Monolithic Dome Institute - Installing Augment Frames

An augment in a Monolithic Dome is an extension of the Airform which creates a vertical surface beyond the curve of the dome where a door or window can be installed.
A smooth augment is achieved by proper planning of the Airform. It is essential to know the window manufacturer and window size before the Airform is patterned. The exact outside dimensions of the window buck must match the design size of the augment. These measurements will help your architect create the augments the exact size to fit your windows. Determining whether your augment will be recessed or mounted flush to the outside will create variations in your Airform. Any slight variation in measurement can create wrinkles in the augment.
DO NOT APPLY FOAM UNTIL WINDOW BUCKS ARE IN PLACE

Installation

Framing Buck

1. Before inflation, using pressure treated wood, construct framing bucks with outside dimensions to match the front face of the augment.

Augment Drawing

2. Inflate the Airform. Leave it inflated for a day or two to stretch the Airform.

Install Bucks

3. Decrease the water column pressure to approximately .5 inch. Install the framing buck at this time.

Attach Stakes

4. Attach the stakes on the exterior through the Airform and into the window buck. Get the bucks plumb and level.

Brace Stakes

5. Brace them solidly from the inside or the outside by attaching guide wire to the top of the bucks through the Airform, then securely stake the wires to the ground.

6. Increase the water-column pressure back to 2 inches.

7. Once your stable construction pressure has been attained, reassess the buck to be sure it is still level and plumb. Make any necessary adjustments.

Attach to Footing

8. To ensure that the bucks stay in place, attach the bucks to the concrete footing. This is important for door openings or openings that go all the way to the floor. Some windows are not designed to extend to the floor, therefore do not need to be secured to the concrete footing.

9. Foam will not adhere to moisture. Dry the Airform completely before applying foam by covering the concrete footing with plastic so that no further moisture can accumulate on the Airform. Allow Airform to dry. Next, apply Monoform Primer using an airless sprayer or roll it on with a roller. It should be a very light coating (400+ sq. ft. per gallon). This primer was specially formulated for use in Monolithic Dome Construction. Use of this primer allows the foam to better adhere to the Airform. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying foam.

10. Check buck alignment again after foam is applied and make any necessary adjustments. At this point, you are ready to install rebar in the dome. Each augment increases the price of the Airform. Additional pattern charges will be assessed for variations in size and shape of the augmentations. However, the increased cost of the augment can offset the cost of placing windows and doors using other methods. Feasibility and pricing of larger augments are calculated on an individual basis. A free evaluation offers general pricing.

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