Frustrated by both expensive and labour-intensive methods of dome construction Dante Bini invented 'inflatable structures'. W. Mclean (2013)
Bini used a complex web of helical springs with steel reinforcement rods laid over a pleated pattern cut mesh. In the centre of the mesh there was a plate used to connect the concrete compactors.
His Binix system involves firstly the construction of a ring beam and ground floor slab. An inflatable tube is stored within the beam in the 'cast in' void to provide support for the main membrane during inflation. Neoprene is laid over the slab and secured at the edges, on top of which has a web of precast triangular frame units on springs and reinforcement. The concrete is poured over the flat inflatable membrane and reinforcement. The rods ensure an even distribution of concrete by holding it in place whilst the springs hold the bars in place.
Once the concrete has been poured an outer membrane of PVC is laid over the wet concrete which helps control evaporation. After inflation is complete vibrating carts are pulled over and around the surface of the dome to compact and consolidate the thin concrete shell.
Once dried the outer membrane is removed and the structure is checked, openings can then be cut out once the structure is stable.
Structural defects occur within the dome if the inflation and curing process are not carefully monitored and performed. This occured in Australia to two high schools; Pittwater and Fairvale.
Bini used a complex web of helical springs with steel reinforcement rods laid over a pleated pattern cut mesh. In the centre of the mesh there was a plate used to connect the concrete compactors.
His Binix system involves firstly the construction of a ring beam and ground floor slab. An inflatable tube is stored within the beam in the 'cast in' void to provide support for the main membrane during inflation. Neoprene is laid over the slab and secured at the edges, on top of which has a web of precast triangular frame units on springs and reinforcement. The concrete is poured over the flat inflatable membrane and reinforcement. The rods ensure an even distribution of concrete by holding it in place whilst the springs hold the bars in place.
Once the concrete has been poured an outer membrane of PVC is laid over the wet concrete which helps control evaporation. After inflation is complete vibrating carts are pulled over and around the surface of the dome to compact and consolidate the thin concrete shell.
Once dried the outer membrane is removed and the structure is checked, openings can then be cut out once the structure is stable.
Structural defects occur within the dome if the inflation and curing process are not carefully monitored and performed. This occured in Australia to two high schools; Pittwater and Fairvale.
Edinburgh's sports dome located at Malvern is an example of an inflatable dome. The dome was then raised onto eight pillars to allow a source of natural light into the building.