|
Project
Proposal: Structural Analysis of a
Geodesic Dome
|
Full description of problem/need |
|
A project to house 40 families in
the Maharashtra region which began
in January 2005 has been halted due
to concerns over the loading applied
to a series of geodesic domes which
form a large portion of the whole
complex. The domes have soil packed
over them which was never anticipated
in the original design.
There is a need for a method to model
the structural response of the geodesic
or "Pabal" dome. An assessment
of the loading encountered by the
domes should be performed and alterations
to the design of the dome to accommodate
the expected loading should be recommended.
Any modifications to the original
design should be as unobtrusive as
possible.
|
| How will the local
community use the proposed solution? |
The analysis method
would allow the assessment of the structural
response of the Pabal dome, designed
at Vigyan Ashram (an NGO near Pabal),
in situations previously not considered.
Hopefully, this would increase the number
of potential uses of the structure and
its market demand, benefiting the business
set up to manufacture the dome, which
was founded and is still run by an ex-student
of Vigyan Ashram. If appropriate, students
at Vigyan Ashram would use the method
to further their understanding of structural
behaviour.
|
| Estimate of the economic
benefit anticipated and plans for training
of the local community? What are the
major impacts on such a project? |
The complex is an
experimental Rs. 8,000,000 investment
to house 40 families in Ankoli, Maharashtra.
Five million rupees have been put forward
so far and the construction has been
to be halted because of uncertainty
over the subterranean dome's strength.
The eventual success of this project
will determine further implementations
of the geodesic dome design or alterations
to it.
|
| Full description of
the local situation (e.g. social, economic,
geographical, political) |
|
A technical drawing of the Water
Bank Project and description of the
design of the Pabal Dome will be available
soon.
Mild steel framework of Pabal Dome
Vigyan Ashram produced the Pabal
dome as a do-it-yourself kit. Its
original design was for low-cost and
durable housing to withstand the earthquakes,
rains and winds of India. Out of the
120 dome caps supplied to the Water
Bank housing project 40 are planned
to be subterranean and are therefore
affected. Any modifications to the
original design should be as unobtrusive
as possible to allow ease of manufacture
using existing machinery.
The complex is intended to provide
each of the 40 families with a guaranteed
2,000 litre water supply year-round,
a 300 square foot greenhouse, 350
square foot cave house, 900 square
foot work area, a terrace, a courtyard
and 0.5 acres of land. The intention
is to promote sustainable housing
and fulfil the desire of the resident
to be self-employed.
|
| Full description of
relevant infrastructure available locally
and/or internationally |
| Vigyan Ashram, an
NGO operating just outside Pabal, will
act as a test centre for any worthwhile
solutions. Vigyan Ashram is also home
to Fab Lab, a project set up by the
Centre for Bits and Atoms at MIT (U.S.).
Fab Lab provides hi-tech equipment
in developing areas to promote technical
know-how and development. A full list
of the equipment provided to Fab Lab
and the skills of its user are provided
in the engINdia Final Report. It is
also worth referring to for relevant
information including building materials
available in Pabal and Vigyan Ashram.
|
