Behaviour of a hemispherical dome subjected to wind loading

An analysis of the behaviour of a monolithic, hemispherical ferrocement dome when subjected to wind is presented. The analysis was done using the finite element method. For the purpose of comparison, the behaviour of the dome was studied with and without exterior concrete ribs. Previous experiments made in a wind tunnel and Fourier series were used to evaluate the distribution of wind loads. Use of the latter constitutes a major contribution of this work. It was concluded that the pressure coefficients obtained using the Fourier series formulation are in close agreement with those obtained by experimental work. The design and construction method used for the dome and its cost are also discussed.