Floating geodesic domes of concrete?

[AnenomeSubscriber]

I think I’ve figured out a way to build large concrete half-spheres manufactured on the ocean itself. Eliminates the need for a dry-dock, but probably would require at least a water-based crane.

[Michael HayesSubscriber]

Hi Folks,

 

I’m new here and so I’ll briefly explain that I’m far more of a mechanic than an engineer. With that, I’ve believe the use of a Tensegrity sphere would be a better solution than going for a fully enclosed geodesic dome. Here is a Youtube vid on the structure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=a7agYb_rZ6U#!

 

This can be prototyped with PVC pipe and or HDPE dual wall culverts along with Spectra line. The main advantages this type of structure are:

 

1) Wave energy conversion potential

2) Ease of fabrication

3) Scalable

4) Versatile in use

 

Let me know your thoughts

M

[Michael HayesSubscriber]

Hi Folks,

 

Sorry for the typos on that first post. Also, I probably need to explain, in greater detail, why I believe tensegrity structures are worth consideration.

 

As a side note: I have a background as a commercial fisherman (winters on the Bering Sea long-lining) and thus I’ve lived on the ocean for extended periods of time…in extreme conditions. I, personally, would have no problem living aboard a tensegrity structure if it were properly designed, built and outfitted.

 
Design Considerations that Favor Tensegrity Structures:

1) Avoiding the need for large scale specially constructed jigs/forms/machining/yards/etc reduces the overall start-up and long-term cost.

 

2) The standardization of the principal structural components further reduces cost.

 

3) Breaking the design down to the smallest structural component allows for mass production/shipping/erection efficiencies.

 

4) If each basic structural component is given an ability to adjust it’s buoyancy, a high degree of buoyancy redundancy and adjustment can be achieved. Potentially, this type of buoyancy control can be used as a form of propulsion as the controlled shift in buoyancy/weight would cause a structure to rotate.

 

5) Designing the principal structural elements out of ‘off the shelf’ gear, to the greatest extent as possible, further reduces cost (no material/component R&D). I would recommend the use of 60″ dual walled HDPE culverts, as the main structural element, (which cost around $100 per linear ft.) and Spectra line as the tension element. A number of OTS gear can be engineered into this design.

 

6) Tensegritic structures can be deployed for a number of oceanic uses. Here is an example of a tensegrity tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_pZ-m6Ppyg which could be used as a transport tube between spheres/cubes/etc. or as a large scale fish pen.

 

7) Customized internal structures/enclosures can be attached to the tensergrity structure to fit individual needs/desires.

 

Final thoughts:

 

The flexibility and simplicity of the tensergrity concept does seem to provide a means to erect and deploy large scale oceanic structures for the lowest cost per foot/meter. If a community were to adopt this type of construction as it’s ‘standard’ means of construction, it would create a way to ‘valuate’ the basic cost of construction for large/small scale expansion, as well as build in a deep degree of structural resource redundancy.

 

I would like to find colaborators to help work up a design ‘package’ which would give an investor a clear view of the cost and potential profits. I have no experiance with developing a business plan or working up detailed engineering specs.

 

Thanks,

 

Michael

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sparkSubscriber]

How about ferrocement like that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Vb1pdvvoVoQ

 

[Author]

Posts