The Technology of Composite Domes

Composite domes are made from a sandwich of glass-fibre/epoxy resin composite with a thermoplast honeycomb core. This material is extremely lightweight yet strong and durable, and its low thermal expansion means there are no shrinkage problems. Edge flanges give them stiffness for a bolted panel-to-panel connection. A composite dome can have as little as 10-15% of the weight of an equivalent dome built in concrete.

The dome shells are subdivided into large pre-fabricated panels which allows for extremely rapid on-site installation. A large amount of pre-assembly at ground level further reduces the overall installation time. Furthermore, virtually no scaffolding is required for installation - larger domes are supported by trussed steel frames built in concentric rings. Smaller domes are self-supporting. Installation time is therefore reduced - a 40m dome can be erected in just 2 months. Since the pre-fabricated panels leave the factory with all decorative finishes complete, time consuming finishing activities on-site are minimized.

Composite domes can withstand the most extreme climates. To ensure complete waterproofing the joints are sealed with PTFE Teflon sealant. As a secondary back-up system, a drainage channel is moulded into the panel flanges.

Mosaic tiles is the favoured external finishing due to its durability and non-corrosive properties. They are bonded to the composite shell with an epoxy-based tile adhesive and grouted with an epoxy-based grout. Since the tiles have a similar coefficient thermal expansion to the shell, there is no differential thermal movement; the bond is not stressed therefore longer lasting.

© 2009 Premier Composite Technologies LLC
Composite Boats and Lightweight Structures

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