Portland Cement Association

CONCRETE
INFORMATION

DESIGN OF CIRCULAR DOMES

,, ,

The domes considered in this article are surfaces of

revolution. In spherical and conoidal domes, the surface is
described by revolving an arc of a circle. The center of the
circle may be on the axis of rotation (spherical dome) or
outside the axis (conoidal dome). Both types mayor may
not have a symmetrical lantern opening through the top.
The edge of the shell around its base is usually provided
with an edge member cast integrally with the shell.
The loadings considered on these domes are (1) uniform
load per square foot of dome surface, and (2) variable
load equal to zero at top and increasing at a uniform rate
toward the base. In either case, the load is constant along
any circle of latitude or "hoop."
Another type of dome is also included which is
produced by revolving an ellipse around its minor axis.
The tangent to the ellipse at the end of its major axis is
vertical at which point the thrust is vertical also. No edge
member is required for ring tension when the ellipse is
discontinued at the end of its major axis. Whatever hoop
tension this dome may have is taken by bars provided in
the shell itself.
The loadings on the elliptical dome are (1) uniform
load per square foot of dome surface corresponding to a
uniform shell thickness, and (2) uniform load per square
foot of horizontal projection of dome surface which is
intended to apply to snow load.
Shells are considered so thin that they cannot develop
bending moment,* yet they are assumed to be so thick
that there is no danger of buckling. Only shapes and loads
which are symmetrical about axis of rotation are taken
into account, and stresses due to wind pressure, volume
change and support displacement are ignored. These
assumptions are generally made in design of circular
domes.
Theoretically speaking, the shells are supposed to carry
neither concentrated nor unsymmetrical loading. A collar
load uniformly distributed along the perimeter of a
concentric circle is not considered "concentrated loading:' Great care should be taken to avoid dangerous
loading conditions when the formwork is being lowered
and removed. The shell should be let down as easily and as
uniformly as possible.
Formulas have been presented and derived on basis of
the assumptions discussed. But these formulas apply only
at points of domes which are removed some distance from
the discontinuous edges. At the edges the results from the
formulas may be indicative but they are not accurate. The

edge member and the a<ljacent hoop of the shell must

have very nearly the same strain when they are cast
integrally. The significance of this fact is ignored in the
derivations, and the forces computed from the formulas
are therefore subject to certain modifications. For illustration, the edge member at the base is always in tension, but
the hoop force computed in the adjacent circular strip of
shell may be in compression, yet they must both have the
same strain. The problem may be still more complex to
solve if consideration is also extended to include casting
schedule and prestressing of the edge member.
In almost any dome design, the question arises of stress
allowed in compression. For a 3,000-lb. concrete, ACI
Code 1963 allows 1,350 psi for bending, 750 psi for
bearing, and 638 psi for columns. But for compression in
thin shells, stresses are seldom more than 150-200 psi.
There appears to be no theoretical reasoning behind these
limiting figures, and codes state nothing about stresses in
domes. They are based merely on trends in past and
present practice.
Several reasons exist for keeping stresses fairly low in
circular domes. As mentioned, forces near edge members
are rather indeterminate, volume change and settlement
are ignored, and concentrated loads may create critical
stresses. To cover these and similar contingencies, it is well
to keep stresses rather low. On the other hand, there is
seldom any need for allowing high stresses. The shell must
be thick enough to allow space and protection for two
layers of reinforcement, so 3% in. is about as thin as any
shell can be made. For the average type and size of dome
built in the past, allowable stresses did not have to be high
to get a reasonably thin shell and an economical construction, but higher stresses will undoubtedly be allowed in
the future as better concrete is used and more uncertainties are eliminated from the theory of design.
When the radius to thickness ratio exceeds 500, special
consideration should be given in the design to the possible
effects of buckling.
The data presented on design of domes are divided into
three groups: formulas, numerical examples and derivations. A table is appended for use in design of elliptical
domes. Beyond this, charts and tables have been avoided
since. the formulas are not long or cumbersome to handle.

*This discussion is based on membrane theory. For the

ing theory, see textbooks on shells.

bend~

This publication is based on the facts, tests, and authorities stated herein. It is intended for the use of professional personnel competent to
evaluate the significance and limitations of the reported findings and who will accept responsibility for the application of the material it
contains. Obviously, the Portland Cement Association disclaims any and all responsibility for application of the stated principles or for the
accuracy of any of the sources other than work performed or information developed by the Association.

FORMULAS FOR SPHERICAL DOMES

.~'~C~i~r~C~le~o~f~l~a~t.~lt~u--+i
~d~e~ ~I~
__

,....,....""'P
r;v---'-~

I ,. . /.
Pomt 2

100'0

Ia

K""-:-'~~;. 0[>""",, ---J ~

FIG. I

AXiS

of rotation~l

FIG. 2

From (2.): WUI

211" X 212.:;' X 0.092:; (1 - 0.882) ~ 3,100 kips.

