration. This research, based on numerical simulations, focuses on refining the dome structure and temperature regulation strategies to achieve optimal dome seeing. The existing simulations only consider nighttime dome seeing and overlook the impact of daytime dome heating on nighttime conditions. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) part mostly relies on a steady-state k − ε model, which cannot simulate transient processes or capture optical turbulence. In this study, a comprehensive multiphysics field coupling simulation was conducted, encompassing radiation heat transfer, fluid heat transfer, CFD, and ray tracing. Simulations include both daytime and nighttime scenarios, taking into account the daytime heating of the dome due to solar irradiation, as well as dome seeing under natural ventilation at night. The CFD utilizes the large eddy simulation model, enabling three-dimensional transient simulation and the simulation of optical turbulence. Ultimately, the broadening of the point spread function was statistically analysed after a certain integration time, facilitating a quantitative evaluation of dome seeing. This numerical simulation approach is closer to real world conditions, improving simulation accuracy and addressing the shortcomings of existing simulations. Some qualitative conclusions are consistent with practical engineering experience. In the end, the dome seeing was successfully regulated to 0.21 arcsec, meeting the observational requirements.

Prestress analysis and geometry optimization for conical cable domes with zero Gaussian curvature

The conical cable dome with a rotating cone and zero Gaussian curvature is a new type of cable dome with the generatrix that follows a straight line. The paper studies the prestress design and mechanical properties of such cable domes. First, on the basis of the section and vertical diagrams of the proposed cone, a simplified method is developed to calculate feasible prestresses of cables and struts using the principle of nodal balance. Second, prestress distribution, load-bearing capacity, and prestress of the conical cable domes with 15 different combinations of rise-span ratio and inner triangular slope under both prestress and load states are studied. Additionally, the paper proposes five load conditions to assess the performance of the conical cable domes. Finally, the total strain energy, basic frequency, radial reaction, and gravity are optimized through single-criterion and multi-criterion based on the combination of a genetic algorithm and the Newton iteration method. To keep the outer appearance of the conical cable dome, the work selects the strut length as the optimization variable. An optimized conical cable dome is recommended with a low prestress uniformity index and high uniformity index. The results indicate that the conical cable dome is sensitive to the asymmetrical loads, especially the wind loads. For the single-criterion optimization, the structure with the basic frequency under loads as the objective function has the best load-bearing capacity. After optimization, the maximum nodal displacement is 32% and 43% of the original one under LC4 and LC5. Besides, to get a synthetic optimization result, a multi-criterion optimization is suggested.

Comparative analysis of tubular daylighting device performance with acrylic and glass domes

Various materials have been utilized to enhance the performance of Tubular Daylighting Devices (TDDs) while maintaining cost-effectiveness. This study conducted a comparative experimental investigation to expose the relationship between dome materials and TDD performance. The experimentation took place during the summer in an arid region characterized by abundant sunlight and atmospheric pollutants. The results reveal that the glass dome experiences up to 13 % loss in incident daylight, while the acrylic dome demonstrates a more pronounced reduction at 30 %, which emphasizes the critical role of dome material in assessing TDD performance. Both dome types preserve the high-quality characteristics of daylight in terms of its spectrum. Moreover, the study reveals the complex interaction between solar altitude and transmittance ratio, showing how dome design can significantly shape this relationship. The transmittance patterns exhibited by both domes hold promise for optimizing daylight utilization across diverse scenarios, necessitating a careful balance between capturing low-angle sunlight and controlling high-angle sunlight entry. Given the arid environmental conditions of the experiment, the study also examined the impact of dust accumulation on TDDs performance. Over a span of 58 days, exposure to weather led to a notable reduction in illumination transmittance ranging from 26.6 % to 30.3 %. The glass dome displayed a 14 % greater reduction in transmittance ratio compared to the acrylic dome. This study emphasizes the pivotal role of dome materials in shaping TDD performance. The insights garnered from this research serve as a valuable guide for designing TDDs that maximize their potential in various applications and environmental contexts.

Sinan the Architect’s Process of Creating Spatial Typology

The article explores the process of central planning development and dome-bearing systems analysis in mosques belonging to Classical Ottoman Architecture, focusing on the typological plan variations found in Sinan the Architect’s octagonal-based central domes. It is aimed to determine the spatial typology of these octagonal based central domes, as they play a crucial role in creating a central space in mosques. The typology studies focused on the load-bearing systems in central dome designs of eighteen surviving mosques designed by Sinan the Architect. The study method involves scanning scientific publications, state archives, and photographing mosques. Mosques ground floor plans, including their dome projections and sectional drawings, have been examined. Gathering all the data from analysing the transfer of the dome load enabled a categorisation of eighteen mosques that can be classified into two primary groups and three sub-groups within each group.

