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Monolithic Dome Institute

Academic Papers

Resources Updated 15 Nov 2022 Share this via Email Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Share this on Reddit Share this on Pinterest
Extreme wind load analysis of Monolithic Domes

The Academic Papers section contains white papers, theses, monographs, dissertations, and other scholarly articles related to the Monolithic Dome, concrete dome, thin-shell, and curved architecture industry.

Building Survivability — A guru's analysis of Monolithic Dome tornado and earthquake resistance

Plan diagram of wind forces against a concrete dome shell.
4 Photos 4
Academic Papers Posted 14 Jan 2022 By Arnold Wilson, Ph.D, S.E.

“The Monolithic Dome is the most disaster-resistant building that can be built at a reasonable price without going underground or into a mountain,” writes Dr. Arnold Wilson — the expert in Monolithic Dome engineering. Dr. Wilson analyzes the tornado and earthquake resistance of Monolithic Domes in this seminal first whitepaper on the Monolithic Dome. … read more

Disaster Survivability of Thin-Shell Concrete Dome Structures: Experience and Practice

Figure 11: Satellite image after tornado event
15 Photos 15
Academic Papers Posted 15 Sep 2014 By Andrew South & Chris Zweifel

Concrete thin-shell domes constructed using air-supported forms are increasingly built for a variety of uses. A number of these structures have experienced extreme natural events including hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornados. We provide evaluations of loads applied to these structures based on reported forces during the events and analyze building performance. We compare this theoretical analysis to reports of building survivability from owners and users of the structures after event occurrence. We determine that in most cases the loads experienced do not approach minimum practical design loads, and identify special considerations for designers. … read more

Concrete Dome Structures and Extreme Wind Loads: The Design of Community Shelters

Figure 1: Dale Oklahoma Storm Shelter / Cafeteria
9 Photos 9
Academic Papers Posted 15 Sep 2014 By Andrew South & Chris Zweifel

Public agencies are investing in the development of community shelters as resilient structures to provide a place of refuge for citizens during extreme wind events. An analysis of code-based design parameters for traditional assembly type dome structures is contrasted with an analysis of design parameters required by the United States Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) document 361 — “Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms.” It demonstrates that the factors governing the code-based design of thin-shell domes are such that an extension of FEMA 361 compliance requires a marginal increase compared to alternate building types. … read more

FEMA — Design and construction for community shelters and its application to domes

Aerial view of the Louisville Community Safe Room in Louisville, Mississippi
Academic Papers Posted 5 Feb 2004 By Arnold Wilson, Ph.D, S.E.

After reviewing the FEMA requirements for a structure capable of providing a safe shelter for people in areas where hurricanes and tornados represent a real danger, the Monolithic Dome, because of its very nature, heads the list for economy and strength to resist extreme loads. … read more

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© 1996–2023 Monolithic Dome Institute LLC