Total load above Point 1.

From (:;):

T _
Consider part of dome her"-een plane:;; of latitl1de through Poinrs 0 and
I in Fi~. 1.
Surface <lrea: A = 27f'r2 (cos CPll - cos <pil
U)
If load rer sq. ft. of dome is uniform, w p.s.f.:
Toral load: IV" ~ 211"r'w (cos 400 - cos 40.)
(2)
If load increases from zero at Point 0 at a rate of w' per ra~ian;
Torallo;1d: IV, ~ 27rr'w' [sin 401 - sin 400 - cos 4" (401 - 4oo)J (3)
Let IV, denore a collar load uniformly distributed around a circle of
latitude. The: general expression for total load, W, is then

IV ~ r"
W,
We
If Poin r 0 lies on the axis of rotation:
A ~ 211"r' (1 - cos <In)
Wi, ~ 211"r'w (1 - cos 401)
IF,. ~ 2".r'w' (sin 401 - 401 eo, 40,)

(4)

(la)
(2a)
(3a)
lnycstigating forces at plane: of latitude through Point I, rVbeing load
abo .... e thar circle:
!>.Ieridional thrust: T

+ +

27rr

W,

(5)

Sln 1/>1

Hoop force: H = - T
[w
w' (401 - 400) Jr cos 401 (6)
If dome is discondnued along circle uf latitude through Point 1, an
ed ge member must be prO\'ided along that circle, and that member is
suhiect to
.
.
W cos 401
Rlng tellS1Qn: S = - - (7)
21r sin 4>1
If dome is omitted abm'c the circle of latititude through Point O. the
collar load IVc will produce a ring compression along the edge of the
oFening which equals
S ~ lVe cos 1/>0
(8)
21T sin q,o
The shell itself mar be able to take this ring compression, but if an
edge member is provided and cast integrally with the shell, it is
customary to design it for the full amount of the farce, S.
.

At the top of a solld dome: T

H ~

2wr

(9)

Example 1. Spherical Dome

Consider the spherical dome in Fig. 2. The rise is 25 ft., the radius of
the base is 100 ft., and the live load is 30 p.s.f. Maximum allowable
stress is 200 p.s.i.
Radius of dome surface: r' ~ 100'
(r - 2:;)'
from which r = 212.5 ft.
Assume 5-in. uniform thickness of shell which gives:
w ~ 0.0625
0.030 ~ 0.0925 kip/sq. ft.

From (9): To = Ho = 1 X 0.0925 X 212.5 = 9.83 kips/ft.

2
Forces at top of dome, Point
fo

~ ho 9,830

5 X 12

164

.
p.s.!.

o.

Stresses at Point O.

At base, Point 1:
sin 401

100
212.:;

PAG E 2

0.471, sin' 401

0.222, eos 401

0.882, </>1

= 28 deg.

3.100
, - 211" X 212. ') X 0.222

10.4 6 k IpSJf t.) tl

175 p.s.t..
5X12
Meridional stresS at Point 1.

From (6):
HI = - 10.46 + 0.0925 X 212.5 X 0.882

10,460
=-=

6.88 kips/ft. (compression)

Hoop force at Point 1.

3,100 X 0.882 = 924 kIpS.

21f X 0.471
Ring tension in edge member.
Assume that dome with r = 212.5 ft. is extended downward to where
the rise is 5S ft. At the base at Point 2, the radius of the circumference
is x: 212.5' = x'
(212.5 - 55)'.
x ~ 142.7 ft.
.
142.7
. ,
510 40, ~ - - ~ 0.672, SIO 1/>, = 0.452, cos 40, ~ 0.740
212.:;
From (2a):
= 271" X 212.5' X 0.0925 (1 - 0.740) = 6,820 kips.
Load at Point 2.
From (5):
T, ~
6,820
11,300
Jf t., f, = 11.30 k ipS
- ~ 188 p.S.I..
2". X 212.5 X 0.4:;2
5X12
Meridional stress at Point 2.
From (6):
H, ~ - 11.30 + 0.092:; X 212.:; X 0.740 ~ 3.25 kips/ft. (compression)
Hoop force at Point 2.
6,820 X 0.740
k.
(
)
From 7 : S, ~
~ 1,200 IpS.
21T X 0.672
Ring tension in edge member.
lf the dome is one-half of a sphere, sin 4>3 = 1.000 and cos rP3 = o.()())
\,,'hieh gives:
W~a ~ 26,240 kips, Ta ~ 19.65 kips/ft., fa = 328 p.s.i., H, = - 19.65
kips/ft. (tension), S, = 0 (no edge member needed for ring tension)
'
211"r'w(1 - cos 40)
\Vhen H = 0: T = wr cos 4>, or
= wr cos r/1
211'"r sin'l ~
From (7 ) : S 1

IV.,

from which ens 40

= VS-1
--2--'

or </> ~ :;2 deg.