Spherical dome: design, digital twin manufacturing, and testing of a glubam structure

ABSTRACT Domes are common architectural elements in real life, with spherical or sphere-like shapes being the most common. Nonetheless, there has been limited research on incorporating modern design and manufacturing technologies into spherical domes, especially those made of bio-based materials. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the design pipeline for spherical domes. In terms of spherical tessellation for dome design, a set of innovative algorithms and programs is made available as open-source resources, comprising both manual and numerical approaches, where the numerical approaches are validated by existing results while also expanding these results, and new manual approaches are proposed and benchmarked as alternatives to conventional methods with similar or better performance, condition-wise. A proof-of-concept prototype is constructed according to the proposed pipeline to demonstrate its feasibility for later experiments. A preliminary loading test was conducted, validating its satisfactory mechanical behavior. In summary, a comprehensive design pipeline for spherical domes is proposed and validated through a prototype project, during which various innovations are made, from spherical tessellation to parametrical design, analysis, and digital twin manufacturing.

Design and Assessment of a Novel Approach for Ecosystem Warming Experiments in High‐Energy Tidal Wetlands

AbstractCoastal salt marshes have an important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Direct and indirect responses to warming are expected to vary along the marsh elevation gradient, making ecosystem responses to warming at this marine‐terrestrial ecotone uncertain. The Marsh Ecosystem Response to Increased Temperatures (MERIT) experiment was established in 2018 on the North Sea coast of Germany. Experimental plots are evenly distributed over three elevational marsh zones (pioneer, low marsh, and high marsh) and include three temperature treatments (ambient, +1.5°C, +3.0°C). MERIT's novel design combines active warming (horizontal surface warming cables and vertical soil warming pins) with passive, partially covered domes. For performance assessment, temperature deltas between ambient and warmed plots were calculated and evaluated at seasonal, daily, and diurnal timescales. We used Linear Mixed Models with Residual Maximum Likelihood for evaluating warming treatment effects and constraining environmental factors. MERIT was effective at ecosystem warming in this high‐energy environment both above‐ and belowground. Mixed models show that warming treatment dominates temperature differences belowground and at the soil surface, along with factors such as wind speed, flooding duration, and solar radiation. Aboveground warming was lower than belowground warming, but the dome design minimized issues seen in other open‐top chamber experiments. The combination of passive aboveground warming with feedback‐controlled active surface and belowground heating provides a setup for understanding warming effects on tidal ecosystems without altering the natural impacts of wind, radiation, and tidal inundations at high‐energy coastlines. Our design creates opportunities to expand future warming experiments to remote locations and technically challenging environments.

Analysis and Design of Single-layer Lattice Aluminum Domes Using ANSYS Workbench

Analysis and Design of Single-layer Lattice Aluminum Domes Using ANSYS Workbench

Development of energy efficient design proposals for air conditioned mosques: Temperate humid climate case

Mosques, which are types of religious buildings, are large buildings where many people pray at the same time. The diversity of the user type and density and the variability of the usage schedule make it difficult to establish the homogeneous thermal comfort of these large-volume public buildings. At the same time, the energy consumption in the buildings should be minimal in nowadays when the conventional energy sources decrease. The aim of this study is to evaluate created design strategies for designers and users in order to minimize energy consumption by determining the passive design criteria and choosing the type of air conditioning equipment while providing an acceptable thermal comfort level in mosques. According to the method created for the aim, the scenarios of mosques were compared in terms of thermal comfort and energy consumption in the temperate humid climate conditions. This method includes the analysis of scenarios created from the change of design parameters of mosques (plan, size, roof type of the mosques) with a simulation software which was validated with actual utility data. The suggestions were presented for the selection and design of the mechanical system as a result of the implementation of the created method. When the design scenarios of mosques are compared, the air conditioning of the indoor with radiant method consumed less energy than HVAC equipment with fan system. In accordance with the plan schemes (square, rectangle, circular), the least energy consumption per unit area was in the circular plan scheme and hemispherical design. Compared to the roof types (single dome, multi dome, pyramidal roof, flat roof), the most energy consumption per unit area was generally in the multi dome design. According to the average energy consumption values of the HVAC systems, there was 23 % less energy consumption in the flat plan type (105.06 kWh/m2) compared to the rectangular plan type (129.2 kWh/m2). In the intermittent use schedule of the HVAC system, 8 % more energy was consumed than in the continuous use schedule. According to the air changes per hour in the mosques, there was 5.93 % more energy consumption in 2 ach conditions compared to 0.5 ach conditions.

