"Homes For The Domeless.

"

Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Low-Cost; Low-Carbon; Light-Basalt Frame; Super-Insulated; Disaster-Proof
Buildings:
Table of Contents, Figures & Tables:
“Makeen Qatil Makanoon Kay” Residents of Killer Houses.....................................................................5
Standing on the Outside, Looking In:...................................................................................................5
Present Trends:...........................................................................................................................................5
“Israaf:”.................................................................................................................................................5
Eco-Disaster:.........................................................................................................................................6
Unaesthetic:...........................................................................................................................................6
Nonscientific:........................................................................................................................................6
Figure 1: Center of Gravity...............................................................................................................6
Center of Gravity:..................................................................................................................................6
Compression and Tension:....................................................................................................................6
Figure 2: Compression and Tension.................................................................................................6
Joints:.....................................................................................................................................................7
Expensive:.............................................................................................................................................8
Non-Traditional:....................................................................................................................................8
Site-Orientation:....................................................................................................................................8
Table: 1 Orientation Factors:............................................................................................................8
Energy Conservation:............................................................................................................................8
Table: 2 Energy Conservation:.........................................................................................................8
Thermal Characteristics:........................................................................................................................9
Thermal Mass:.......................................................................................................................................9
Earth Shelter:.........................................................................................................................................9
Roof:......................................................................................................................................................9
Walls:.....................................................................................................................................................9
Floors:....................................................................................................................................................9
Basements:.............................................................................................................................................9
Berming:................................................................................................................................................9
Internal Heat Gain:................................................................................................................................9
Well-Designed Openings:....................................................................................................................10
Rammed Earth/ Adobe:............................................................................................................................10
Rammed Earth is all about Endurance................................................................................................10
Benefits of Rammed Earth:.................................................................................................................10
Prevailing Adobe Homes:....................................................................................................................11
Thermal Mass:.....................................................................................................................................11
Challenges of Rammed Earth Construction:.......................................................................................11
Table: 3 Current Adobe Construction Climatic Adaptation Advantages:.......................................11
Table: 4 Current Adobe Construction Climatic Adaptation Disadvantages:..................................12
Portland Cement.......................................................................................................................................12
Cement Pollution:................................................................................................................................12
Disadvantages:.....................................................................................................................................12
Geopolymer Cement Concrete:................................................................................................................12
Composition of Geopolymer Concrete:..............................................................................................13
Geopolymer Cement (CCBPS) Unique Characteristics:.....................................................................13

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Other Benefits of Using CCBPS:........................................................................................................13
Figure 3:Geopolymer Concrete:.....................................................................................................13
Whats the Difference?.........................................................................................................................14
Basalt Rebar:............................................................................................................................................14
Figure 4: Naturally Occurring Basalt Rock....................................................................................14
Basalt Rebar Cost................................................................................................................................14
Tensile & Module Properties...............................................................................................................15
Design Bond & Absorption.................................................................................................................15
Superior Thermal Protection & Other Properties................................................................................15
Figure 5: Laying Basalt Rebar. Figure 6: Bending........................................................................15
Ceramics...................................................................................................................................................15
Cost......................................................................................................................................................15
Color....................................................................................................................................................15
Durability.............................................................................................................................................15
Easy To Clean......................................................................................................................................16
Ceramic Surfaces.................................................................................................................................16
Water....................................................................................................................................................16
Building Materials & Ceramics...........................................................................................................16
Ceramic Materials...............................................................................................................................16
Traditional Ceramics...........................................................................................................................16
Raw Materials......................................................................................................................................17
Raw Material Preparation....................................................................................................................17
Figure 7: Ceramic Processing Steps...............................................................................................17
Advanced Ceramics.............................................................................................................................18
Light-Steel-Frame Building.....................................................................................................................18
Shotcrete:.................................................................................................................................................18
Adequate Response to 21st Century Challenges Needs Your Support!..................................................19
Geodesic Dome Construction:.................................................................................................................20
Figure 8: The Original Geodesic Dome..........................................................................................20
The Geodesic Dome............................................................................................................................21
Table 5: Geodesic Dome Construction Advantages:......................................................................21
Weather/ Climate Orientation:.............................................................................................................22
Table 6: Advantages of Proposed Construction:.............................................................................22
Figure 8: Pre-Fabricated Domes:....................................................................................................22
Figure 10: Varied Applications:......................................................................................................23
Figure 11: Concrete Ring Foundation, Reinforced with Steel Rebar.............................................23
Figure 12: My First Frame for a Shade Structure:.........................................................................23
Figure12: Interior PoP Spray on Basalt Mesh Reinforced Concrete Dome:.................................24
Figure 13: Domes; Joints; Windows:..............................................................................................24
Figure 14: Dome Shell....................................................................................................................25
Figure 15: Second Frame for Housing Figure 16: Windows.........................................................25
Figure 17: Material Stress & Strain Comparison...........................................................................26
Figure 18: Geodesic Sphere............................................................................................................26
Figure 19: First Concept 1980........................................................................................................26
Explaining Dome Frequency...............................................................................................................27
Figure 20: Frequencies...................................................................................................................27
Why Use Different Frequencies?........................................................................................................27

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Tensegrity............................................................................................................................................27
Tension:...............................................................................................................................................27
Tension Ring:......................................................................................................................................27
Forces Acting on Monolithic Domes...................................................................................................27
Struts Lengths......................................................................................................................................28
Table 7: Frequencies; Strut Lengths & Numbers and Hub Numbers.............................................29
What is a Vertex?.................................................................................................................................30
Figure 21: Vertices (or Hubs).........................................................................................................30
Figure 22: Connecting Struts..........................................................................................................30
Table 8: Struts.................................................................................................................................31
Kit Contains:........................................................................................................................................32
Figure 23: Pre Fabricated Kit.........................................................................................................33
Bamboo Frames:..................................................................................................................................33
Figure 24: Bamboo Strut................................................................................................................33
Dome Assembly:.................................................................................................................................33
Cutting and Measuring the Members:.................................................................................................33
Figure 25: Struts 1 & 2 V Domes...................................................................................................33
Figure 26: Struts 3 V Domes..........................................................................................................33
Basic Shapes 2 Frequency:..................................................................................................................34
Figure 27: A & B Members Connection Pentagon.........................................................................34
Basic Shapes 2 Frequency:..................................................................................................................34
Figure 28: C Members....................................................................................................................34
2 Frequency Layout:............................................................................................................................34
Figure 29: 2 V Pentagons Layout...................................................................................................34
3 Frequency Layout:............................................................................................................................35
Figure 30: 3 V Dome Layout..........................................................................................................35
Connectors...........................................................................................................................................35
Figure 31: Connectors.....................................................................................................................35
Assembly:............................................................................................................................................35
2 Frequency Domes:............................................................................................................................35
Figure 32: 2 Frequency Dome........................................................................................................35
3 Frequency Domes:............................................................................................................................36
Figure 33: 3 Frequency Domes:.....................................................................................................36
Propping:.............................................................................................................................................36
Figure 34: Tri-Ped Prop..................................................................................................................36
Propped 2 Frequency Dome................................................................................................................36
Figure 35: 2 V Dome Propped Frame.............................................................................................36
Propped 3 Frequency Dome...........................................................................................................37
Figure 36: 3 V Dome Proped Frame...............................................................................................37
Deciding on a Frequency.....................................................................................................................37
Size......................................................................................................................................................37
Calculating Strut Lengths....................................................................................................................37
Deciding Material................................................................................................................................37
Eliminating Waste................................................................................................................................37
Cutting the Struts.................................................................................................................................37
Figure 37: Strut Cutting..................................................................................................................38
Drilling Holes......................................................................................................................................38

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Figure 38 Drilling Holes.................................................................................................................38
Assembly.............................................................................................................................................38
Staking Down......................................................................................................................................39
Covering the Dome.............................................................................................................................39
What does 3/8 and 5/8 mean?..............................................................................................................39
Are the Lengths given from Vertex to Vertex?....................................................................................39
Converting Decimals to Feet/ inches...................................................................................................40
Decimal Equivalents:..........................................................................................................................40
What are 4, 5, and 6-way Connectors?................................................................................................40
How do you Build a Dome out of Flat Pieces?...................................................................................40
I want to Build a Model first, but I don't know what to use for Materials..........................................41
How do you Secure the Dome to the Ground?....................................................................................41
Description..........................................................................................................................................41
Specifications: 20ft / 6m..........................................................................................................................41
Package Includes.................................................................................................................................41
Figure 39: Door Location...............................................................................................................41
Figure 40: Pacific Domes Pre-Fabricated Kits...............................................................................42
Making Doors:.........................................................................................................................................42
Rectangular Door.................................................................................................................................42
Figure 41: Door directly Fastened to the Dome.............................................................................42
Figure 42: Door Fastened to an Arch..............................................................................................42
Doors for Smaller Domes....................................................................................................................42
Figure 43: Door Variations.............................................................................................................43
Figure 44: Angled Door .................................................................................................................43
Figure 45: My Door .......................................................................................................................43
Arch Entrances Need to be Round!.....................................................................................................43
Arch Doors..........................................................................................................................................44
Figure 46: 3V Frequency Dome....................................................................................................44
Figure 47: 4 V Dome......................................................................................................................44
Figure 48: 5 V Dome......................................................................................................................44
Step 1: Where to Install the Arch Doorway.........................................................................................45
Figure 49: Basic Pentagon..............................................................................................................45
Step 2: Circle Pattern...........................................................................................................................45
Figure 50 Pipe Coil.........................................................................................................................45
Step 3: Hold down your Circle Pattern to your Dome........................................................................45
Figure 51: Put the Circle on Top of the Struts/ Attach Circle to other Struts that Cross the Circle.
........................................................................................................................................................45
Figure 52: Arch Door Attachment..................................................................................................46
Step 4: Measurements.........................................................................................................................46
Step 5: Welding Attachment Plates or Not..........................................................................................46
Figure 53: Welding Plate Connectors.............................................................................................46
Figure 54: Alternate to Welding......................................................................................................47
Figure 55: Fence Clips....................................................................................................................47
Step 6: Attaching the Dome to the Ground.........................................................................................47
Greenhouse Cost Sheet........................................................................................................................47
Location:..................................................................................................................................................48
Floor:........................................................................................................................................................48

4Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Cement Slab:.......................................................................................................................................48
Crushed Stone:....................................................................................................................................48
Riser Wall.................................................................................................................................................48
Figure 56: Riser Walls:...................................................................................................................48
Figure 57: Frame on Risers:...........................................................................................................49
Figure 58: Possible Size Domes with Large Set............................................................................49
Definitions................................................................................................................................................49
Icosahedron:........................................................................................................................................49
Strut:....................................................................................................................................................49
Sizes:...................................................................................................................................................49
Figure 59:Riser/ Stem Wall To Avoid Curve Back on 5/8 Domes..................................................50
Envelope:.................................................................................................................................................50
Figure 60: Polytetrafluoroethylene.................................................................................................51
Dome Panels / Coverings:...................................................................................................................51
Conclusion:..............................................................................................................................................51

“Makeen Qatil Makanoon Kay” Residents of Killer Houses.