Example 2. Spherical Dome

The data are the same as in Example 1 except that the dome has a
lantern opening arranged symmetrically around the axis of rotation.
The radius of the opening is 25 ft. A collar load is arranged uniformly
around rhe edge of opening, and the total collar load is 'j() kips.
Instead of Point 0 being on the axis of rotation as in Example 1, it is
here lying on rhe edge of the opening and
,in 400 = 2:;.0 = 0.1176, sin' 400 = 0.0138, cos 400 ~ 0.993
212.5
Poiot 1 is considered in the same position as in Example 1, so
,in 401 = 0.471, sin' </>1 = 0.222, cos 401 = 0.882
From (4) and (2):
W, = 2". X 212.:;' X 0.0925 (0.993 - 0.882)
50 = 2,960 kips.
Total load above Point I.
TI, HI and Sl may be computed as in Example 1 substituting 2,960
for 3,100 kips.
50 X 0.993
k.
From (8) : So ~
~ 67 .ps.
2". X 0.1176
Compression in edge member at lantern opening.

Example 3. Spherical Dome

Hoop force:

The data arc the same as in Example 1 except that the dome thickness
varies from 5 in. at top (Point 0) to 6 in. at base (Point 1) with radius
of 100 ft. Determine forces and stresses at base.

r' [
- T [w w , (<I>, - <1>0)] r cos <1>, ] (16)
r sm q,l
If dome is discontinued along circle of latitude through Point 1, an
edge member must be provided along that circle, and that member is
subject to

A 5-in. thickness considered uniform throughout plus a 3(}-lb. live

load amounts to 0.0925 kip/sq.ft. In addition, the weight of the slab
inereases from zero at Point a (<1>0 ~ 0) to 0.0125 kip/sq. ft. at Point I.
(~l = 0.490 radian*). The rate of increase per famall 15 WI =
0.0125 + 0.490 = 0.0255 kip/sq.ft.
From (2), (3), (4): W, = 2... X 212.5' X 0.0925 (1 - 0.882)
2... X
212.5' X 0.0255 (0.471 - 0.490 X 0.882)
= 3,380 kips
Total load above Point 1.

From (5): T,

3;380
2... X 212.5 X 0.222

11.40 kips/sq.ft.;

158 p.s.1.
.
11,400
Meridional stress at Point 1.
6X 12
From (6): H, ~ - 11.40
(0.0925
0.0255 X 0.490) 212.5 X 0.882
= 8.28 kips/ft. (compression). Hoop force at Point I.
t1

= --=

.
(7:
) S
hom

,= 3,380 X 0.882 =

1 ,007 k'IpS
2... X 0.471
Ring tension in edge member.
Assume the dome has a lantern opening as in Example 2 and Point 0
lies on the edge of the opening at which the shell is 5 in. thick. Compute forces at base, Point 1.
<1>, = 0.118, w' = 0.0125 + (0.490 - 0.118) ~ 0.0336 kips/sq.ft.
W, = 2... X 212.5' X 0.0925 (0.993 - 0.882)
2... X 212.5' X 0.0336 (0.471 - 0.118 - 0.882 X 0.372)
= 3,150 kips.
(Add hereto the collar load, We. In this ease, set We = 0).
T, ~ 10.63 kips/ft., H, = 9.05 kips/ft., S, ~ 939 kips.

+ +

, sin <1>, =
.

Rtng tenS1On: S

WCo..">q,1
= ----'-:----'-'--

(7)

211" sin PI
If dome is omitted above the circle of latitude through Point 0, the
collar load We will produce a ring compression, S, along the edge of
the: opening (see Spherical Domes for additional nota):

We cos q,o

RlDg compresSIon: S = - - . - (8)

21r Sin t/Jo
At top of dome where it intersects the axis of rotation, the formulas
given above do not apply because there: is local bending in the vicinity
of the peak. There may also be some local bending near an edge member.

Example 4_ Conoidal Dome

c
o

FIG. 4

FORMULAS FOR CONOIDAL DOMES

Consider the conoidal dome in Fig. 4. Radius of base of dome, or

distance from Point 1 co axis of rotation, is 25 ft. Radius of dome is
r= 60 ft., and distance from center of dome surface to axis of rotation
is r' = 10 ft. Thickness of dome is 3Y2 in. Live load is 30 p.s.f. Point 0
lies on axis of rotation, so sinq,o = r' -;- r = 10 + 60 = O.167,cosq,o =
0.986, and <1>0 = 0.167 radian.

