Alternative Dome Reconstruction Method for Masonry Structures

Abstract

Domes first appeared in architecture in small structures such as round huts and tombs. As the need to accommodate more people became increasingly larger through the ages and the enhanced sense of symbolism of the dome became ever more important so the dome spans expanded. The construction materials switched from solid earth mounds to masonry hemispheres [1]. This growth in size has always been an engineering challenge and in many cases of masonry domed structures the dome, located at the highest point of the building, is considered to be one of the most vulnerable parts of the structure. Decreasing the weight concentrated on the highest part of the masonry structure increases the strength and durability of the structure. The aim of this paper is to present an alternative method for constructing a domed structure that was developed using computer aided design methods. This type of dome could serve as a replacement of a collapsed stone dome, usually of a church, or be fitted on a new structure.