Due to Climate Change and rising Energy/ Construction Material Costs as well as prevailing
polluting construction practices that are outmoded and ill suited to local climate and culture, a need was
felt to develop a viable alternate. Specifically after the Earthquake disaster in AJ&K and Hazara,
Pakistan, it was realized that habitation of unsound architectural structures that are not suited, due to
seismic instability as well as increasing heat/ cold, should be replaced with an adequate response. After
many years of trial and error and much personal expense, such a response has emerged. Refining the
concept through expert input has always been a priority and has served to enhance the productivity and
aptness as well as reduce the costs of such an endeavor. There is no claim for exclusiveness as many
Authors, References and Sites have been consulted and many word have been borrowed to present a
collection of material that will, hopefully, contribute towards solving the Construction conundrum that
bedevils us today.
Standing on the Outside, Looking In:
The very word homeless evokes a feeling of pity and insecurity. The social animal that man is,
requires the safety and security of a shelter that belongs to him. A shelter wherein he can find peace and
an opportunity to bring up his children in comfort and security. The self-respect and esteem that goes
along with ownership of one’s own home, fosters a sense of well being and belonging. With this inborn
craving once satisfied the individual can be expected to put in his best for the Society that he belongs
to. In no case should an individual or family group be made to feel as outcasts. To be exposed to the
vagaries of nature or the arbitrariness of landlords, leaves either a sense of despondency or else a
growing frustration and inner rage against society. This must be addressed and removed in a
satisfactory manner. By this I mean to say that providing a. cheap and dingy hovel in sordid
surroundings would aggravate rather then alleviate the problem. A way to provide safe; inexpensive yet
well suited; modern and indeed futuristic housing needs to be adopted.
Present Trends:
The present trends in building houses suffer from the following serious defects:
“Israaf:”
An Islamic term denoting ostentation. The vast amounts of money wasted on pomp and show is
a sin and is strictly forbidden. This leads to fostering a sense of deprivation in the less fortunate

5Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

sections of society as well as clearly depicts the owners of such ostentation as insensitive at the very
least.
Eco-Disaster:
The very method of producing/ manufacturing building material is contributing towards an
ecological disaster. Bricks; Cement; Girders and other steel products; Crush; Sand and Transportation
are all based upon burning of fossil fuels on vast scales. This results in the emission of noxious gasses
that greatly damage the fragile ecological system.
Unaesthetic:
The very attempt to produce fine homes proves to be a sore on the landscape and is totally out
of place. This is all the more true due to mindless aping of the West and location of homes in a
completely different environment from the original.
Nonscientific:
The design and construction of these so called modern houses fail to take into consideration
Technically Sound Structures; Gravity; Earthquakes; High Velocity Winds; Insulation; Fire and Sound
Proofing; Solar Insolation; Prevailing Winds; Rainfall; Humidity etc. This results in unsafe structures
with enormous costs of heating and cooling. A waste that can be easily avoided or drastically curtailed.

Figure 1: Center of Gravity.

Center of Gravity:
Why walls stay up and why they collapse. Left: If a wall is built upright or on flat ground, the
center of gravity (blue dot) is directly above the center point of the wall's foundations (yellow dot), so
the wall is stable. Right: But if a wall is built on sloping ground, the center of gravity is no longer
above the center of the base. Now gravity (red arrow) creates a moment (green arrow) that tips the wall
over. The higher the wall, the greater the mass above the center of gravity, the greater the turning force
and the more chance the wall will collapse. In the case of Earthquakes of high intensity the Horizontal
and Vertical Movement induced is more than likely to tip the scale of balance unfavorably.
Compression and Tension:

Figure 2: Compression and Tension.

The vertical wooden beam is in compression: it's being squeezed by the weight pushing

6Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

downward and by the ground pushing back up. Right: An identical wooden beam, laid horizontally on
top of two vertical beams, is in compression at the top and tension at the bottom, while the vertical
beams that support it are both in compression.
Joints:
Points where different parts of the Building meet such as Corners; Roofs and Floor are subject
to Earthquakes:
The response of a Structure to an Earthquake is a function of the nature of the foundation soil;
material, form, size & mode of construction; and the duration and characteristics of ground motion.
Earthquakes cause motion to the ground in random direction. Horizontal vibration is
predominant & more damaging. The amplitude of motion of any structure normally builds up over a
period of time in a few cycles i.e. duration of Earthquake. Thus, if the Earthquake lasts longer, the
amplitude of vibration is more, i.e. the structure will deflect more and get damaged.
Violent ground motion pushes the building rapidly from one direction to another making it
difficult for the super-structure to constantly balance its load due to inertial effects. Result: while
columns can bend, the swaying motion, when intensified, snaps the building like matchsticks and
causes it to collapse.
A superstructure can be damaged, not only on account of the shaking which results from quakes
but also due to chain effects like fire, land slide etc caused by earthquakes.
There are two essential features to make a building earthquake resistant i.e. safe design and
quality construction. To achieve this, the desirable factors required in design of any structure for better
Earthquake resistance are:
• Stiffness / Ductility and
• Damping.
Stiffness is an ultimate effect of structural design & material characteristics while ductility and
damping comes directly from material used for construction. Thus, it is desirable that the material used
for construction is ductile, especially at locations where damage is expected like at Beam-Column
junctions. Normally Reinforced Concrete is a good ductile material.
A brick, stone or mud house cracks even with moderate tremors. However, these materials can
be effective when strengthened with RCC elements at critical points. Masonry buildings become brittle
when large deflections take place, so RCC bands can strengthen them at regular intervals. A wooden
frame building is good as it absorbs shock evenly and vibrates along the quake and is unlikely to
collapse. The danger with wooden frame structures is that it is highly inflammable and has limited use
i.e. only up to one or two stories.
In the design of buildings, horizontal force due to earthquake is considered simultaneously
along with the vertical forces.
Normally, the natural period of vibration of any structure should not coincide with the
predominant period of earthquake excitations, otherwise resonance may occur and even the strongest
structure may collapse. Thus, while designing the building, following aspects should be looked into:
a) Magnitude & Type of Earthquake Excitations.
b) Natural Period of Vibration of Structure along with its material & mode of construction.
Response of Structure to earthquake Design forces, to which the building elements will be
subjected, can be calculated by any one of the following methods.
1. Seismic Coefficient Method.
2. Response Spectrum Method (Modal Analysis).
3. Time History Analysis.
Depending upon the complexity and importance of the Structure, any one of the above three
methods can be adopted. Here only seismic coefficient method is described, as this is the most common

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method. Earthquake forces can be calculated in any direction of Structure, but the most damaging
direction is horizontal (Least lateral direction).
Expensive:
Apart from ostentation, the expenses involved in construction of relatively modest homes is
enormous. This is very much beyond the reach of even the middle class.
Non-Traditional:
The adoption of non-progressive and indeed seriously flawed standards leaves us exposed to the
charge of superficially following unsound practices. If the adopted course were one wherein advance is
made and benefits accrued there would be no harm. However adoption of a course that leads to the
afore mentioned deficiencies is ridiculous to say the least. Secondly a growing alienation and
divergence from ones own culture and traditions is promoted for no possible gain.
Site-Orientation:
The first factor for planning a house is the location and orientation. Whereas location is often
predetermined due to availability; inherent location defects can be overcome by means of correct
orientation. The direction of window and door openings and their grouping is termed as the structures
orientation. This is affected by the following:
Table: 1 Orientation Factors:
# Major Orientation Factors.
1 Sun: This is the most important determining factor to make a structure energy efficient. A factor
of increasing importance due to rising energy costs and global warming. Solar angles vary from
summer to winter and have to be taken into consideration, depending upon site location where
heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter is to be avoided
2 Wind: Prevailing winds of an area when catered for, will provide ventilation in summer and
prevent heat loss in winter.
3 Vegetation: Vegetation provides a host of uses from aesthetic to erosion/ dust and noise control
and insulation. This factor can also be actively used for income supplementation and/ or
nutrition enhancement.
Energy Conservation:
As mentioned previously this factor is of increasing importance and has become almost crucial.
This aspect is addressed by the following:
Table: 2 Energy Conservation:
# Item:
1 Shuttering: An aspect that has fallen into disuse for no apparent reason. The use of slatted
wooden shutters is of enormous benefit. The incorporation of directional skylights or windows
facing south reflects sunlight into the house in winters but is screened out in summer with the
change in the suns angle. The energy loss at nighttime is greatly reduced by using the insulated
shutter in winters.
2 Surface Area: Buildings with large surface areas will experience greater heat gain/ loss when
least required. A circular configuration encloses the most space with the least wall area. This
results in compact structures without compromising space availability.
3 Roof Loads: Heavy roof loads for insulation require unconventional structural systems. The
best of such systems is the Geodesic Dome. This design distributes the load evenly to all walls.

8Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Thermal Characteristics:
The inherent heat loss/ gain features of a structure are termed as its thermal characteristics.
Thermal Mass:
This affects the heat capacity, which is the amount of energy required to change the temperature
by 1 degree. A building with a large thermal mass within the insulation heats and cools at a low and
slow rate. Whereas the opposite takes place at small thermal mass. Where temperature inside the
building is more of question of survival rather then comfort this factor takes on increased importance.
Passive solar use greatly diminishes requirements of external energy sources in winters.
Earth Shelter:
The interaction between roof; walls and floor is to a greater degree when earth shelter is used.
Roof:
The geodesic dome provides the least roof surface area of any structure. This combined with a
thick earth berm around the walls leads to a high thermal mass. This results in moderate and stable heat
gain/ loss. Shading by trees is much easier. If new planting is required the growing period can be
covered by using green netting on bamboo poles which is easier and uses less material then required for
square or rectangular roofs, secondly use of fruit or vegetable vines is also easier.
Walls:
The door and window openings not only affect the strength of the building but also the net heat
gain/ loss. Properly designed south facing openings, directly exposed to the sun in winters and shaded
in summers should be used. These will provide a positive heating affect in winter and minimize gain in
summer. Surrounding vegetation will decrease heat gain and consequent reflection/ conduction from
the immediate vicinity.
Floors:
The interior temperature begins to rise due to warm/ hot incoming air or conduction in summer.
An non-insulated floor responds by drawing heat out of the building at a greater rate in an attempt to
maintain a steady temperature. Studies show that a three-fold increase in heat loss occurs in summer to
aid in stabilizing the interior temperature to comfortable levels. A vapor barrier of existing roofing
material under a relatively thin compacted floor will not act as a major impediment to this process.
Basements:
With additional increase in expense a sizable below grade, well type room can be added to the
structure at any time without affecting the existing building. This room will have even more desirable
thermal characteristics in extremely severe climates. In this case pre-cast concrete planks are used as
roofing material/ floor of the above grade room. Since these possess poor insulation especially where
waterproofing is not required, the heat loss characteristics are not affected. Indeed these can be
positively aided by provision of exhaust/ covering with rugs.
Berming:
Provision of a sloping earth berm around the structure will provide even greater insulation and
lead to greater thermal mass. Secondly improved drainage characteristics can be readily incorporated.
Thirdly utility rooms such as kitchen and bath/ washrooms can be conveniently built into these berms.
Fourthly a greater degree of stability is ensured.
Internal Heat Gain:
Depending upon the size and life style of the occupants there is a net heat gain inside the
structure. This is estimated at 12 to 15 Kw Hrs per day in winter and 7 to 9 Kw Hrs in summers for a
small household (5 to 7 individuals). A good cross ventilation plan and exhaust of kitchen heat to the
outside will curtail this heat in summer. Retention of kitchen heat in winter and use of shuttering will
add to comfort in winter.