FIG. 3

sin <1>. = (25.0

10.0) + 60.0 = 0.583, cos </>' = 0.BI2,
<1>, = 0.623 radian. w = 0.044
0.030 = 0.074 kip/sq.ft.
~

From (ll): Wu ,

Consider part of dome betvveen planes of latitude through Points 0

and 1 in Fig. 3.
Surface area: A = 2m" (cos <1>0 - cos <1>,) - 2...,,' (<I>. - <1>0)
(10)
If load per sq.ft. of dome is uniform, w p.s.f.:
Total load : W" = 2...r'w(cos <1>, - cos <1>,) - 2..."'w(<I>, - <1>0) (ll)
If load incrc:asc:s from zc:ro at Point 0 at a rate of w' per.radian:
Total load:
W. = 2...r>w' [Sin<l>l- sin<l>o- cos <1>. (<1>,- <1>,) ]- ..."'w'(<I>, - <1>,)' (12)
Let We denote a collat load uniformly distributed around a circle of
latitude. The general expression for [Otal load, W, is thcn

W = W"
W.
We
(13)
If Point 0 lies on the axis of rotation, t/lo is determined by the equation

sm <1>,

= .'
-

at circle of latitude through Point 1, W

Investigating forces
load above that circle:

Meridional thrust: T
*One radian equals 57.3 deg.

~ _ _ _W"------::-_ _
27r (r sin q,l - r') sin cP I

From (15): T, = .
164)
= 1.79 kips/ft.
2... (60.0 X 0.583 - 10.0 X 0.583
Meridional thrust at Point 1.
From (16):

H, ~ 60.0 X 0.583 - 10.0 (-1.79

~

(15)

60.0 X 0.58}
1.30 kips/ft.

+ 0.074 X

60.0 X 0.812)

Hoop compression at Point 1.

64 k'IpS
From (7): S,= 164 X 0.812 =3.
27T" X 0.'83
Ring tension in edge member.
Compute forces at a Point 2 at which:
sin <1>. = 0.400, cos <1>2 = 0.917, <1>, = 0.412 radian.
Prom (ll): Wu

~
~

(14)

being

2... X 60.0' X 0.074 (0.986 - O.B12)

- 2... X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.074 (0.623 - 0.167)
291 - 127 = 164 kips. Total load above Point 1.

Prom (15): T,

211" X 60.0' X 0.074 (0.986 - 0.917)

- 2... X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.074 (0.412 - 0.167)
115 - 68 = 47 kips. Tot.lload above Point 2.
47
1.34 kips/ft.
211" X (60.0 X 00400 - 10.0) 0.400
Meridional thrust at Point 2.

From (16):
H,

=
=

6O.0X 0.400-100
6O.0X0400
1.59 kips/ft.

(- 1. 34 + 0.074 X

60.0 X 0.917)

Hoop compn::ssior. at Point 2.

PAGE 3

Example 5. Conoidal Dome

I~Axis of rotation

The data are the same as in Example 4 except that the dome has a
lantern opening the edge of \. . hich follows a circle of ladtude with
radius of 7 fr. Point 0 lies on this circle, so sin.po = (7
10) + 60 =

0.283, cos </>0 ~ 0.959, </>0 ~ 0.287. Also, there is a collar load of 0.4
kip/ft. along the edge of the opening. Only part of the calculations
will be illustrated.
At Point 1: sin </>, ~ 0.583, cos </>, ~ 0.812, >1>1 ~ 0.623 radian.
W ~ 0.074 kip/sq.ft.
From (11), (13):
W, ~ 211" X 60.0' X 0.074 (0.959 - 0.812)
- 211" X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.074 (0.623 - 0.287)
0.4 X 211" X 7.0
~ 246 - 94 + 18 ~ 170 kips.
Toralload above Point 1.
TI and S, may be computed as in Example4 substituting 170 for 164 kips.

I
FIG. 5

~ ~----'-<--------------~

From (8): So ~ 18 X 0.959

211" X 0.283

Example 6. Conoidal Dome

The data are the same as in Example 4 except that the dome thickness
varies from 3 in. at top (Point 0: sin.po = 0.167, cos c/>o = 0.986, q,o =

0.167) to 4 in. at base (Point 1: sin >1>, ~ 0.583, cos >1>, ~ 0.812,</>, =
0.623). The uniform load is w = 0.0375
0.030 = 0.0675 kip/sq. ft.
In addition. the slab dead load increases from 0 at top to 0.0125 at base.
The rate of increase per radian is
w ,0.0125
=
= 0.0274 kIp/ sq. ft.
0.623 - 0.167
From (11), (12):
W , ~ 211" X 60.0' X 0.0675 (0.986 - 0.812)
- 211" X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.0675 (0.623 - 0167)
211" X 60.0' X 0.0274 [0.583 - 0.167 - 0.812 (0.623 - 0.167)1
- 11" X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.0274 (0.623 - 0.167)'
= 265.7 - 116.0 28.') - 10.7
~ 167.5, say 168 kips.
Total load ahove Point l.
T, and S, at base may be computed from (1' and (7) inserting
W = 168 kips.
Investigate forces at Point 2: sin rl>2 = 0.400, cos <P2 = 0.917,
>1>, ~ 0.412 radian.
From (ll), (12):
W , = 211" X 600' X 0.0675 (0.986 - 0.917)
- 211" X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.0675 (0.411 - 0.167)
211" X 600' X 0.027410.400 - 0167 - 0.917 (0.412 - 0.167)1
- 11" X 60.0 X 10.0 X 0.0274 (0.412 - 0.167)'
= 105.4 - 623 + 5.1 - 3.1
= 45.1, say, 45 kips.
Total load above Point 2.

