Monolithic Domes Mini Project Document DOC

Title	Monolithic Domes Mini Project Document
Author	A. Panyam Vuppu
Pages	6
File Size	301.5 KB
File Type	DOC
Total Downloads	53
Total Views	118

Summary

Monolithic is dedicated to improving people’s lives worldwide by introducing and constructing Monolithic Domes, for personal and public use, that are disaster-resistant, energy-efficient and cost-effective. Monolithic Domes are the most energy efficient and safest buildings that can be built and tha...

Description

Monolithic is dedicated to improving people's lives worldwide by introducing and constructing Monolithic Domes, for personal and public use, that are disaster-resistant, energy-efficient and cost-effective. Monolithic Domes are the most energy efficient and safest buildings that can be built and that can be designed for many uses. Many schools now conduct their classes in Monolithic Domes. Some are designated as tornado shelters. Others have Monolithic Dome gymnasiums, auditoriums, multipurpose centers, libraries, cafeterias, etc. Because Monolithic's technology meets FEMA criteria for a structure that can provide near-absolute disaster protection, some schools have received FEMA grants of 75% of their construction costs. These schools will save 60% to 75% of the energy costs as compared to conventional buildings. The energy savings will pay for the building in total in less than 20 years. And in most cases, they save money on first cost for the construction. In addition to schools, Monolithic designs homes, churches, office complexes, bulk storages, etc. Located in Italy, Texas, Monolithic has been constructing these quality buildings for more than 35 years. The buildings are built to last for centuries. A complex of seven, 60-foot, interconnected, colorfully painted and decorated domes dominates the far end of Monolithic's headquarters. It is Bruco — Monolithic's 14,000 sq ft factory that houses the state-of-the-art equipment for the design and manufacture of Airforms and various other tarps, covers and liners. Bruco is cooled in the hot Texas summers with a 5-ton AC unit and heated in the winter by leaving the lights on at night. Monolithic has also developed EcoShell structures. These can be built by hand, as superior, low- cost housing across the world. They are safe and super long lasting. They also make great out buildings – just not insulated. A monolithic dome (from Greek mono-and -lithic, meaning "one stone") is a structure cast in a one-piece form. The form may be permanent or temporary and may or may not remain part of the finished structure. Forms have been made using nearly every common structural material including air pressure supported fabric. Monolithic domes are a form of monolithic architecture. HISTORY The earliest form of monolithic dome structure could be considered to be the igloo. While it is constructed of blocks of compressed snow, these blocks melt and re-freeze to form a strong, homogeneous structure. The dome-like shape of the igloo exhibits the two major advantages of a dome-shaped structure: great strength, and good insulation. The strength is due to the natural strength of the arch, and the insulation is due to the minimal surface area of a spherical section....