Dome Structures Are Making Their Rounds
November 26th, 2007 by Glen
The world of industrial buildings is often a very square one, with many building materials simply not being suitable to unconventional shapes. However, there are plenty of specialized applications where a dome or circular structure is ideal, and Rubb has not balked the challenge. There are several ways that Rubb can develop a round structure that is as durable, functional and reliable as any traditional geometry.
Small dome shelters are constructed from lightweight galvanized round steel tubing, and assemble quickly with sleeved connections and a minimum number of parts. Because they are light, they can be crane lifted from a single point at the center. These shelters are often used at shipyards as propeller covers, and can also be used to cover small tanks at wastewater treatment facilities.
Larger tanks require a more robust structure, typically made from heavier square structural steel tubing. More purlins are added for bracing and to support the fabric cover. In some cases a portion of the roof is modified to add a door opening for periodic inspection and maintenance. These buildings are custom designed to match existing tank dimensions. Other uses are at fuel tank farms.
Bulk storage applications often require very large buildings, sometimes over 100′ (30.5m) in diameter, which have their geometry further customized based on the shape of the pile they are covering. When a conveyor is in use, the material can be fed into the building through a hole in the ring at the peak of the building. Wind and snow forces have a greater effect on larger buildings, so structures of this size are designed with trusses or very large structural tubing. Because forces are distributed throughout concentric rings of steel, tight fabrication tolerances must be maintained for proper geometric fit-up.
Round structures are just one of the many technical challenges Rubb faces on a regular basis. No matter what the unique needs of your project, our ingenuitive engineers can design a building that meets your needs.