If a symmerricallanrcrn opening with radius x is cut through the shell

at the: crown, proceed as follows: From W, computed in accordance with
(17), deduct 1I"WX' and add collar load if any. Multiply T computed
from (18) by the ratio of W'/W which gives T'. Determine hoop

force from

From ([6): I I,

45
211" (60.0 X 0.400 - 10.0) 0.400
~ 1.28 kips/ft.
Meridional thrust at Point 2.

60.0 X 0.400 - 10.0 [-1.28 + {0.0675

60.0 X 0.400
]
0.0274 (0.412 - 0.167) I 60.0 X 0.916

+
+ 1.63 kips/ft.

w;, g _ QzT'

H'~

10 ki s.

Compression in edge member at opening.

From (IS): T,

__--T

LCircle of latitude

Note: W' is total weight above point considered regardless of the

source from which it is derived.
Now let w denote weight per sq.ft. uniformly distributed over horizontal projection of dome.
Total weight above Point 1: W ~ 1I"a'w (1 - g')
(21)

Meridional thrust at Point I: T

W;;:Q

(22)

Hoop force at Point 1:

(23)

At axis of rotation:

(24)

If dome is discontinued along circle of latitude through Point 1, an

edge member must be provided along that circle, and that member is
subjeCt to
(25)

Ring tension:

If dome is omitced above a circle of latitude and a collar load We is

applied uniformly along that circle, We will produce a ring compres
4

sian along the edge of the opening which equals

Wed X
211"b

VI -

g'

Example 7. Elliptical Dome

I...---AXiS of rotation
".-Meridian

Hoop compression at Point 2.

.fMinor ax.is

FORMULAS FOR ELLIPTICAL DOMES

Consider part of dome above circle of latitude through Point 1 in Fig. s.

Surface area: A

= 21'f'a 2C.

Select values of C (and Q) from table based on computed ratios of

"Major a.is

100 ft.

and t = l

FIG. 6

b
Let w first be uniform weight per sq.ft. of dome surface.

Total weight above Point 1: W

211"a'wC

(17)

Meridional thrust at Point 1: T

wa' X ~
b
1 _ g'

(18)

Consider the elliptical dome in Fig. 6. The live load (LL) is }O p.sJ.
of horizontal projection. The shell is 5 in. thick, weighing 62.5
p.d. ( = DL)

Hoop force at Point 1:

w;' (g -

(19)

From (20) for DL and (24) for LL:

At axis of rotarion:

T~H~-

PAG

wO'

2b

(1

~ g') Q)

Forces at tnJ ,,/ minor axis:

(20)

T = H

0.0625 X 100'
2X30

+ 0.D30 X 100' ~ 15.4 ki

2X30

sift.
P

Table of Coefficients for Elliptical Domes

Values of C

Values of Q'*

b
02
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0

g~Z

.547
.526
.501
.469
0430

.381
.323
.257
.181
.095
.000

1
*C ~ 2

03

041 05
.636 .690
.596 .640
.554 .588
.508 .534
.456 .475
.399 0412
.335 .343
.263 .267
.183 .185
.096 .096
.000 .000

.588
.558
.525
.486
.441
.389
.328
.260
.182
.095
.000

- k'
+ 1_u--Iog
(1 + k) 11.

**Q ~ VI

06

0.7

.747
.687
.626
.563
.496
.427
352

.807
.737
.666
.594
.520
.443
.362
.278
.190
.098
.000

.2n

.188
.097
.000

08

0.9

.870
.789
.709
.627
.545
.461
.374
.285
.193
.098
.000

1.0

0.2

1 - k'
(
&y'1 - k'll - g') - - - log gk
2

2k

~ /
+ VI
-

k'(l - g')

0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
09
1.0

1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000
1.000

b'

iD which k' ~ 1 - -

02

along the meridian. Calling each length

we have

Forces at end of major axis: Seleee codficiencs from table for values of

0.3 and g =

i = o. All calculations have two terms,

dead load first aDd live load second. Fromchart:C= 0.588andQ = 0.300.
From (17) and (21):
W = 2"11"100' X 0.0625 X 0.588 "11"100' X 0.030 X (1 - 0)
= 2,310
940 = 3,250 kips.
From (18) and (22):
T - 0.0625 X 100' X 0.588 X 0.300 0.030 X 100'
30
1- 0
2 X 30
X 0.300
= 3.68 + 150 = 5.18 kips/ft.
From (19) and (23):
H = 0.0625 X 100' (0 _
0.588
)
0.030 X 100' X 0 - 1
30
(1 - 0) X 0.300
2 X 30
0.300
= - 40.8 - 16.7 ~ - 57.5 kips/ft.

