Transcript Document

Plywood Dome
A new, more cost effective structure
using age old building materials
model
GAO STRUCTURE
www.gaostructure.com
Unit of Plywood Dome
Plywood panel fixed on
frame members
Frame members ( I-Joist)
form geodesic curve
Creating a Dome
Plywood
Dome surface
Frame Member
Advantages of Plywood Dome
• Span up to 80 meters in diameter
• Simple connection between members
• Quadrangular panel requires less work than
triangular panel
• Panels Less influenced by moisture conditions
than wood strips
• Material readily available
Significant Cost Savings
• Up to 50% less cost
than reinforced
concrete domes
• Up to 2/3 less cost
than metal frame
domes
• Up to 30% less cost
than other wooden
domes
What’s the difference ?
Plywood Dome
Other Wooden Domes
Dome surface as a
monolithic shell
supports load
Dome frame supports
load
Basic design & construction
small angle to shape
curved surface
Plywood
Glue and fasteners used
for stiff connection
Additional
support
(dome surface)
I-Joist
Bottom surface
when necessary
(frame member)
Cover Rectangular Roofs
Plywood dome
Covers central area
Steel circular
truss
Cover 4
corners
Cover Buildings of various shapes
Best Use of Plywood Dome
Cover buildings that
• have a large span without interior
supporting columns
• require low cost roofing
• require light weight roofing
• require roofing built with sustainable
material
Applications
Material Storage Structures
Applications
web photo
Large Theatres
Applications
web photo
Gymnasiums
Applications
web photo
Movie/TV Production Studios
Large buildings with fewer columns
Building Plan
Column spacing can be 20 – 30 meters.
Applications
web photo
Warehouses, Workshops, etc.
GAO Structure Plywood Dome
Technology Development:
Henry Gao, Ph.D. P. Eng.
GAO Structure
Patent Pending:
Application 2 769 592
Consultant:
John D. Kenmuir, CMC
Kenmuir & Company Consultants