|
View previous topic :: View next topic
|
| Author |
Message |
Kiley Jin
Joined: 24 Apr 2009
Posts: 2
|
 Posted: Fri Apr 24, 2009 9:26 pm Post subject: Steel Frames for the Pleasure Dome |
    |
|
Samuel,
I think steel frames are the way to go. If you really think that the dome would be strong enough built frameless "stitch and glue," then you can't possibly go too light on the frames, so light steel framing is the way to go.
Check out Priceless Perfect Curves: http://www.pricelesssteel.com/New/CurvedProducts/CurvedProducts.html
They sell curved steel track which they tout as being suitable for domes if you put it on its side. They will bend to your specifications and offer it in various gauges. 20 gauge and above is considered "strcutural," but they sell it all the way up to 12 or 14 gauge.
If you make each rib of the dome out of double pieces of the curved track, with the open side of the track faceing out (sideways), you can run ordinary steel studs between the ribs (ring frames) to get the 16 inch centers you need. With an octagoanl base as you propose, and no compound curves for the sheathing, the studs will not need to be curved at all and you can buy stock material and cut to length on site.
By the time you screw together steel ribs and ring frames, then screw plywood sheathing to them, the whole is going to be very strong. Think of an interior wall built with light steel framing, which is solid if constructed properly. Then think that you are using 20 gauge or thicker frames as oppossed to the 25 gauge often used for partition walls, plywood rather than drywall, and add the inherent strength of domes and the arches which the ribs form. It'll be plenty solid and done with pretty convential materials and design, so your building inspector should be happy.
Those studs will be very cheap. The curved track is going ot be a little more expenssive, but I think still a lot cheaper than custom curved glulam, not to mention lighter and easier to work with.
Overall, I think this is going to be the cheapest way to get what you want, and construction should be pretty straightforward. I love the idea - it will definitley look distinctive. Maybe you can post photos when you get it built?
Kiley |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
blogger
del.icio.us
digg
slashdot