Same data as in Example 7. Compute hoop tension forces. Divide the

3Ot. rise into teo equal pilrts. At the circles of latitude corresponding
to values of g from 0.0 to 0.7 (SIt ,.shit aho",) compute:

From (19) for dead load (w = 0.0625): H = wa'

h
" ltve load (w = 0.030):
From (2)
3 lOr
These computations

afC

(g _

=~

rherefore,

h
=

~
1- g'

Values of As are also tabulated and are used to.gether with H-yalues to
plot the hoop tension diagram in Fig 7.

&_l.

C (set t,,6k)
Q (set t.,"e)

0.568
O.}OO

0.1

0.2

0.558
0.}15

0.525
0.}56

I---

a.)
OA86

0.4
0.441
0.485

0.5

0,6

07

0}89
O.56}

0.}28
0.646

0.260
O.7}2

---- - - -- -O.4ll

w[&- (I_C!')Q] -.1225 -.1056 -.08}4 -.0617 -.0426 - .0163 -.0121 +.OOO)

w~

-.O}OO -.0467 -.Q}B8 -.0296 -.0110 -.Ol}} - .0065 -.0004

Summation

-.1125 -.151} -.1222 -09i} -.06}6 -.O}96 -.0186 -.0001

.'

-- -- -- - - -- -- -l-

iXSum=H

57.5

10.8

407

lOA

2L2

13.1

6.2

}.OO

3.17

}.63

4.35

5.29

6.10

8.08

"'=VI-"

tabulated a.t right. In addition, it is necessary

'"w

Area under curve represents

'"o

<..

total hoop tensior. and shows

its distribution along
the meridian.

.~

ro

to\9-~

Center of circle lies on

axis of rotation.

c:

<I>

angle.

rd</>: length of clemenr

:;:

.tUdeJl

axis of rotation.
d</>: .mall increment of

of arc.

5i n4>

.p: angle measured from

.~-H~+-~~~+4~)
Meridian
..
0

Lantern
opening

of circle wi th

"0

c:

L/'I"-'r-

0-1: arc

radiuH (It< Fig. 8.)

:;;'"

rf\

0.0

DERIVATIONS FOR SPHERICAL DOMES

2h

as indicated in Fig. 6,

Q
VI-g'
X "Y (in which. = 100. b = 30. "Y = 3,

SlD8

AI

(1 - g') Q

-wa' X 2g'-1

to determlOe the length between the intersection points measured

'"<:I

1(1

Example 8. Elliptical Dome

FIG. 7

1.0

08 1 0.9

041 051 0.61 0.7

.400 .500 .600 .700 .800 .900
.410 .507 .605 .704 .802 .901
.440 .529 .621 .714 .809 .904
.485 .563 .646 .732 .820 .909
.543 .608 .680 .756 .835 .917
.608 .661 .721 .786 .854 .926
.680 .721 .768 .821 .877 .937
.756 .786 .821 .860 .904 .950
.835 .854 .877 .903 .933 .965
.917 .926 .937 .950 .965 .982
1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000

.934 1.000 .200 .300

.844 .900 .227 .315
.754 .800 .280 .356
.663 .700 .356 415
.572 .600 .440 485
.480 .500 .529 .563
.387 .400 .621 .646
.292 .300 .714 .732
.196 .200 .809 .820
.099 .100 .904 .910
.000 .000 1.000 1.000

1),400
.
, ~ h = - - = 257 p.S.l.
5 X 12

30 + 100

0.3

k'(l - g')

SUesses:

!~

g~Z

.;;
.4:

r sin 4t: distance from element to axis of rotation.

rd</> X 2"11"r sin .p' area of

element rotated about
axis.

r
FIG. 8
PAG E 5

Total surface area of spherical dome described by rotating Arc 0-1

about axis:

=
=

f</>'rd</> X 2'11"rsin</> = 2mf</>"in </>dq,

</>,
</>,
2'11"r' (cos 1>0 - cos </>')

At Point 0, on the axis of rotation, consider an elemental square with

weight w subject to a thrust T on each of its four sides. Insert Wu

from (2) in (l), and set sin' </>

2'11".-'[-cos</>J</>'
1>0
(1)

If Point 0 lies on axis of rotation, cos cPo = 1, and

A = 2'11".-' (1 - cos </>,)

(Ia)

If the unit load, w, is the same for all dements, t.he total load, Wu on

T=

wX A

2'11".-' X w{co, </>, - cos </>,)

(1 - cos </>)(1

2'11".-' X w (1 - cos</>J
=
2'11"r (1- eos1 (1
cos</>l
1

+ cos 1:

= ! wr

wr

+ cos</>

(9)

An c:lemcntal square at Point 1 is subject to three forces:

(1) meridional thrust, T, tangential to meridian.

(2) hoop force, If, tangential to circle of latitude.