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Well-Designed Openings:
Recessed and shaded openings will greatly add to prevention of heat gain/ loss when required.
These will automatically aid in preventing entry of insects as well as dust into the interior of the house.
Properly fabricated windows can provide net heat gain in winters.
Rammed Earth/ Adobe:
Rammed earth, like adobe, is susceptible to water damage and needs to be protected the same as
adobe. One of the issues with rammed earth is “shedding.”
Rammed earth walls “shed” if they are not properly treated with a specialty product designed to
halt this process. The small pebbles, rocks and other granular matter that make up these walls will, over
time and even as soon as the forms are stripped from the constructing of the walls, detach from the
walls and land on the exterior ground, concrete, or inside of the home.
Rammed Earth is all about Endurance.
There’s a timelessness about a house built with raw earth. Not surprising though since building
with earth is truly prehistoric. Yet rammed earth is very contemporary. In fact, still today, over half of
Earth’s population dwells in earthen housing. The process of creating walls is done by ramming, or
compacting, earth into forms that create straight sturdy walls. Various types of earth can be used to
create striations in distinctive hues mimicking natural earth formations. Rammed earth techniques
create beautiful thick walls that won’t contract and expand but surface cracks may occur, adding
additional character without any compromise to the structure.
Benefits of Rammed Earth:
• It’s Regional (making it easily attainable), natural, durable, strong, provides excellent thermal
mass, load bearing, natural, and of course, recyclable.
• Fireproof and characteristically substantial, giving them the ability to withstand tornadoes and
hurricanes far better than a traditional stick-framed home.
• Relatively low-cost, after all raw earth is abundant and practically free. Well suited for solar
heating and cooling.
• Beauty, practicality, quiet and a distinguished sense of place.
Rammed earth walls usually run between 18 inches and 24 inches (46 cm and 61 cm) (Source:
Easton). The thick walls add to the home's general feeling of quiet, warmth and comfort. Rammed earth
walls contain excellent Thermal Mass. If you're visiting a rammed earth home in summer, you'll find
the home to be nice and cool during the daytime, without the aid of an air conditioner or fan. If you're
staying overnight, the home will begin to warm up as it cools down outside. This is due to the Thermal
Flywheel Effect. The walls hold in warmth and exude it about 12 hours later.
It's not entirely the walls' doing. Rammed earth home design should factor in the natural
elements that will affect the warming and cooling properties of the home. Passive Solar Design takes
into account the sun's different positions throughout the year. For example, in the winter, southern-
facing windows welcome the sun, while overhangs will shade these windows in the summer (Source:
Branch). When done right, a rammed earth home will use only one-third as much energy as a
conventional home, saving on energy bills (Source: Whipple). In cold climates, insulation can be added
to rammed earth walls to improve their warmth.
The thick walls of rammed earth homes are also extremely fire-resistant because there are no
flammable components in the earth. In addition, everything has been packed so tightly that there's little
chance of combustion.
The walls are also rodent-resistant because they don't offer any food sources for insects or other
vermin.

10Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

When completed, rammed earth walls can be left just as they are, or they can be finished with
plasters, paints or siding. If left unfinished, the earth provides a natural, breathable wall, in comparison
to artificial sidings with chemicals.
Prevailing Adobe Homes:
The concept of adobe housing is ancient and is still being used in many under-developed/
developing Countries. Inexpensive material and quick building have always been the hallmarks of such
types of building. Insecurity of tenancy adds to the requirement of building an inexpensive and semi-
permanent home. Crude and primitive, they nonetheless provide some features of climatic adaptation
that are worth considering. Adobe is probably the most familiar of earthen building material and has
most of the same advantages as rammed earth and cob. Like the others it replaces the use of scarce
resources like wood and the material is generally locally available. Adobe, a time-honored building
method in the American Southwest, has also been utilized around the world throughout the centuries.
Amazing what can be done with a pile of earth.
“Earth Turns to Gold in the hands of the Wise.” – Hazrat Rumi RA.
https://www.structure1.com/projects/rammed-earth-homes/
Thermal Mass:
This is a classical use of thermal mass. Examples include adobe or rammed earth houses. Its
function is highly dependent on marked diurnal temperature variations. The wall predominantly acts to
retard heat transfer from the exterior to the interior during the day. The high volumetric heat capacity
and thickness prevents thermal energy from reaching the inner surface. When temperatures fall at night,
the walls re-radiate the thermal energy back into the night sky. In this application it is important for
such walls to be massive to prevent heat transfer into the interior.
Challenges of Rammed Earth Construction:
Mixing soils, building wall forms, ramming earth inches at a time…as you might guess, one of
the main challenges of rammed earth construction is that it's very labor-intensive. In African and
Middle Eastern countries, where labor is cheap, rammed earth construction is common and practical.
In rainy climates, for example, a rammed earth home might need additional insulation, as well
as a larger roof, so that the overhangs protect the earthen walls. Rammed earth in rain-prone areas is
acceptable, but the house site should be selected so that the home is protected as much as possible from
the elements. Additional design features, such as good gutters and drainage systems that draw water
away from the house, help protect against weather.
https://home.howstuffworks.com/rammed-earth-home1.htm

Khak O Baad, Aab O Atish Ba Mun O Tu Murdahund, Ba Haq Zindahund.

Earth and Air; Water and Fire For You and I are Inert. For The Ultimate Truth They Live!
Hazrat Rumi RA.

Table: 3 Current Adobe Construction Climatic Adaptation Advantages:

# Advantages:
1 Earthen walls gain and lose heat slowly.
2 Material readily available, usually free of cost.
3 Quick drying/ fast building.

11Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Table: 4 Current Adobe Construction Climatic Adaptation Disadvantages:
# Disadvantages:
1 Roofing gains and loses heat rapidly.
2 Needs constant maintenance.
3 Leaking roofs.

Portland Cement.
Cement Pollution:
Approximately 1kg of cement releases about 900gms of Carbon Dioxide into the atmosphere.
Cement production accounts for more than 6% of all CO2 emission which is a major factor in World
Global Warming (Greenhouse Gas).
The reaction in the process of Cement manufacture is:
CaCO3 = CaO + CO2
http://www.yashkrishi.com/green-concrete-and-sustainability-of-environmental-system
Disadvantages:
• Susceptible to freeze and thaw cycling.
• Susceptible to low pH material attack.
• Limited methods to expedite strength development.
• Limited insulating properties.
• Typical and difficult to change modulus properties.
• Limited set times.
• Some control on permeability.
• Extreme age degradation and carbonation when heated.
• Extremely limited curing methods.
• Resistant to freeze and thaw cycling.
• High chemical resistance.
• Can support an insulating R-value as high as 8 per inch of cellular material.
• Dynamic and designer selected modulus properties.
• Faster or slower set times which are operator determined.
• Has an extremely low air and water permeability (unless a permeable mixture is requested).
• Can withstand extreme heat without degradation.
• Variable curing methods for ultimate strength in hours, days or weeks.
Geopolymer Cement Concrete:
Geopolymer Cement Concrete is made from utilization of waste materials such as Fly Ash and
Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS). Fly Ash is the waste product generated from Thermal
Power Plants and Ground Granulate Blast Furnace Slag is generated as waste material in Steel Plants.
Both Fly Ash and GGBS are processed by appropriate technology and used for Concrete works
in the form of Geopolymer Concrete. The use of this Concrete helps to reduce the stock of wastes and
also reduces Carbon Emission by reducing Portland Cement demand.
The main constituent of geopolymers source of silicon and aluminum which are provided by
thermally activated natural materials (e.g. kaolinite) or industrial byproducts (e.g. fly ash or slab) and
an alkaline activating solution which polymerizes these materials into molecular chains and networks
to create hardened binder. It is also called as alkali-activated cement or inorganic polymer cement.
https://www.geopolymertech.com/

12Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Composition of Geopolymer Concrete:
Following materials are required to produce this concrete:
• Fly ash – A byproduct of thermal power plant
• GGBS – A byproduct of steel plant
• Fine aggregates and coarse aggregates as required for normal concrete.
Alkaline activator solution for GGBS as explained above. Catalytic liquid system is used as
Activator Solution. It is a combination of solutions of Alkali Silicates and Hydroxides, besides Distilled
Water. The role of Alkaline Activator solution is to activate the Geopolymeric source materials
containing Si and Al such as Fly Ash and GGBS.
Geopolymer Cement (CCBPS) Unique Characteristics:
• Heat and chemical resistant.
• Cure time & strength design.
• Durability.
• Environmentally responsible.
• Sustainability.
• Uses.
• More about fly ash.
• Using Fly Ash reduces Greenhouse Gases.
Other Benefits of Using CCBPS:
From research data, we know that for each ton of fly ash used instead of traditional cement,
there is a reduction of about one ton of carbon dioxide. To put it into perspective: a ton of carbon
dioxide is equivalent to about two months’ emissions from a car. Estimating based on the amount of
cement produced globally in 2013, replacing cement would save about 3.6 billion tons of carbon
dioxide.
Using fly ash in concrete eliminates the need for trucks and other equipment to dispose of fly
ash in a landfill. This further reduces carbon dioxide emissions. When Portland cement is produced, it
requires mining of soil, sand, gypsum and other materials. Using CCBPS in Geopolymer eliminates the
need to mine these natural resources.

Figure 3:Geopolymer Concrete:

13Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Whats the Difference?
• Resistant to freeze and thaw cycling
• High chemical resistance
• Dynamic and designer selected modulus properties
• Faster or slower set times which are operator determined
• Can withstand extreme heat without degradation
https://www.geopolymertech.com/green-concrete/more-about-fly-ash/
Basalt Rebar:
Basalt Rebar is an alternative to steel and fiberglass for reinforcing concrete. Spun from molten
rock, these fibers are stronger than steel and 89% lighter.
Basalt rebar provides many benefits and applications:
 A 3mm basalt rod is equivalent to #3 or 3/8" steel rebar.
 Cuts with standard cutting tools.
 Increased flexural strength.
 Basalt rebar is completely resistant to alkali in concrete and requires no special coatings.
 Does NOT conduct electricity or induce electrical fields.
 Does NOT absorb or wick water.
 Perfect for marine environments and any place corrosion is a continuous concern.
 Has the same thermal coefficient expansion as concrete!
 Available in 50 foot bundles of 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm thickness.
Weight is less than 25% the weight of Steel with more than 200% the Tensile Strength of Steel.
Basalt Rock Fiber will withstand higher temperatures before weakening.

Figure 4: Naturally Occurring Basalt Rock.

Basalt is igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the
surface of the earth’s crust. Basalt fiber is produced in a single process needing no alterations or
elemental additives. The process consists only of melting ingenious rock containing a specific mineral
content found in a few specific areas. Basalt Fiber, unlike glass is a one component fiber that does not
need any other materials added for production. The Basalt rock is melted in a furnace at 1700 degrees
Celsius for approximately 7-8 hours & formed by blowing fiber filament from it in the same way that
glass fiber is made from silicate rock.
Basalt Rebar Cost.
The most critical Basalt rebar cost consideration is its weight per lineal foot. Basalt fiber
Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) rebar has more than 300% greater linear footage per ton when compared
to steel. BFRP rebar cost comparison should also acknowledge that the tensile strength is more than
200% its steel counterpart.

14Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Tensile & Module Properties.
Tensile modulus 6 to 7.2 x 106 psi
Modulus of Elasticity > 8000 ksi
Compressive strength >60 ksi
Transverse Shear strength >20 ksi
Design Bond & Absorption.
Bond strength* >1,200 psi / *Grit-Coat >2,200 psi
CTE :5.2x 10-6 IN. In./°C Specific gravity <2.0 Yield >100,000 psi Density <0.074 lb/in.3 Water
absorption <0.25% Fiber Content >70%
Superior Thermal Protection & Other Properties.
Basalt has a thermal range of -260 C to +982 C (1800 F) and melt point of 1450 C. Fibers are
ideal for fire protection and insulative applications. Basalt fibers are 100% natural and inert. They have
been tested and proven to be non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. They are immune to nuclear radiation,
UV light, biologic and fungal contamination.

