The Superdome -- A great building beaten by the elements
September 7, 2005
by David B. South
 David B. South, President of the Monolithic Dome Institute |
The superdome is a marvelous structure. Nothing can take that away from it. However, it was not designed to withstand a category 4 or 5 hurricane, like Hurricane Katrina. It stood up considerably well considering the abuse it took.
A completely different type of dome
The major difference between the Monolithic Domes and the Superdome is in the term "Monolithic." Monolithic means "formed of one large block of stone." The Monolithic Dome is just that-- essentially a well insulated, reinforced, hollow rock. There's nothing a hurricane can tear off. Nothing for wind to grab on to. Monolithic Domes around the world have survived hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fires and more.
Concrete vs. Steel
Concrete structures are also much stronger than steel buildings. That's not to denegrate steel structures like the Superdome. It's just that concrete structures have to be built with a much larger margin of safety. For instance, it's not unusual to use a 20% safety margin on a steel building, and a 500% margin on a concrete structure.
Stay Cool (or warm)
Another huge advantage a Monolithic Dome has as a storm shelter is that it maintains its temperature far better, far longer. If it loses its electricity, the building's temperature will very gradually change over a matter of days. In a metal building the same will happen within a matter of hours. This is because of the thermal mass of the concrete in the Monolithic Dome combined with the superior insulative value of polyurethane foam.
Monolithic Domes make perfect disaster shelters
When considering large public buildings it only makes sense to believe they will be used as shelters. Every community should have disaster shelters disguised as Monolithic Dome arenas, schools, churches and public buildings. The Monolithic Dome's construction costs are usually far less for these types of uses than those of conventional buildings. AND they provide near-absolute protection from hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, fire and more.
Not only are Monolithic Domes generally less expensive to construct, but they are proven to pay for themselves in about 20 years in energy savings. so you not only get a free community shelter, but also a free building.
Related Links:
- Wind, Water and Monolithic Domes
- Preparedness Takes Preparation
- Tsunamis -- Rebuilding Better After Disasters
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