Critical Natural Frequencies for Seismic Design of Latticed Domes Under Multi-component Earthquake Excitations

Critical Natural Frequencies for Seismic Design of Latticed Domes Under Multi-component Earthquake Excitations

Design and construction of domes of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord in the city of Elektrostal

Introduction. The article presents the methodology and results of design calculations and features of the technology of the construction of domes.Aim. Development of design solutions for two main central (upper and lower) and four small domes of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord under construction in the city of Elektrostal, Moscow region.Materials and methods. The project provided for the execution of domes in monolithic reinforced concrete using the technology of shotcrete in the design position. According to the project, the complete assembly of the reinforcement frames was carried out on the assembly moulds near the building. The finished frameworks were installed in the design position by a crane and were covered with a steel fine mesh. Concreting of domes was carried out by layer-by-layer application of fine-grained concrete by the method of shotcrete.Results. A complex of works was carried out on the design and construction of two main central (upper and lower) and four small domes of the Church of the Ascension of the Lord under construction in the city of Elektrostal, Moscow region.Conclusion. The experience of performing a complex of works on the design and construction of dome structures using shotcrete technology has shown the rationality of the design and technological solutions adopted and can be effectively used in the construction of objects with dome coverings made of monolithic reinforced concrete.

Design of a Dome Utilizing Sustainable Energy Sources

In recent times, there has been a notable upsurge in the utilization of dome structures, recognized as highly efficient architectural forms. These structures offer optimal space coverage with minimal larger volumes, devoid of obstructive columns, resulting in enhanced efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Domes, particularly for circular spaces, provide lightweight roofing solutions. This study endeavors to present a design for a steel dome that adheres to the principles of the green building code. The Municipality of Sison, driven by the necessity for a versatile facility to accommodate a spectrum of events and activities, past and future, is the focal point of this proposal. The researcher intends to develop a dome design that aptly caters to these multifarious needs. Employing diverse theories within structural engineering, the structural analysis and design were manually computed, employing methods such as the slope deflection technique. The envisioned dome encompasses various facilities, including a basketball court and seating for up to 4,000 attendees. To meet energy requirements, solar power is harnessed, necessitating 138 units of 60-amp solar charge controllers to charge a 12 V 279,600 Wh battery, paired with a 69,900 W solar array. The dome's design underwent evaluation in collaboration with LGU-Sison and other key stakeholders. The estimated budget for the entire project approximates 102.6 million pesos. The structural design aligns with the guidelines stipulated by the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP). With earthquake-resistant attributes and adherence to energy efficiency standards specified by green building criteria, the design attains a comprehensive blend of safety and sustainability

Adaptive optimization technology of a conformal infrared dome based on the Von Karman surface under hypersonic conditions.

With the advent of the hypersonic era, diverse combat methods of hypersonic precision-guided weapons have been gradually developed. This study focuses on the precise design of a conformal infrared dome to accommodate different working conditions. To achieve this, an adaptive optimization technology for configuring conformal infrared domes is proposed, employing a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The technology enables the dome to dynamically balance its aerodynamic and imaging performance, taking into account the specific characteristics of each working condition. Moreover, it streamlines the design process of the conformal infrared domes. By optimizing the design with von Karman surfaces, we can overcome the limitations associated with the traditional quadric configuration. In order to evaluate its performance, a comparison was made with a conventional ellipsoid dome. The results indicate that, under the same working conditions, the air drag coefficient of the optimized infrared dome is reduced by 34.29% and that the peak signal-to-noise ratio of the distorted image from the infrared detection system is increased by 1.7%. We have demonstrated the effectiveness of the optimization method to balance aerodynamic performance and optical performance. Hopefully, our new method will improve the comprehensive performance of the infrared dome as well as the guidance capability of infrared detection technology.

Progressive Collapse Analysis of Single-Layer Latticed Domes With Fabricated Joints

Progressive collapse accidents of single-layer latticed domes seriously threaten public safety. The progressive collapse-resisting capacity (PCRC) is gradually becoming an essential requirement in the design of spatial structures. Currently, the joint system used in spatial structures can be divided into two categories: welded joints and fabricated joints. The semi-rigidity of fabricated joints may have a significant influence on the PCRC of single- layer latticed domes. In this study, the PCRCs of single-layer fabricated latticed domes with identical span and rise-to-span ratio are evaluated based on the critical progressive collapse load (CPCL). The collapse mechanism of single-layer latticed domes with different grid forms is revealed by progressive analysis. In addition, the effects of joint rigidity, grid form and type of initial failure are further evaluated. The results indicate that the collapse mechanism of single-layer latticed domes includes the radial propagation type and the circumferential propagation type. The latticed domes with quadrilateral grids have much lower PCRC than those with triangular grids. The CPCLs of weld-jointed latticed domes are 5% to 22% higher than those of the fabricated latticed domes with the same grid form. The above influence should be fully considered in the progressive collapse-resisting design of latticed domes with fabricated joints.