Figure 5: Laying Basalt Rebar. Figure 6: Bending.

Basalt rebar is handled at the job site with more care in avoiding dirt that might cling to the
sand surface. But otherwise there are no other concerns. Splicing and tying are identical to steel rebar
using wire or plastic wraps.
Bends are a problem in that the bar cannot be bent in the field. But with advance planning all
required bent shapes may be delivered with the straight sections. In an emergency, stainless steel has
been substituted. Smaller rebar sizes may be wound into spirals and used for columns and other shapes.
Ceramics.
Cost.
Ceramics are usually relatively inexpensive, depending on the application. Installing ceramic
tile throughout your home is far less expensive than adding carpet or hardwood flooring. There are cost
differences though when ceramics are applied to the manufacturing of dishes and cookware. Some are
extremely inexpensive while others demand top dollar because of design, brand and quality issues.
Color.
Ceramic items also tend to hold color well. Unlike cement or stone, paint on ceramic vases,
dishes and decorative items will stick to the surfaces and remain vivid for years to come. This makes
ceramics also popular as an art and decorative form -- interior decorators often opt to use ceramic both
as floor and wall coverings, as well as in decorative pots, figurines, vases, lamps and knobs.
Durability.
One of the downsides to ceramics is that the products are usually very fragile -- not as fragile as
their counterpart in porcelain but easily crushed, broken or shattered. Care should always be taken in
the handling of ceramic items and cookware, and dishes should not be used if cracked or chipped.
However, ceramics can handle extremes of heat and cold very well.

15Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Easy To Clean.
Ceramics are commonly used in nursing homes, hospitals and child care facilities because of
the high levels of sanitation with tile walls, flooring and ceramic fixtures. This is equally important in
your own home, especially in areas such as the kitchen or bathroom. Ceramic is very easy to clean,
stain resistant and does not retain the residues and smells of chemicals, foods or beverages.
Ceramic Surfaces.
The texture of ceramic surfaces is cool and smooth to the touch and pleasing to the eye.
Ceramic tile can be treated with an abrasive grit application available at your local building supply
store or you can add texture to the tile surface to reduce accidents.
Water.
Ceramics are especially useful in areas with heavy moisture such as bathrooms, kitchens and
outdoors. Ceramic tile keeps these areas free from leakage, corrosion and mold. Ceramic dishes are
leak-proof.
https://www.hunker.com/12003157/advantages-disadvantages-of-ceramics
Building Materials & Ceramics.
In the production of building materials and ceramics, such as engineered lumber, roofing
materials, structural blocks, and decorative ceramics, the control of moisture sorption is important.
Whether it is in preparing a surface coating or optimizing a cement formulation, feedback on the
effectiveness of the process is critical. Measuring the water sorption of these materials under actual or
aggressive (accelerated) conditions can provide the information needed to perfect the process.
http://www.quantachrome.com/application/building_materials%20_ceramics.html
Ceramics are special materials with many applications in almost all the engineering disciplines.
Today’s ceramics industry is one of most rapidly advancing concerns in many parts of the world
including USA, where the advanced ceramic market is over 13 billion US dollars.
Ceramic Materials.
Ceramic materials are special because of their properties. They typically possess high melting
points, low electrical and thermal conductivity values, and high compressive strengths. Also they are
generally hard and brittle with very good chemical and thermal stability. Ceramic materials can be
categorized as traditional ceramics and advanced ceramics. Ceramic materials like clay are categorized
as traditional ceramics and normally they are made of clay, silica, and feldspar. As its name suggests,
traditional ceramics are not supposed to meet rigid specific properties after their production, so cheap
technologies are utilized for most of the production processes.
Traditional Ceramics.
Ball clay, China clay, Feldspar, Silica, Dolomite, Talc, Calcite and Nepheline are the common
materials used for most of the ceramic products. Each raw material contributes a certain property such
as dry strength, plasticity, shrinkage, etc. to the ceramic body. Therefore, by careful selection of
materials, desired properties are acquired for the final output. Powder preparation is a major
consideration in the ceramic industry. Surface area, particle size and distribution, particle shape,
density, etc. each have their own effect on production. Powder has to be prepared to meet required
particle size, particle shape, and other requirements for a particular industry. Milling is done to get the
desired particle size. Unlike in the ,advanced ceramics industry the purity of ceramic powder is not an
issue in traditional ceramics.
The traditional ceramics industry originated long ago. Even thousands of years ago it was a well
established practice in many parts of the world. Today there are many divisions of this industry. Pottery,
tableware, sanitaryware, tiles, structural clay products, refractories, blocks, and electrical porcelain are
some of the products of traditional ceramics.

16Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

https://www.brighthubengineering.com/manufacturing-technology/56841-what-are-ceramic-materials-
and-their-uses/
Raw Materials.
The major raw material is usually a ceramic powder of specific composition and high purity.
Additives include binders, lubricants, and other chemicals to assist in the shape forming process. The
powder may also contain a sintering aid, which helps the ceramic material to densify properly during
firing and sometimes at a lower temperature. If a chemical-based process is used, organic precursors
and solvents are combined into a solution to make the final product.
Raw Material Preparation.
1. Manufacture:
The ceramic powder is manufactured elsewhere from mined or processed raw materials. Additional
crushing and grinding steps may be necessary to achieve the desired particle size. The ceramic powder
plus additives are carefully weighed in the appropriate amounts and then mixed in some type of mixing
machine equipped with blades or revolving rolls. Sometimes mixing and particle size reduction takes
place at the same time, using a milling machine. A ball mill uses rotating cylinders filled with the
mixture and spherical media to disperse the material and reduce its particle size. An attrition mill uses
tiny beads and rotating agitators to accomplish the same thing.
2. Forming:
After mixing, the ceramic material is of plastic consistency and now ready for forming into the desired
shape. A variety of methods can be used, including injection molding, extrusion, or pressing. In
injection molding, the mix is loaded into a heated cylinder, where it softens. A steel piston forces the
hot mixture into a cooled metal mold. Extrusion compacts the material in a high-pressure cylinder and
then forces the material out through a specially shaped die orifice. Pressing involves compaction of the
material in steel dies or the material is placed in a rubber mold inside a high-pressure oil or water
cylinder, with uniform pressure applied. Another variation of pressing called hot pressing combines
forming and firing in one step using heated dies.
3. Drying and Firing:
After forming, the ceramic bone must undergo several thermal treatments. The first dries the material to
remove moisture using a drying oven or chamber. After drying, a kiln or furnace is used to heat the
material at high temperatures in order to remove organics and densify the material. The firing cycle will
depend on the material composition and must be designed at the appropriate heating rates to prevent
cracking.
4. Finishing:
After firing, one or more finishing processes may be required depending on application. To achieve the
desired dimensional and surface finish specifications, grinding and/or polishing is conducted. Grinding
and polishing of the harder materials usually requires diamond tooling or abrasives. Drilling may be
needed to form holes of various shapes. If the application requires joining of two or more components,
a brazing or cementing method is used.

Figure 7: Ceramic Processing Steps.

17Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

http://www.madehow.com/Volume-5/Bioceramics.html
Advanced Ceramics.
Advanced Ceramics for all building construction, vehicles, armor and weapons. These materials
are complimented with resin based composites.
Advanced Ceramics are not like traditional Ceramic pottery, they are much stronger.
Ceramic Castable Media needs to be developed with great mechanical strength, high wear
resistance and extreme thermal tolerance, and innate toughness to become the material of choice for
constructs exposed to sudden thermal shock and high impacts. Not necessarily in pure form it can be
mixed with other materials, or used as a layer within a composite material.
Once combined with various powdered aggregates such as, but not restricted to Silicon Carbide,
Bauxite, Fused Silica and Fused Alumina to yield a wide range of products to form ‘Ceracrete’. These
mixtures will be used in the construction industry, and heavy industry.
With apologies to https://philipsibbering.com/warhammer/40k/imperial-tech/materials/
Light-Steel-Frame Building.
For Larger High Rise Buildings the cost benefit advantages of Light-Basalt-Frames using Pre-
Fabricated Form work as a direct replacement for buildings using normal construction and design
criteria, resulting in highly reinforced, frames capable of resisting high seismic loads. The forces in
Seismic Zones are directly related to the dead load of the superstructure, therefore the use of Light
Basalt Frame concepts result in a reduction of dead load to approximately one quarter from
conventional building, and, of course considerable saving in foundation costs. Light Basalt Frame
structures have inherent flexibility, and resiliency, being a structure, and can be designed and detailed
to accommodate seismic forces with a modest premium in basic cost.
Modifying details, design, and manufacturing techniques to accommodate local material, and
labor supply methods.
Shotcrete:
Shotcrete is a special spray mix of concrete – is applied to the interior surface of the dome. The
steel rebar is embedded in the concrete and when about three inches of shotcrete is applied, the
Monolithic Dome is finished.
Near-absolute protection and have a proven ability to survive tornadoes, hurricanes,
earthquakes, most man made disasters, fire, termites and rot.
They are cost-efficient, earth-friendly, extremely durable and easily maintained. Most
importantly, a Monolithic Dome uses about 50% less energy for heating and cooling than a same-size,
conventionally constructed building.
Monolithic Domes are neither restricted by climate nor by site location. In terms of energy
consumption, durability, disaster resistance and maintenance, Monolithic Domes perform well in any
climate, even extremely hot or cold ones. And they can be constructed on virtually any site: in the
mountains, on beaches, even underground or underwater.
The 3 inch concrete with Basalt Rebar dome's disaster-proof construction and adobe cover of 1
to 2 feet imparts the ultimate flexibility for architectural design. It is ideally suited for small as well as
large-scale structures such as homes, shops, mosques, auditoriums, schools, athletic facilities, arenas,
stadiums, gymnasiums, convention halls, stores, shops, and warehouses, including cold store/freezer
operations. Insulated concrete Domes provide excellent energy efficiency. Heating and cooling a dome
typically costs 1/4 to 1/2 less than a conventional building the same size.
This cost savings has to do with how the dome is constructed. The thermal mass of the concrete
and adobe combined create an R value of 50-60 with extremely low air filtration. Low maintenance is
also a quality of a Monolithic Dome. Snow and rain cause very little stress on the exterior of a dome

18Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

since its shape sheds water quickly. In a well constructed Dome leaks are rare compared to
conventional Domes and are easily repaired. The American Institute of Architects has acclaimed the
geodesic dome "the strongest, lightest and most efficient means of enclosing space known to man".
They handle hurricane winds, extreme snow loads and are the safest structure in an earthquake.
Adequate Response to 21st Century Challenges Needs Your Support!
Abbottabad based Bioenvironmental Manager, Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan has successfully
erected low-cost Semi-Permanent Shuttering to construct low-cost; easily replicable; disaster-proof and
super insulated homes at his own R&D cost. The methodology involved is capable of rapid
construction for homes, “Gharonda”; insulated Cattle sheds, “Bandi”; Poultry Sheds; low-cost Green
Houses or Kitchen Gardens for nutritional food security called “Wah Gardens”; Cottage Industry
Workplaces; Mosques; Grain Silos; Godowns; Cold Stores; Bio Reactors (for generating Methane for
Direct combustion or Electricity Generation utilizing sewage with no external energy input); Shops
Offices and other Structures.
The building is ideally placed with a South facing exposure to take maximum advantage of the
lower declination of the sun in winters for passive solar heat gain and is well lighted through windows
and sky lights. Air circulation is catered for through wind catchers and cross ventilation. It consists of
an Aerodynamic, Geodesic Dome that covers the most floor space with the least walls or roof and rests,
but is not grouted to, a floor of 2 tons per square foot bearing capacity. This results in freedom for the
structure to move with, rather than resist earthquakes up to 9 on the Richter scale. Secondly, the
aerodynamic design does not oppose high velocity wind and allows it to flow over the structure thus
providing capability to resist up to 200 mph winds. Rising temperatures in summer and increased cold
in winters is also greatly contributing to the miseries of the common people. Increased need of energy
for heating and cooling at a time when energy is scarce and prohibitively costly is yet another factor
which is adequately catered for by emplacing the lowest possible cost and abundantly available
insulation adobe material.

