How Do Domes Support Themselves?
A dome is a type of roof, typically used in stadiums, places of worship, and other ornate buildings, that has a half-sphere appearance. Domes support their own weight, which allows for internal usable space that isn't cluttered with support columns.
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Physics of Arches
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Arches distribute weight around and down their sides. Masonry domes, like the Pantheon in Rome, are based on the structure of an arch, which takes its strength from the force of gravity. Weight placed on the top of a stone or brick arch is distributed around its sides and down to the ground. That pressure also compacts the stones, strengthening the arch.
Composition
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The unique set-back squares that make up the Pantheon's dome maintain the strength of the structure while making it as light as possible. The heavier a dome is, the more likely it is to crack or collapse. Ancient Roman architects determined that carving recesses into each building block reduced the overall weight of the materials without sacrificing strength.
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Geodesic Domes
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A geodesic dome like this one in Vancouver can achieve an almost perfect spherical shape thanks to the strong triangular shapes that make up its surface. Geodesic domes are made up of another strong geometrical shape: the triangle. Triangular panes made of steel and glass are arranged so that all panes press against one another with equal force, distributing pressure evenly.
Stadium Domes
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Modern domes like those on sports stadiums use a steel skeleton covered with plastics or other lightweight building materials to create a sturdy structure. These domes rely much more on the strength of the building materials themselves rather than the physical forces that are usually at work to support domes.
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References
- Photo Credit Capitol Building image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com Arch image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com Rom/Pantheon image by Monekon from Fotolia.com science world, vancouver image by Peter Shersby from Fotolia.com
