This is a great video detailing effective, time tested methods used world wide in sustainable building practices. Thank you for sharing your vision with us.
James mentioned that he likes "thin mortar" lines. From always seeing sizable layer between the bricks I've made the assumption that it needs be like that. Question: from a structure and physics point of view does it matter at all if the bricks actually touch to a degree, as long as there is a thin even brick covering layer of mortar in between?
Here's a response from bovedero James Anthony - “If I have a “buttered” brick and lay it on top of another and feel surfaces grind upon nestling into place, everything is fine”.
Hello, hope u will be fine. Can you give me a description of this structure. I mean, dimentions of foundations, beams (foundation and perimeter), walls, vault diameter and high. please. thank you so much
Would vaults and domes duilt like this under ground with 6' compacted earth and another earthen structure bermed within the side of a hill hold up? Been thinkin bout it a few years. Want my radio shack, root cellar, game aging/proceseccing room, and 20,000 galon cistern below ground in domed rooms connected with vaults. Was thinking could reinforce with fero cement if i had to.
Hi are you still in Mexico i plan on doing some adobe building near Puebla near the end of 2024 and im looking into bovida and arch construction on my floors and roofs.
The only thing that is stopping me from making a dome similar to this is the earthquake seismic zone level 4 region i live in. Here earthquakes are way too frequent. I feel like without reinforcement such a dome might not be as good in my region. I have seen many such domes which have survived major quakes but then there are also many examples of such domes which have collapsed due to earthquakes. Maybe i need to start small and try to master this skill to perfection so as to reduce the risks as much as possible. Maybe then i will be much more confident in building such structures in my region.
Thrust & Wall Strength. Model: GPT-4  How do you calculate the thrust of a domes rood, and the strength of the walls needed to support it ChatGPT The calculation of the thrust generated by a domed roof and the strength required by the walls to support it involves complex structural engineering calculations. Here is a simplified explanation of the concepts and processes involved: Thrust of the Dome: The thrust exerted by a dome on its supporting walls depends on several factors including the weight of the dome material, the size and shape of the dome, and the force of gravity. The general idea is that the dome acts like an arch in all directions, pushing outwards on the walls. In an ideal scenario, the forces within a dome are compressive, flowing along the curve of the dome from the apex (top) down to the base (where the dome meets the supporting walls). An approximation for the horizontal thrust (F) at the base can be calculated for a semi-circular dome (perfect hemisphere) using the formula: F = (π/2) * p * g * r^2 where: π is the constant Pi (~3.14159), p is the density of the material, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and r is the radius of the dome. Strength of the Walls: The strength required by the walls to support the dome can be calculated based on the thrust exerted by the dome. It involves calculations related to the material strength and geometry of the walls. The walls need to have enough tensile strength to withstand the outward push (thrust) of the dome. This generally requires a deep understanding of the properties of the wall material, including its stress-strain relationship, tensile and compressive strengths, and modulus of elasticity. In practice, these calculations are typically done by structural engineers using specialized software which takes into account more complex variables such as load distributions, material properties, safety factors, and more. It's important to note that these calculations are generally not suitable for DIY projects that involve human safety. If you are planning a project that involves constructing or modifying a dome and its supporting walls, please consult with a qualified professional engineer.
Wow! What a complicated answer. Anyone thinking, building a DIY dome for little money is not hiring an civil engineer. Same with the so called “BioLime” plaster. As mentioned in the video, it is used in Europe for centuries. It’s a lime, sand, earth mix. Nobody in Italy pays $65 for a bag. They all mix it themselves. I don’t know any DIY who uses ready-mix products.
Hello, we do have a 27 page document that was provided to our workshop attendees. I could email you a pdf, please contact me at lisa@coloradoearth.com to request. Thank you.
There are many domes in seismically active areas in Europe that have survived for over 1000 years. Double curvature (curved in 2 dimensions) lends considerable stiffness and many load paths
If I understand correctly, and I’m sure I could be wrong-The mass stays a constant temperature, and it’s vapor permeable so you’re not lacking fresh air. Perhaps some situations would require an HRV/ERV combo but The MEP designer would be most knowledgeable about this
@@krisgehrholz9817 I'm an indoor quality expert. Air balance, humidity control is essential. Every gone should have controlled ventilation. I got to meet Hohn Vanee who invented the HRV & ERV. I could reduced the HVAC stayed by 20%+ by using them. Also the mirrors don't fog over when showing.
This is a great video detailing effective, time tested methods used world wide in sustainable building practices. Thank you for sharing your vision with us.
Beautiful work and great interview.
Incredible.thank you
I've never been able to get enough of brick domes and arches.
How is the roof waterproofed? Vaults need good waterproofing in wet climates with freeze-thaw cycles.
Stunning
This is great
James mentioned that he likes "thin mortar" lines. From always seeing sizable layer between the bricks I've made the assumption that it needs be like that.
Question: from a structure and physics point of view does it matter at all if the bricks actually touch to a degree, as long as there is a thin even brick covering layer of mortar in between?
Here's a response from bovedero James Anthony - “If I have a “buttered” brick and lay it on top of another and feel surfaces grind upon nestling into place, everything is fine”.
