Monolithic dome

A monolithic dome (from Greek mono- and -lithic, meaning "one stone") is a thin-shell structure cast in a one-piece form.

The dome-like shape of the igloo exhibits the two major advantages of a dome-shaped structure: great strength, and good insulation.

The first modern monolithic dome structure was built in Provo, Utah, by architect Lee C. Knell, and opened in 1963 as an ice skating rink.

The mound was then covered in a grid of rebar, to provide strength, and a layer of concrete approximately 4 inches (100 mm) thick.

Because of the strength, durability and economics, they are used to store large amounts of various commodities in the cement, fertilizer, agricultural, power and mining industries.

By placing the insulating foam on the outside of the concrete shell, the concrete acts as a thermal mass inside the building, reducing interior temperature fluctuations far more than the traditional home's insulation inside of a brick or stone veneer.

[4] A residential house, the monolithic "Dome of a Home" on Ariola Drive in Pensacola Beach, Florida, has experienced several hurricanes since it was built in 2003.

Example of a monolithic dome at the Centro de la Familia de Utah Migrant Head Start Center, Genola, Utah .
This domed government building in Baghdad , formerly a part of Saddam Hussein 's regime, was hit by a 5,000 lb (2,300 kg). bomb. [ 1 ] Apart from the hole made by the entry of the bomb, it remained structurally sound.
The monolithic "Dome of a Home", seen here after Hurricane Dennis in 2005, has withstood several hurricanes