Arising from the technology of our own cultural streams rather then the inappropriate western
technologies, the concept is ready for ownership by our people. The concept has grown from the
Mongol “Ger”, which is the origin of the Urdu word “Ghar”. The Ger was the knock down felt tent that
was easily transported on horse back and included the concept of the tension band that was in use for
thousands of years before engineering and architectural science uncovered the principle. This design
was incorporated by the Turks and named as “Yurt” the plural of which “Yurtu”, or Camp, is the origin
of “Urdu” or language of the camp. The dome of Muslim architecture is the prototype of the Geodesic
dome which is the strongest structure in an engineering sense and consists of 40 triangular facets. The
compressional forces of traditional architecture are replaced by pre-stressed “tensional members”
which is best described as “Tensigrity” or Tensional Integrity of the structure. Each member is linked to
the other and passes on applied force to the others to provide equal strength of all members. Similarly,
gravitational force from below or impactional force from above is not resisted but is allowed to flow
through the structure. Emergency Shelters of 20 foot diameter and 12 feet apex height (380 sq. ft. floor
space) erected on these principles can cost as little as Rs.15,000.00 (Rs. 39.47/ sq. ft. floor space) and
can be erected in a few hours including time to cut and size the tensional members from readily
available tree pruning or bamboo. This exercise can be carried out in the absence of electricity in the
case of disasters. The semi-permanent version of the construction of the same dimensions consists of
adobe on wooden or bamboo frame sufficiently strong to carry the weight. A 1-Foot thick adobe shell
can be easily carried on normal size members of 2 and 3 inch thickness. This version can be
constructed for under Rs. 50,000.00 (Rs. 131.5/ sq. ft.). The permanent structures, with 100 year

19Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

guarantee and called “Gharonda” by the adapter/ developer, consists of an RCC shell of 3 inch
thickness that is covered with 1 foot adobe or soil-cement layer, upon curing. It is estimated that this
configuration can be built at a cost of Rs. 2,00,000.00 (Rs. 526.3/ sq. ft.) with an attempt to curtail it at
Rs. 1,50,000.00 (Rs. 394.7/ sq. ft.). The real beauty of the system is that it envisages transfer of soft
technology to all and sundry without exception, in order to meet the target of over 200,000 housing
requirement of the bewildered and disaster struck poor masses. This would allow them to adopt a
profitable source of income as well as cut down on Labor Costs. The design can be readily incorporated
in Eco-Friendly settlements or Hyat-Kots (Fortress of Life) complete with Energy Domes and Waste
Water Gardens for recycling water; energy recovery from liquid and slurry of bio degradable solid
waste. The walls do not prevent “breathing” of the structure which avoids positive or negative
ionization resulting is a stress free inner environment. Interior Walls are coated with PoP (Plaster of
Paris) to provide Sound Damping and Fire-Proofing. Inbuilt Roof-Top Water Harvesting; Sewerage
Treatment and Fly/ Mosquito Proofing round off the environment friendly and friendly environment for
sustainable living.
This system is capable of rapid erection by using permanent inner and outer shuttering, utilizing
pressure filling or Shotcrete over Basalt Bar Re-enforcement. Steps involved are firstly construction of
floor pad with inbuilt Sewerage and Water Supply lines; Secondly; erection of inner shuttering and
incorporation of Water/ Gas Piping as well as Concealed Electricity Wiring; Thirdly, erection of outer
shuttering and pressure filling; Fourthly, curing and removal of outer shuttering and finally
emplacement of adobe cover through self-help basis and removal of inner shuttering. Small groups of
youth can be empowered and equipped with requisite shuttering and tools as a direct means of
Livelihood which meets a vital requirement of the people. Designing and trials of different versions for
disaster proofing began after the 2005 EQ and built upon earlier efforts at low-cost Ceramic Adobe
‘Gelaftan’ Construction being studied and tried by the developer since 1990. This attempt at
Technology failed to meet it’s stated Goals. At an R&D expense of Rs. 3 million the final version is
ready for mass dissemination. The existence of EQ Fault lines, increasing incidence of Storms and
finally Global Warming accompanied with the equal and opposite reaction of increased cold in winters,
demands that such methods of construction be immediately undertaken. Resistances to change and
ingrained habits have to be abandoned in order to adequately respond to 21st Century challenges. We
have to live in harmony with nature in order to continue living at all! It is a pity that adequate attention
is not being paid to the development despite or because of it being a win-win empowerment situation
for all! To struggle against all opposition, shoe string budgets and having to constantly face undue
criticism has helped the vision by enforced but ultimately welcome decrease in costs.
Geodesic Dome Construction:

Figure 8: The Original Geodesic Dome.

20Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

The Geodesic Dome.
A 20th-century invention would change Dome engineering forever. In the 1950s, a radical new
design -- the Geodesic Dome -- changed the way engineers looked at Domes for the first time in 2,000
years. Invented by American Engineer and Architect Buckminster Fuller, the Geodesic Dome is a
partial sphere shape structured from a series of triangles, rather than a series of arches.
There's more than one way to balance the weight of a building. Instead of channeling it through
heavy vertical walls and horizontal floors, Richard Buckminster Fuller's famous geodesic Domes
distribute force evenly through an outer "skin" of interconnected triangles. This creates an
uninterrupted interior space much more cheaply and using much less material. As he pointed out in his
1954 dome patent, you need 23kg (50lb) of wall and roofing material to shelter 900 sq cm (one square
foot) of floor space, but you can achieve the same end with only 0.35kg (0.78 lb) of geodesic dome.
That works out at abut 600 times less building material! Furthermore, Fuller claimed his Domes were
strong enough to withstand winds of 240 km/h (150mph). Artwork courtesy of US Patent and
Trademark Office from US Patent 2,682,235: Building Construction by Richard Buckminster Fuller,
published June 29, 1954.
The spherical structure of a dome is one of the most efficient interior atmospheres for human
dwellings because air and energy are allowed to circulate without obstruction. This enables heating and
cooling to occur naturally. Geodesic shelters have been built all around the world in different climates
and temperatures and still they have proven to be the most efficient human shelter one can find.
More specifically, the dome is energy efficient for many reasons:
• Its decreased surface area requires less building materials.
• Exposure to cold in the winter and heat in the summer is decreased because, being spherical,
there is the least surface area per unity of volume per structure.
• The concave interior creates a natural airflow that allows the hot or cool air to flow evenly
throughout the dome with the help of return air ducts.
• Extreme wind turbulence is lessened because the winds that contribute to heat loss flow
smoothly around the dome.
• It acts like a type of giant down-pointing headlight reflector and reflects and concentrates
interior heat. This helps prevent radiant heat loss.
The net annual energy savings for a dome owner is 30% less than normal rectilinear homes
according to the Oregon Dome Co. This is quite an improvement and helps save the environment from
wasted energy. Geodesic Domes have been designed by Bucky and others to withstand high winds and
extreme temperatures as seen in the Polar regions.
https://www.bfi.org/about-fuller/big-ideas/geodesic-Domes
Table 5: Geodesic Dome Construction Advantages:
# Advantages:
1 Inexpensive and readily available Insulation materials (Clay).
2 Quick to build.
3 Virtually indestructible.
4 Fire proof.
5 Insect proof.
6 Earthquake proof.
7 Waterproof.

21Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

8 Highly hygienic.
9 Low cost.
10 Super Insulation.
Usual concepts of low cost houses are inefficient and depressing. This concept utilizes the
extremely pleasing design of a Geodesic Dome and incorporates the advantages of Earth Sheltered and
Passive Solar Techniques.
Weather/ Climate Orientation:
In cold climates or hot areas the house is built facing the South for maximum solar gain in
winters and minimum in summers. Prevailing cold and hot winds are also taken into account.
Table 6: Advantages of Proposed Construction:
# Advantages:
1 More Space at low cost.
2 More aesthetic surroundings for children.
3 More Privacy.
4 Space Age design acts as stimulus to imagination.
5 More Privacy.
6 Indoor Toilets provide hygienic surroundings.
7 Stimulates Pride of possession.
8 Raises self-esteem.
9 Encourages Nation Building.
10 Fosters Cohesiveness in Society.
11 Removes Apathy.

Figure 8: Pre-Fabricated Domes:

22Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 10: Varied Applications:

Figure 11: Concrete Ring Foundation, Reinforced with Steel Rebar.

Figure 12: My First Frame for a Shade Structure:

23Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure12: Interior PoP Spray on Basalt Mesh Reinforced Concrete Dome:

Figure 13: Domes; Joints; Windows:

24Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 14: Dome Shell.

Figure 15: Second Frame for Housing Figure 16: Windows.

25Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 17: Material Stress & Strain Comparison.

Figure 18: Geodesic Sphere.

Figure 19: First Concept 1980.

26Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Explaining Dome Frequency.
One of the first thing you read about when learning about geodesic Domes is the term
“Frequency”.
Think of geodesic frequency as density. The higher the frequency, the more struts are used. In
real life this means there are more triangles in the same dome.
Look at the image below. The same base triangle is divided further every time you increase the
frequency.
The frequency of a geodesic dome indicates how many times each side of the base triangle is
subdivided. For example frequency 3 means the base triangle is divided into 3 sections (or triangles) on
each side.

Figure 20: Frequencies.