Hello, hope u will be fine. Can you give me a description of this structure. I mean, dimentions of foundations, beams (foundation and perimeter), walls, vault diameter and high. please. thank you so much
Would vaults and domes duilt like this under ground with 6' compacted earth and another earthen structure bermed within the side of a hill hold up? Been thinkin bout it a few years. Want my radio shack, root cellar, game aging/proceseccing room, and 20,000 galon cistern below ground in domed rooms connected with vaults. Was thinking could reinforce with fero cement if i had to.
Possibly chief
Im asking about the size of block plz ????
What did you use in between the block walls to insulate?
For this dome project we left the cavity open (air) but typically the cavity is filled with loose fill insulation, perlite or cellulose.
Hello I want as about the size of the block plzz
Hi are you still in Mexico i plan on doing some adobe building near Puebla near the end of 2024 and im looking into bovida and arch construction on my floors and roofs.
When is the next workshop of this type?
The only thing that is stopping me from making a dome similar to this is the earthquake seismic zone level 4 region i live in. Here earthquakes are way too frequent. I feel like without reinforcement such a dome might not be as good in my region. I have seen many such domes which have survived major quakes but then there are also many examples of such domes which have collapsed due to earthquakes. Maybe i need to start small and try to master this skill to perfection so as to reduce the risks as much as possible. Maybe then i will be much more confident in building such structures in my region.
These are in a region of Mexico that gets hit with frequent earthquake, even one at 7.2 and nothing really happens to Bovedas
I have a question for you, will that kind of dome house would hold up to a supper typhoons???
Very much so-stands up to earthquakes and typhoon winds well-better than most.
Round building do well in tornados. Thicker walls also helps with flying debris.
How do you calculate the thrust of the domed roof, and the strength of the walls needed to support it?
Thrust & Wall Strength.
Model: GPT-4

How do you calculate the thrust of a domes rood, and the strength of the walls needed to support it
ChatGPT
The calculation of the thrust generated by a domed roof and the strength required by the walls to support it involves complex structural engineering calculations. Here is a simplified explanation of the concepts and processes involved:
Thrust of the Dome: The thrust exerted by a dome on its supporting walls depends on several factors including the weight of the dome material, the size and shape of the dome, and the force of gravity. The general idea is that the dome acts like an arch in all directions, pushing outwards on the walls. In an ideal scenario, the forces within a dome are compressive, flowing along the curve of the dome from the apex (top) down to the base (where the dome meets the supporting walls).
An approximation for the horizontal thrust (F) at the base can be calculated for a semi-circular dome (perfect hemisphere) using the formula:
F = (π/2) * p * g * r^2
where:
π is the constant Pi (~3.14159),
p is the density of the material,
g is the acceleration due to gravity, and
r is the radius of the dome.
Strength of the Walls: The strength required by the walls to support the dome can be calculated based on the thrust exerted by the dome. It involves calculations related to the material strength and geometry of the walls. The walls need to have enough tensile strength to withstand the outward push (thrust) of the dome. This generally requires a deep understanding of the properties of the wall material, including its stress-strain relationship, tensile and compressive strengths, and modulus of elasticity.
In practice, these calculations are typically done by structural engineers using specialized software which takes into account more complex variables such as load distributions, material properties, safety factors, and more.
It's important to note that these calculations are generally not suitable for DIY projects that involve human safety. If you are planning a project that involves constructing or modifying a dome and its supporting walls, please consult with a qualified professional engineer.
Wow! What a complicated answer. Anyone thinking, building a DIY dome for little money is not hiring an civil engineer. Same with the so called “BioLime” plaster. As mentioned in the video, it is used in Europe for centuries. It’s a lime, sand, earth mix. Nobody in Italy pays $65 for a bag. They all mix it themselves. I don’t know any DIY who uses ready-mix products.
Is this written up? I need the data and methodology, I will pay!
Hello, we do have a 27 page document that was provided to our workshop attendees. I could email you a pdf, please contact me at lisa@coloradoearth.com to request. Thank you.
are the domes strong enough to withstand earthquakes
There are many domes in seismically active areas in Europe that have survived for over 1000 years. Double curvature (curved in 2 dimensions) lends considerable stiffness and many load paths
Can we have the contact of who did the dome brick work. Thanks
Please contact James Anthony at facebook.com/james.anthony.1213?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Have you ever used an HRV or ERV in your buildings?
they dont need it
@@krisgehrholz9817 why?
If I understand correctly, and I’m sure I could be wrong-The mass stays a constant temperature, and it’s vapor permeable so you’re not lacking fresh air. Perhaps some situations would require an HRV/ERV combo but The MEP designer would be most knowledgeable about this
@@krisgehrholz9817 I'm an indoor quality expert. Air balance, humidity control is essential. Every gone should have controlled ventilation. I got to meet Hohn Vanee who invented the HRV & ERV. I could reduced the HVAC stayed by 20%+ by using them. Also the mirrors don't fog over when showing.
I appreciate the information.
Have you heard of Ferrock carbon negative Cement alternative yet? The inventor Dr. David Stone From Arizona State university
Vale Geoff Middleton
clay and sand, my dude
I have my owns compagnie i Africa
No safety helmets but some cool baseball caps..