(3) load on clement, w w' (1), - </>,).

the dome het,\... een Points 0 and 1 is

Wu

(2)

2TH

If the unit load increases from zero at Point 0 at a uniform rate of w'
per radian, the unit load at the element rtUp equals w'(~ - 4Jo).
The load on the element of dome described by rotating rdf/l about the
axis equals
rd X 2'11"r sin</> X w'(</> - </>,)
Toralload of spherical dome described by rotating ArcO-l about axis:

W,

W,

</>, rd1> X 2'11"r sin</> X w' (</> - </>,)

</>,

2'11".-' X w'f</>' 1> ,in</> d</> - 2'11"r' X w' X </>,f</>' sin</> d</>
</>,
</>,

2'11"r' X

wf -

1> cos </>

+ sin </> J:: -

2'11".-' X w' </>, [ - cos</> J::

WV = 27ry2 X Wi X
(- </>, cos </>' sin 1>, </>' cos </>0 - sin </>, </>' cos </>, - </>, cos 1>,)
w. = 211"r' X w' [,in </>, - sin </>0 - cos </>' (</>, - </>0) 1
(3)
If Painr 0 lies on axis of rotation, cPo = 0, cos </>0 = 1, and
(3a)
WI) = 211'"r2 X Wi (sin q..l - tP1 cos <PI)

Meridional Thrust and Hoop Forces

W: load above plane of latitude through Point 1 (m Fig. 9).
T: meridional thrust per unit length of circle of latitude through
Poim 1.
27rr sin fjll: length of circle of latitude through Point 1.
T sin q,l: vertical component of T.
Sec W equal to sum of vertical components of T:
W = 2'11"r sin 1>, X Tsin 1>, = 2'11"r sin' </>, X T.

T = _-,-W,--_
21("r X si02 q,l

Fig. 10 shows an arc A - A which is part of a circular ring with radius

r. The compression in the ring is T, and the angle subtending the arc is
2d.p, d</> being considered such a small angle that sin (d</ = dq,. The

present object is to determine the radial component of the T-forces.

It is seen from the triangles in the figure tha[ the component of Tin
the direction parallel to the symmetry line is Tsin(dcf which equals
Td.p since dtj:J is a small angle. The total radial component is lTd4> on
an arc A - A of length 2"dfjJ. The radial component for an arc of nnh
length therefore is

(s)

,,/~

~-

-----

,/_H_
/ [rsinl,
Ri3dius rsin4'.

FIG.
FIG. 12

FIG. II

In regard to equilibrium of an element of the dome, the tangential force

may be replaced by its radial component I (Figs. 11 and 12). The

r

If the dome is discontinued along circle of latitude through Point I,

a circular ring through that point is subject to a unit radial force

of T eos </>,.
A unit radial pressure, $, on a circular ring with radius, R, causes a
ring tension of S = s X R..
Set s = T cos tPl and R = r sin .4>1 which gives the ring tension in the
edge member at Point 1:

.
S = T eo, </>' X r sm </>'
PAG E 6

WX cos 1>,
27rr sin2 rln

.
Wcos</>,
X r Slo 1>, = - - 27 sin ~1

(7)

H-force is tangential to the circle of latitude with radius r sin ~1 and

may be replaced by its radial component lying in the plane of the circle
and equaling

---!!--. The two components and the load on the de-

r Sln

q,l

roent lie in the same vertical plane. Since the element is in equilibrium
the sum of projections of the three forces must equal zero. Projecting
on the Hne through center of the dome gives

Ir + r~
X
S1n q,1

sin </>' - [w

or If = - T

+ w'(</>' -</>,)] cos </>' =

+ [w + w'(</>' -

</>,)] reos </>'

(6)

DERIVATIONS FOR ELLIPTICAL DOMES

DERIVATIONS FOR CONOIDAL DOMES

The derivations follow the same general procedure as illustrated for
spherical domes. The principal difference is in the locarion of the
center for the Arc o 1. The distance from the ccnter to the axis of
rotation is called r' (w' Fig. 13).

+ -!..b2 =

Equation of ellipse:::"2
0

"y

d,

f<---,Lcc""nc..t7-er:..:n-,-~
opening
:;::

1 in which

= o sin rp
= b cos 1>

dx= acosrptkf,
Jy = - b sin 1> d1>

= V (dx)' +

(dy)'

= Va' cos' 1> + h' sin";4, X d1>

~------'---I2

2
t;
FIG. 13

r'
FIG. 14

r
When r' = 0, the dome is spherical; when r ~ 0, it is conoidal. The
radius of the circle of latitude is r sin q, - r' for conoidal domes. Suhscitllte this quantity for, sin tP used in spherical domes:

J1>,1>1 ,d1> X

A =

21r (, sin 1> -

r') = 2",,' I <p, sin 1> do/> - 11rrr' I1>1 J1>

Consider ring produced by rotating element dr about Y-axis.

Weight per sq.ft. of dome surface is w. uniformly distributed.