The “Base” Triangle of a 3V has 3 subdivisions on all Sides.
Why Use Different Frequencies?
The answer is two-fold: first the higher the frequency, the rounder the dome becomes. Second
reason is strength of the structure.
The average greenhouse for instance is more than adequate with a 3V frame. In cases for large
Domes or homes, 5V or 6V are often chosen when constructing very large Domes and for their
resistance to snow and wind loads.
Tensegrity.
An array of tension cables and compression rods that supports a structure; invented by
Buckminster Fuller student Kenneth Snellson.
Tension:
A stretching force that pulls on a material.
Tension Ring:
A support ring that resists the outward force pushing against the lower sides of a dome.
Forces Acting on Monolithic Domes.
At the top of a dome, the curving walls push inward toward the center. This force holds the
dome in a rigid, stable shape.
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/dome/basics.html#mono
Wind and tsunami waves move naturally around a round building rather than getting caught at
(and potentially ripping off) corners. A rounded roof avoids ‘air-planing’- a situation where a strong
wind lifts the roof structure up and off of the building.
There are dozens of interconnected points in a round home. These are sites where builders can
connect parts of the building together. In the olden days, the connecting materials were rope, vine and

27Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

hides. Modern materials are engineered components- like a center radial steel ring, steel brackets,
Seismic and hurricane ties, bolts and steel cables. These connect the structural pieces and give the
building a unique combination of flexibility and strength- qualities which causes them to be
significantly safer in severe weather conditions like earth quakes, extreme winds and heavy snowfall.
The roof structure incorporates a unique architectural design that has its origins in the mountain
steppes of Central Asia. Roof trusses meet in a center ring, producing inward and outward pressure
which holds the roof in a state of compression. In modern round buildings using the ancient Yurt
design, 1-3 airplane grade steel cables circle the outer perimeter where the trusses meet the wall and
hold the natural outward thrust. Because of this combination of a central compression ring at the top of
the roof and the encircling cables where the roof meets the walls, long roof spans are possible without
any internal support system (like beams or posts). The interconnected tension in the building goes all
the way to the ground and uses gravity and compression to hold it together with incredible strength.
The natural thermal dynamics of open-at-the-top architecture round space uses no external
energy to circulate temperature. It works like this; heated air naturally rises till it reaches the insulated
ceiling, it moves up the domed ceiling till it reaches the center skylight, which is cooler, the air reacts
by dropping to the floor where it moves across to the walls and rises again till it meets the skylight and
drops again. This action constantly circulates the air and temperatures in the home.
Round buildings use less wall, floor and roof materials to enclose the same square footage as a
rectangular structure. 15 to 20% less material is used to create the same square foot building compared
to a rectangular design! This means the possibility for a smaller Eco-footprint and more living space for
less cost. It also means less surface area in contact with adverse weather conditions, which improves
the overall durability and energy efficiency of the home.
The acoustics of round space can be out of this world. The curve softens the sounds inside the
building making it the perfect place for rest and reflection or for socializing and listening to and
playing music (…think long winter evenings of storytelling around the central fire….) The shape also
prevents noise from penetrating in from the outside. Sound waves dissipate as they wrap around the
building, shielding the interior from loud outside noise.
A 21st Century home built with modern materials can be a safe, energy efficient , healthy-living-
by-design House of the Future that Comes from the Past!
https://inhabitat.com/why-our-ancestors-built-round-houses-and-why-it-still-makes-sense-to-build-
round-structures-today/

Tornadoes induce very different wind forces than a straight-line (SL) wind. A suitably designed
building for a SL wind may fail when exposed to a tornado-wind of the same wind speed. It is
necessary to design buildings that are more resistant to tornadoes
The forces on a dome, cube and prisms were analyzed and compared using Computational Fluid
Dynamics (CFD) for tornado and SL winds. One typical tornado parameter was considered for
comparison. The conclusions drawn from this study were illustrated in visualizations. The tornado
force coefficients on the cube and prisms were larger than those on the dome by at least 90% in the x-y
directions, and 140% in the z direction. The tornado pressure coefficients on cube and prisms were
greater at least 200%. The force coefficients on cube and prisms due to SL wind were higher than those
on the dome due to tornado wind by about 100% in the z-direction.
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3460&context=etd
Struts Lengths.
All geodesic Domes are made from joining struts of different lengths together. The more
complex the dome, the more strut lengths you will have. The table below is for icosahedron-based
geodesic Domes (also referred to as “method 1″).

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Table 7: Frequencies; Strut Lengths & Numbers and Hub Numbers.
Frequency Image Number of Strut Number of Struts Number of Hubs
Lengths
1V 1 25 11

2V 2 65 26

3V 3/8 3 120 46

3V 5/8 3 165 61

4V 6 250 91

5V 3/8 9 350 126

5V 5/8 9 425 151

6V 9 550 196

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As shown above, the higher the frequency the greater number of struts are required and of varying
lengths.
What is a Vertex?

Figure 21: Vertices (or Hubs).

Simply put, the vertex is the end or tip of a strut. When you hear vertex to vertex, it means tip to
tip. But technically it’s the meeting point of segments. When you see the word vertices it refers to a
number of hubs. For example, in a geodesic dome made of conduit/pipe, vertex to vertex would mean
hole center to hole center.
When you view assembly diagrams for timber or steel pipe geodesic Domes, you’ll notice some
struts overlap, some are screwed to be tip to tip, and others don’t even meet because they use hubs to
hold the struts together.
Whatever the method to connect the struts, the total length from vertex to vertex needs to be
exactly what your calculations showed.
• If struts overlap (i.e. bolted together) you’ll need to make them longer to keep the correct
length.
• If struts are connected with a hub, you need to subtract the length between the strut end and
where they are supposed to meet. Subtract that length twice because both ends of your strut are
connected to a hub.
• If you connect struts in a way that makes the strut end touch each other, then you have no
addition or subtraction to make to your struts.
Look at the images below.

Figure 22: Connecting Struts.

30Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

http://www.domerama.com/dome-basics/explaining-strut-length-vertex/

First of all, you need this simple formula:

Dome Radius = Strut Length/ Strut Factor which is the same as:
Strut Length = Dome Radius * Strut Factor.
Now all you need are the strut factors!
Table 8: Struts.
Strut Strut Factor Dome Sphere
A 1.05146 25 30
5-way connectors 6 12

4-way connectors 5 0

Strut Strut Factor Dome Sphere

A 0.61803 35 60
B 0.54653 30 60
4-way connectors 10 0
5-way connectors 6 12
6-way connectors 10 30

Strut
Strut 3/8 5/8 Sphere
factor
A .34862 30 30 60
B .40355 40 55 90
C .41241 50 80 120
4-way connectors 15 15 0
5-way connectors 6 6 12
6-way connectors 25 40 80

Strut Strut factor Dome Sphere

A 0.25 30 60
B .29524 30 60
C .29453 60 120
D .31287 70 120

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E .32492 30 60
F .29859 30 60
4-way connectors 20 0
5-way connectors 6 12
6-way connectors 65 150

Strut Strut Factor Dome Sphere

A .19814743 30 60
B .23179025 30 60
C .22568578 60 120
D .24724291 60 120
E .25516701 70 120
F .24508578 90 120
G .26159810 40 60
H .23159760 30 60
I .24534642 20 30
4-way connectors ?? 0
5-way connectors 6 12
6-way connectors ?? ??

Strut Strut Factor Dome Sphere

A .1625672 30 60
B .1904769 30 60
C .1819083 60 120
D .2028197 90 180
E .1873834 30 60
F .1980126 60 120
G .2059077 130 240
H .2153537 65 120
I .2166282 60 120
4-way connectors ?? 0
5-way connectors 6 12
6-way connectors ?? ??
Kit Contains:
• 6x5-way hubs.
• 20x6-way hubs.
• 150x ball connectors.
• 150x wood screws.

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• 26x hub screws.
• 26x locking plates.
• 25x wing nuts.
• 1x hanging eyelet.
• 1x Allen key.
• 1x build instructions.
• 1x overview guide.
Kit dimensions: 19cm x 23cm x12cm (w x l x h). Weight: 2.6kg

Figure 23: Pre Fabricated Kit.

Bamboo Frames:
Bamboo grows fast and is a low-cost material for a Dome Framework.

Figure 24: Bamboo Strut.

Dome Assembly:
Cutting and Measuring the Members:
There are only two different Lengths of Members used in the erection of 1 & 2 V Domes.

Figure 25: Struts 1 & 2 V Domes.

Figure 26: Struts 3 V Domes.

33Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

There are three different Lengths of Members used in the erection of 3V Domes.
Basic Shapes 2 Frequency:

Figure 27: A & B Members Connection Pentagon.

Basic Shapes 2 Frequency:

Figure 28: C Members.

2 Frequency Layout:

Figure 29: 2 V Pentagons Layout.

34Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

3 Frequency Layout:

Figure 30: 3 V Dome Layout.

Connectors.
While making Geodesic Domes from Pentagons we will require 1 = 5-Way Connectors = X; 5 =
3-Way = W Connectors; 5 = 3-Way = V and 5 = 5-Way Connectors = Z.

Figure 31: Connectors.

Assembly:
2 Frequency Domes:

Figure 32: 2 Frequency Dome.

35Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

3 Frequency Domes:

Figure 33: 3 Frequency Domes:

Propping:

Figure 34: Tri-Ped Prop.

Lift the assembled figure off the ground to stand on it’s own Feet. Use a tri-ped prop. The prop
consists of three bamboo sticks about 8 feet long, tied together near the top with a cord about a foot
long. This props will then support the dome at vertex point at the apex.
Propped 2 Frequency Dome.

Figure 35: 2 V Dome Propped Frame.

36Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Propped 3 Frequency Dome.

Figure 36: 3 V Dome Proped Frame.

Deciding on a Frequency.
The first thing you need to do is figure out what type of dome you want to build, 2 or 3
frequency Domes are recommended as these Domes require a fewer number of struts, and therefore
less confusion.
Size.
Once you have decided what kind of dome you are going to build, you need to decide on a size.
Sometimes it is better to work out how long your longest or shortest strut will be and work from there.
You can use the Reverse Dome Calculator when this is the case.
Calculating Strut Lengths.
This is where the Dome Calculator comes in. Go to the calculator and plug in the radius that
you decided on for your dome. Radius is the distance from the center to the edge of a circle or sphere.
In this case, the radius is the ceiling height for the even frequency Domes. For the odd frequency
Domes, the ceiling will be higher than the radius that you put in (unless you are building the 3/8 dome,
in that case the ceiling will be lower).
Deciding Material.
I have chosen a Bamboo Frame for my Inner, Middle and Outer Shuttering as I is relatively
inexpensive and available in plenty. For large-Scale Construction and shotcreting, permanent GI or
Fiber Glass Shuttering is preferable.
Eliminating Waste.
This part is tedious, but worth the effort because it will save you money and you won't have to
feel bad about throwing away tons of wasted material. Make sure to add 1½" for each strut to allow for
drilling. For 2V dome builders, it's easy because there are only two lengths involved. The magic
numbers for a 2V dome cut from 10' conduit pieces are A = 5.3', and B = 4.7'. These numbers allow for
holed drilled ¾" away from the ends. For 2V skip to the next step.
Cutting the Struts.
Cut the material according to the strut factors plus 1½". This allows for drilling the holes ¾"
from the ends. Cut the struts using either a hacksaw or a cutter. If you use a hacksaw, 16 or 18 tooth
blades work best. When making many cuts, it's always best to use a jig so all the struts are exactly the
same length.

37Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 37: Strut Cutting.
Drilling Holes.
To drill the first hole in each strut, cut a V groove in a 2 X 4 six inches longer than the longest
strut. Clamp it to a drill press with C clamps. Use a stop block so that all of the holes are the correct
distance from the end of the pipe (¾" from center of hole to edge of pipe). Use a 3/8" drill bit (you may
need to buy several). Titanium costs more, but lasts the longest. This gives about ½" from the edge of
the hole to the edge of the pipe. To drill the second hole, you will need to measure the exact hole-to-
hole (aka strut) length, along the 2 X 4 and drill a 3/8" hole there. Screw in a 7/16 carriage bolt that has
its head cut off with a hacksaw. It will be tight since the hole is smaller than the bolt, but trust me on
this one. You can use a vise-grip or a pipe wrench to screw it in. File the cut-off stump to a slight taper
so the holes in the pipe will easily slip over it. Clamp the 2 X 4 back to the drill press so that when the
first hole is placed over the cut-off bolt, the other end can be placed under the drill in the correct
position. Pull the drill down so it just touches the pipe, and double check your measurements. If they
are correct, continue drilling with confidence. If not, you know what to do. Continue this process with
all lengths moving the pin as necessary. It would also be a good idea to mark the table and the jig when
you get it set so you can tell if it is moving.

