Parametric study of spherical domes for efficient housing construction using finite element method

Dome is a hollow semi-spherical self-supporting structural element that is held in compression by gravity acting on the structure. In contrast to the use of domes as roof structures, this paper presents the analysis of structural domes for housing construction. Their light-weightiness, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness is much more advantageous owing to curved surfaces and enhanced use of concrete, predominantly in compression, compared to conventional structures that use regular geometric grids. This study involves the parametric analysis of domes, by varying their rise to span ratio, thickness, size of crown opening, shapes and sizes of door and window openings, percentage steel, and diameter of rebars for both, reinforced and non-reinforced domes. The parameters to suit the use of domes as residential spaces were obtained. The rise to span ratio between 0.3 and 0.35 was found to be optimal for sufficient headroom in the dome. The crown opening size of 1 m diameter is recommended to be used, serving the purpose of a skylight effectively. Also, provision of curved opening against sharp corners for doors and windows, reduces the equivalent stress by as much as 30%, in addition to providing an aesthetic appearance.