Figure 38 Drilling Holes.

Assembly.
Bottom to top assembly is much safer on the dome, but it means you have to bring ladders and/
or scaffolding tall enough to reach the top of the dome. Build the dome in layers whether you are going
from top to bottom or vise versa. If you build in layers, the dome will pretty much support itself as it
goes up. Don't tighten the bolts until all of the struts are in place. The struts will shift into their proper
alignments as the dome is built, and they can't do that if the bolts are tight. Remember the dome doesn't
get its strength until the last strut is in place and all the bolts are tightened.
Here are the assembly diagrams for Domes 2-6.
2v dome
3v dome
4v dome
5v dome
6v dome

38Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

If you are building your dome from the bottom up, here is some useful information:
You will need to lay out the appropriate number of struts in a circle to get started. The numbers are
given below.
1v dome - 5 struts
2v dome - 10 struts
3v 3/8 dome - 15 struts
3v 5/8 dome - 15 struts
4v dome - 20 struts
5v 3/8 dome - 25 struts
5v 5/8 dome - 25 struts
6v dome - 30 struts
Staking Down.
Rebar bent into candy cane shapes work really well for stakes. Make sure they are at least 2 feet
long. Pound them in about every other vertex along the bottom.
Covering the Dome.
Keeping projected Window Spaces clear, we will cover the Triangles with either GI Sheets or
Fiber Glass. Make sure that they are securely in place. It is important to note that Inner shuttering needs
to be bolted on the inside, while the middle and outer shuttering will be bolted from the outside to
allow easy removal once the Dome is cured.
What does 3/8 and 5/8 mean?
The odd frequency Domes are not exactly half of a sphere. They can either be a little more or
less than half. 3/8 and 5/8 are not exact numbers, they are mainly for reference.
How do you put these things together? And what is the meaning of that triangle next to the strut
lengths?
All of the Domes on this site are based on the icosahedron. The 1v dome is actually an
icosahedron with the bottom 5 struts removed. The triangles on the Dome Calculator pages represent
one icosa face. I created assembly diagrams for all of the Domes except the 1v, and the links to them
are as follows:
2v dome
3v dome
4v dome
5v dome
6v dome
If you are building your dome from the bottom up, here is some useful information:
You will need to lay out the appropriate number of struts in a circle to get started. The numbers are
given below.
1v dome - 5 struts
2v dome - 10 struts
3v 3/8 dome - 15 struts
3v 5/8 dome - 15 struts
4v dome - 20 struts
5v 3/8 dome - 25 struts
5v 5/8 dome - 25 struts
6v dome - 30 struts
Are the Lengths given from Vertex to Vertex?
Yes, the lengths given are from vertex to vertex. If you are building a dome out of metal pipe by
flattening the ends and drilling holes, you will need to add about 3/4" to each end for a total of 1.5" for

39Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

each strut. If you are building a dome using connectors, you will need to subtract twice the length of
the connector (one for each end) from each strut.
Converting Decimals to Feet/ inches.
If you want to build a dome with a 12 ft. radius, you would put 12 in the calculator. For the 3V
dome (just an example), you get:
A = 4.183
B = 4.842
C = 4.945
For the A strut, the 4 just means 4 ft. The 0.183 is a little harder to figure out. You want to
convert the .183 from feet to inches, so multiply 0.183 by 12 (12 inches in a foot).
0.183 X 12 = 2.196 inches
Now you have 4ft and 2.196 inches, almost there. Now you want to convert the 2.196 inches
into 8ths of an inch (I don't think you have to go all the way to 16ths of an inch, unless you enjoy being
tortured). You can do this by multiplying .196 by 8.
.196 X 8 = 1.568 (round this up to 2)
This gives you 2/8" or 1/4", so the new measurement is 4' 2 1/4" You should be able to do the
other ones now.
Decimal Equivalents:
0.12500 = 1/8
0.25000 = ¼
0.37500 = 3/8
0.50000 = ½
0.62500 = 5/8
0.75000 = ¾
0.87500 = 7/8
Example: 12 meter radius dome (3V)
A = 4.183
B = 4.842
C = 4.945
A = 4 meters and 18.3 centimeters (or 183 millimeters)
B = 4 meters and 84.2 centimeters
C = 4 meters and 94.5 centimeters
What are 4, 5, and 6-way Connectors?
You don't need connectors if you are building a dome out of metal conduit with the ends
flattened and drilled (or something similar). The 4, 5, and 6 way connectors are just the points where
that number of struts come together. The 4 way connectors are all on the bottom, and the 5-ways are
where the A's come together. The rest of the connections are all 6-way. There's a really fine example of
what connectors are on this page.
How do you Build a Dome out of Flat Pieces?
Well, the pieces are not exactly flat. The struts will need to be bent a little on each end to allow
the dome shape to form. The bending angles are as follows:
1v dome: bend 32º on each end
2v dome: bend A's 18º, and B's 16º on each end
3v dome: bend A's 10º, B's and C's 12º on each end
4v dome: bend all struts 7º-9º on each end
5v dome: bend all struts 6º-7º on each end
6v dome: bend all struts 5º-6º on each end

40Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

I want to Build a Model first, but I don't know what to use for Materials.
I recommend using 1/8" wooden dowels and 1/8" (inner diameter) clear vinyl tubing. You
should be able to find these at any hardware store. Just make sure to buy the 1/8" inner diameter tubing.
You will also need very small nuts and bolts to hold the tubing together. Just ask the salesperson at the
hardware store, and they should be able to help you. Cut the tubing into one and a half inch (1.5")
pieces, and punch small holes in the center with a leather punch. You will also need some 1" pieces of
tubing for the 4 and 5 way connectors, but punch the holes on one end of these pieces instead of in the
center. For the 6 way connectors, you will need 3 pieces of tubing with holes punched in the centers.
Put the bolt through all three pieces, screw the nut on, and tighten it. It should look the picture in the
diagram linked below. For the 4 way connectors, you will need one 1.5" piece, and two 1" pieces
(remember, punch the holes on one end for these, and not in the center). Put the bolt and nut in, and
tighten. For the 5 way connectors, use five 1" pieces and bolt them together. This is an example of the
6-way connector for this model.
How do you Secure the Dome to the Ground?
For tie downs, we used rebar (at least 2 ft.) bent to resemble a candy cane. Every other point on
the bottom of the dome got a stake over the conduit that lays on the ground. Pound them all the way in,
you don't want any of your fellow playa people getting hurt.
http://www.desertDomes.com/index.html
"The Domes are built from Bioceramic—a sturdy, recyclable material that offsets CO2."
https://geoship.is/
Description.
Specifications: 20ft / 6m.
Ceiling height: 11ft. 8in.
Approx. dome weight: 929 lbs.
Frame package: 60″ x 28″ x 21″.
Cover package: 32″ x 32″ x 34″.
Bay Window: 7ft. h x 16ft. w.
Assembly time: 4 hours with crew of 3 or 4.
Package Includes.
Frame: 1.31″ galvanized steel
Cover: White Sunshield Vinyl with removable bay window
Doors: 1 Pre-hung door opening
Windows: 6 round removable windows
Ventilation: 2 ventilation roll-up with zipper
Anchors: 3/8″ Shelter anchors
Instructions: Dome care & assembly manual
20ft Dwell Dome = $8,995.00
Pre-hung door is not included.

Figure 39: Door Location.

41Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 40: Pacific Domes Pre-Fabricated Kits.
https://store.pacificDomes.com/product/20ft-dwell-dome/
Making Doors:
There are various types of doors you can make for a geodesic dome. The 2 most popular ways
are to make an arch (hoop door) or use a conventional frame with a rectangular door. The choice will
depend on the use and budget for your dome.
Rectangular Door.
You may want to use a door you have lying around to make a conventional entrance. You can
do this, but in larger dome structures you still require to distribute the load of the dome.
You should still create an arch around the door to which your door frame is attached. Not only
to distribute the load of the dome but also because it’s easier to adjust a rectangular door to the arch.
You can adjust the arch dimension but you can’t adjust a rectangular door unless you cut it.

Figure 41: Door directly Fastened to the Dome.

Figure 42: Door Fastened to an Arch.

Doors for Smaller Domes.
On smaller geodesic Domes your circular (hoop) or rectangular door will not be at a 90-degree
angle because of the dome’s natural curved shape, unless you are building a very large dome. The

42Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

traditional way to solve this is to extend struts outwards connecting to a rectangular shape that will be
your door frame.

Figure 43: Door Variations.

Figure 44: Angled Door .

Figure 45: My Door .

Again, on smaller Domes you can simply take out and resize struts without worrying about how
it will affect the load distribution, but that’s usually acceptable on structures less than 20 feet (6 meters)
in diameter and on material used (EMT conduit, wood struts).
Arch Entrances Need to be Round!
What you need is a round archway, as round as you can make it. The reason is that
weight/stress/load from the structure is distributed downwards and outwards so your archway needs to

43Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

do the same. This is why the attachment points are so important. Each one will spread the load evenly
around the arch, down to the ground.
Arch Doors.
You see this design often on event Domes. It looks great and is made to keep the dome’s
structural integrity because of its arched shape and multiple attachment points.

Figure 46: 3V Frequency Dome.

3 V Domes require less struts, yet it remains a sturdy design for most, at least up to 20′-30′ in
diameter. You could go a little bigger though it would be wise to either use a bigger steel pipe or larger
timber (i.e. 2 X 8 instead of 2X6).
Because many 3V geodesic Domes are of smaller size, stress and loads are less important. You
can be more flexible with the design. But smaller 3V may require you to make the door 3 levels high,
more than half the total height.

Figure 47: 4 V Dome.

4V is a great choice for Domes 30 feet in diameter and larger. It is stronger than a 3V without
the complexity of the 5V. Its base is flat and the exterior is a more rounded surface.
For this frequency, you will almost end up making the arch two levels high. For example, a 40-
foot geodesic dome has the first level around eye level which may not be enough. But if you want to
have something high enough for a truck to enter then the second level will do nicely.

Figure 48: 5 V Dome.

A 5V geodesic dome is often the choice for very large diameter Domes. Rounder than a 4V but
requires about half the number of struts of a 6V (350 vs. 650).

44Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Here the arch door is 2 levels high. This is appropriate for a dome of let’s say 40-60 feet in
diameter, but for a larger dome one level high should do.
Step 1: Where to Install the Arch Doorway.
An example of where to make a geodesic dome door:

Figure 49: Basic Pentagon.

You find this pattern on all geodesic dome frequencies. This is a good reference point for an
arch door because its base strut is flat (parallel to the ground), is is usually close to the base of the
dome, and multiple struts serve as attachment points.
But you can put your door anywhere else as long as your arch is connected to struts: sometimes
it makes no sense to make a door at this position.
Step 2: Circle Pattern.
The quick and dirty method to measure your arch is to find something that can serve as a circle
pattern. If your entrance was to be for example for kids, then a hula hoop would do fine to help
measure the entrance. But for other larger Domes you need something with rigidity and flexibility.
Try tubing such as PEX, the same outside diameter as your steel tubing: it is thick, costs little
and keeps a round shape even when shaped in a large circle.

Figure 50 Pipe Coil.

Step 3: Hold down your Circle Pattern to your Dome.
Adjust the diameter of your circle so that the PEX is on top of the struts. Use rope, tie wraps or
tape to hold the circle in place. Be sure to keep the circular shape of the pattern. On smaller dome this
is not as important and you can fudge a little, but it is essential on larger structures for even load
distribution. Keep in mind that on the base of the dome, the circle is actually cut off, or not used. For
this exercise, do not cut the circle: just bend it 90 degrees for now.

Figure 51: Put the Circle on Top of the Struts/ Attach Circle to other Struts that Cross the Circle.
Last is attaching the circle to the base of your dome. this will determine the width of your
entrance (where people walk in).

45Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 52: Arch Door Attachment.
If your base clearance is not wide enough (if you have a deformed circle when trying to adjust
entrance width): you’ll need to make a larger circle pattern. Try to match the top of the circle to a
vertex point if possible; it avoids unnecessary struts shortening later on.
Step 4: Measurements.
OK, so now you have a nice circular shape that’s attached to your structure. Now you can start
taking measurements.
Note: Remember how you had to fold the bottom of the circle pattern to put it flat on the dome
surface? Don’t cut it off!
Take the circle pattern off the dome, lay it down on the ground and measure the circumference
of the tubing (i.e. its length).
To find the diameter of your arch: diameter = circumference / PI OR diameter / 3.14159)
To find the radius of your arch: radius = diameter / 2.
By having the circumference you know the length of steel tubing you need to make the arch. At
this point you have various options to curve the pipe. The simplest way is to go to your local machine
shop and ask to bend your arch from the same pipe you used to make your dome, giving the shop the
circumference and radius of your pipe.
Remember that the bottom part of the arch is not required, so that makes the actual arch
circumference a little shorter.
Step 5: Welding Attachment Plates or Not.
OK, so you just got your rounded arch back from the machine shop and now you need to attach
the arch to your dome. First thing is to put the arch against the structure and calculate where struts and
arch meet, shorten and flatten some.
Welding plate connectors: One method of attachment is to weld small metal plates with bolt
holes in them to your arch and bolt these plates to your struts. This requires welding skills and to be
done on site for a custom fit. This can be more than most DIY people can do.

Figure 53: Welding Plate Connectors.

There is an alternative to welding plates.
Flattening Section of the Arch: Because your pipe is round and hollow, any bolting of it to the
frames will squish it. Furthermore, the struts that used to be where your arch will go need to be
shortened.

46Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Put the arch back on the dome. wherever arch and struts meet, drill a small hole that goes
through both the arch and the strut(s). This will be where you drill a larger hole to insert a bolt.
Once all your attachment points are drilled, remove the arch, drill the correct hole sizes into it,
then flatten the pipe 1/2″ to 3/4″ on each side of the hole. This will make a flat area where both arch
and struts will be bolted. As for the struts that are shortened, do the same as you did when making the
struts (flatten the tip and drill a hole).

Figure 54: Alternate to Welding.

If measurements were well taken, bolt holes will align and you will have a structurally sound
arch that helps distribute the loads and stress evenly.
Use Clips! Easily available Fence Clips can be used to hold struts and frame together. You can tighten
them with common tools and should be enough for most Geodesic Dome Entrances

Figure 55: Fence Clips.

Step 6: Attaching the Dome to the Ground.
As for any Geodesic Dome your base should be firmly attached to the ground. This is also true
for the door section. Because it is a busy area of the structure where people pass, lean and run into, add
extra attachments.
http://www.domerama.com/fabricating/making-doors/
Greenhouse Cost Sheet.
1. Excavation – $300
2. 4″ drainage tubing – $60
3. 3 tons stone (2a) delivered – $68
4. 8 sheets pink board 1″ – $120
5. gray block, 4x8x16 – $25
6. Plywood, 2×4′s, screws – $500
7. Caulk and paint – $75
8. 6-mil greenhouse film – $90
9. Greenhouse seam tape – $50
10. 45 mil pond liner (11′x16′) – $140
11. 2 automatic vent openers – $80
12. 2 tons stone (2a) picked up – $21.00
13. Reflectix 80′x4′ – $80.00
14. Second Layer Greenhouse film – $50

47Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

15. Solar Charge Controller – $21.00
16. 12V DC Distribution Panel – $28.00
Location:
When choosing a site where you would like your dome to be constructed, keep the following
things in mind:
•Sun Exposure/Shade Considerations based on dome use/function
•Water runoff
•Grade angle
•Window Locations
Floor:
Clear the area of rocks, foliage, grass or any other item that may interfere with leveling the
ground or the functionality of the dome
Cement Slab:
A cement slab is one of the more expensive ways to prepare your site, however if done correctly
it can also be the best. A slab will keep the dome level and prevent grass and weeds from growing both
under and around it. It also offers many options for anchoring the dome.
Crushed Stone:
A crushed stone base, 4-5″ deep, is one of the best ways to prepare your site. Be sure and use
“crushed” stone as opposed to “pea” stone. 1/2″ is a good diameter and is relatively inexpensive. Place
your dome in the center of the pad leaving a minimum of 1′ perimeter of stone around the shed. When
digging out the area to accept the stone, start at the lowest area and establish the grade by digging down
4-6″. You can now excavate the rest of the site keeping in mind the site should be level when finished.
Riser Wall.
The most commonly used with 2v Domes to help get extra height near the perimeter, a riser
wall is a simple framed wall that the dome then gets built on top of. It makes framing in doors easier
and depending on the height gives vertical walls for mounting to or placing things against.

Figure 56: Riser Walls:

Domes 24' to 35' in diameter are designed with riser walls to give greater height to the
structures. CBI-Geodesic also offers optional height riser walls for any size dome. Riser walls can be
built up to 8' in height.

48Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

Figure 57: Frame on Risers:
https://www.motherearthnews.com/green-homes/build-geodesic-dome-zmaz99jjztak

Figure 58: Possible Size Domes with Large Set.

8 ft 2x4 lengths are not recommended for the large set. The smaller the length of 2x4 the
stronger the structure. The large dome with 4ft length 2x4s has a maximum hanging weight per point
rating of 400 pounds.
https://domeconnectors.com/large.php
Definitions.
Icosahedron:
A round structure made of 20 equilateral triangles. Each point of a triangle represents some
point on an imaginary sphere. (pretty neat Huh?) Each side of the triangle represents a chord of the
sphere. Dividing the sides of the equilateral triangle evenly and joining these vertices represents
frequency (basic icosahedron is a one frequency). The basic or fundamental equilateral triangle will
always be represented by pentagons at vertices, all other vertices will be hexagons.
Strut:
Framing member of triangle usually 2x4 or 2x6 representing chord.
Sizes:
Sizes of Domes are generally accepted or noted by diameter. Example:
30 ft 4 freq. hemisphere refers to 30ft diameter 15 ft high. Since the vertices are on the diameter
of the sphere a dome is measured from point to point, and from the outside of the struts.

Basically the higher the frequency the more spherical the shape of the dome. and the smaller the
triangles. This becomes important when you are 20 feet off the ground with a 20mph wind blowing. An
eight foot triangle is easier to manipulate than a sixteen foot triangle. The smaller triangle has a shorter
span and will carry more shear stress.
Even-numbered frequencies are perfect sided polygons at hemisphere. In other words all base
struts are same length. Conclusion: even-numbered frequency Domes will sit flat at hemisphere. Riser
walls are all the same height.

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A true 5/8 curves back in at bottom. Stem wall is straight, and can be built in triangles or as a
conventional wall.

Figure 59:Riser/ Stem Wall To Avoid Curve Back on 5/8 Domes.

Pi π 3.1416
Circumference of circle (or perimeter)
Pi*d or Pi*2*r where d = diameter r = radius
Area of circle (or square footage)
Pi*r*r = (πr2)
Area of Sphere (or skin or roofing)
4*Pi*r*r = (4πr2) for hemisphere 2*Pi*r*r = (2πr2)
Volume of Sphere (or interior cubic footage used for calculating HVAC)
4/3 * Pi *r*r*r (4πr3/3)
for hemisphere = 2/3 * Pi *r*r*r = (2πr3/3)
Note: By doubling the diameter of a sphere, the surface area is increased by a factor of 4; the volume is
increased by a factor of 8
https://www.goodkarmaDomes.com/

Envelope:
Do you know what the envelope of your home is? Just as the name "envelope" implies it is the
skin of your home that protects you from the outdoor elements.
Perform a "jar test" to determine your soil suitability. Fill a jar (or plastic bottle - make sure it's
see-through) halfway with the soil sample. Fill it the rest of the way with water. Shake vigorously for
about a minute, then let it sit overnight. The next day, the soil will have settled into distinct bands. The
bottom of the jar will have the larger-sized materials - sand and small pebbles - with smaller and
smaller sized particles banding towards the top. The top band will be the clay or different silt. Ideally,
the three bands will be about the same size. If your sample has more than a third sand (the bottom
layer), you may not need to add any sand to your adobe.
Calculate the volume of your wall:
• Measure the length of the wall in feet.
• Determine the height of the wall in feet.
• Since bricks (and thus the wall) are made 10" (25.5 cm) thick, multiply the length by height by
0.83 (10 in = .83 ft).
• Divide that by 27. This is the total volume in cubic yards of the wall.
• Obtain materials:

50Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan

• Sand (about half - 50% of your total volume). Sand is usually sold by the ton - you can calculate
tonnage by multiplying your volume by .83. The sand should be relatively fine sand - beach sand or
slightly larger works fine. NOTE: The amount of sand you mix in is very dependent upon the clay you
have available, your climate, and how strong you want the wall. It's entirely relative - and there's really
no wrong way to do this.
• Clay (about a third of your total volume). Again, clay or fill dirt is usually sold by the ton.
Multiply your volume by .9 if it is dry, .7 if it is wet.
• Straw (about 10 - 20% of your total volume). Straw is sold in bales of various sizes. The most
common "big" bales are 14"x18"x36" (35.5 centimeter (14.0 in) x 45.7 centimeter (18.0 in) x 91.4
centimeter (36.0 in), which is .15 cubic yards. So multiply your total volume by .015 to get the number
of "big" bales you'll need.
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-an-Adobe-Wall

In 1969, Bob Gore was experimenting with a chemical compound called

Polytetrafluoroethylene by rapidly heat-stretching the polymer. Rather than snapping, the material
unexpectedly stretched 800%, forming billions of micro pores per square inch, each about 1/20,000 the
size of a water droplet but 700 times the size of water vapor.
Turns out, the porous structure blocked water but allowed vapor to pass through. The invention,
patented as Gore-Tex by W. L. Gore and Associates, became a juggernaut and standard in the outdoor
market.

Figure 60: Polytetrafluoroethylene.

https://gearjunkie.com/waterproof-breathable-fabric

The modern oilskin garment was developed by a New Zealander, Edward Le Roy, in 1898. Le
Roy used worn-out sailcloth painted with a mixture of linseed oil and wax to produce a waterproof, yet
still breathable garment suitable to be worn on deck in foul-weather conditions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oilskin
Dome Panels / Coverings:
A 3v 5/8 Dome Will Require Panels / Coverings for:
75 A-B-A Isosceles Triangles
30 C-B-C Isosceles Triangles
Total Triangles: 105
https://www.ziptieDomes.com/geodesic-dome-calculators/3v-geodesic-dome-calculator.htm
Conclusion:
All Factors considered, it is imperative that we adopt safer modes and designs of Construction
as well as ensure that Homes are available for ALL! The advantages of adopting Geodesic Designs
should be obvious. My design envisages Mass Production through Form Work and Shotcreting and
Training of Local Communities to enable them to make their own Homes. This should result in less
expensive Construction and coverage of the vast amount of people who are either Homeless or at least
do not own their own Homes.

51Sardar Taimur Hyat-Khan