Weight of elemental ring is dw = 27rxwd, ('" Fig. 14).

dw

1>,
1>,
A = 17r" (cos 1>0 - cos 1>,) - 27r'" (1), - 1>,)
(10)
If load i5 uniform per sq.ft. of dome, w, total load of dome between
Points 0 and 1 is

= 21rwa sin tP Ya'l cos2 cp + b2 sin'l rP

= 2'1I'a'w ,in 1>

Wu = 27rr' X w (cos 1>, - cos 1>,) - 27rrr' X w (1), - 1>.)

(11)
If the unit load increases from zero at Point 0 at a uniform rate of w'
per radian, the total load on a conoidal dome between Points 0 and 1 is:

Setung k

gives dw

W= Idw = 17ra'wI1>

.p=0

w, =

[ - !1 cos 1>V 1 -

2n' X w'I1>' 1> sin 1> d1> - 211'" X W'1>.I1>l sin 1> do/>
1>.
1>.

+ 27rr X w' 1>""I 1>, d1>

Set cos 1>

=:t.

= - 7rrr' X

w, =

27rr' X

W = 17ra'w

2k

(12)

= _ _,.--'W'--_ __

(15)

, X sin 1>1 - [w + w' (1), - 1>.) J cos 1>1 = 0

r sin.tPl - r' [ - T+ [w + w' (1), -1>,)J r cos 1>,

II =
r 510 q,1

(17)

(16)

~.

sin 1> ~ aV 1 - g' (see ab,.. ). For angle 8, see Fig. IS.
Jy
b sin.p J1>
(,. x
tan8=-==--Xdx
II cos q, dcp
all
y

x =

11

PI -

(8k+V1- k' (1-&,)J

b
"
Derivations for meridional thrust, T. and hoop force, H, follow the
same general procedure as illustrated for other domes.
Set Wequal to the sum of vertical components of T, W = 21J'xT sin 0

The hoop force} HI may be deriveJ as for spherical domes:

. H

k'(I- g')

W = 27ra'wC

w' [sin 1>1 - ,in 1>0 - cos 1>, (1), - 1>.) J

27r tr sin CPl - r') sin P1

,. Sin

Values of C are presented in the table in terms of l &Ild

W = 27r (r sin .p, - r') T sin 1>,

~ k'log

~"\.h -

Denote:: the quantity within the square bracket by C, then

For derivation of equation for meridional thrust, T, refer to spherical

domes but substitute r sin tPl - r' for r sin PI as follows:

X dtp

1>=0

[!2 + 1 -1k k'log (1 + k) -

+ 27rr X w',' X 1>, (1), -1>0)

- '1I'rr' X w' (1), - 1>0)'

cJ>

sin1>Vl- k'sin'1> X do/>*.

_1

w' (1), - 1>.)'

k2 sin2

= 8 and sin'1> = 1 - cos' 1> = 1 - g'

211'''' X w' [sin 1>, - Sill 1>. - COS.p1 (1), - .p,) J

1>~')

k'sin'1> _1- k'log(kcos1>+V l-k'sin'1J1>

The last two terms equal:

- 21rr X w'r'(1);' -

cp VI

27ra'lw sin

= 17ra'w X

1>.

The first two terms are the same as those integrated for spherical
domes and are equal to

Total weight, W, of area of revolution between Points 0 and 1 equals

1>0

.'

b'l

02 _

h'

1 - - - sin' 1> X do/>

= -;;-

W. = I1>, ,d1> X 27r (r sin 1> - ,') X w' (1) - 1>0)

1>.

- 2'1I" X w'r'I1>'1> d1>

a' -

X drp

sin 8

tan 8

1 + tan' 8

= __ pox

(11)0)' + (b'x)'
+ tan' 8 = -'-'''-'-'--:'"",,--'(a:r )'

h~x7.
(a'y)' + (b'x)'

bv'1'="f

Va'1-' + b'x' aV1 -

The formulas for forces in edge members are the same as for spherical

k'(1 - g')
"'For integration, see item 324 in A Sbort TaMe

domes.

Pierce, (Third Edition) Ginn and Company, New York.

of IntegrtJts by D. O.

PAG E 7

FIG. 15

FIG. 16

_ _ _-1.-... X

l\

'-Line perpendicular
to ell ipse at point I

w VI- k'(1 -

T = --.,--- =
2".x sin 8

g')

2".b (1 - g')

- k'(1 - ")
.'wC VI
..!...-=-:-,...:.:.-=.,--....

.!.

h(1 - g')

+ wa
y
-X2

= -b g -

(18)

sctQ =

(l - g')

VI -

0) meridional thrust, T, tangential to meridian.

(2) hoop force, H, tangential to circle of latitude.
(3) load on element, w.

Therefore:

JU

V1-

k'(1 - g')

k'(1- g')

1 - g'

Element of dliptical dome at Point 1 is liubjc::ct to threlt forces,

Fig. 16 :

wa' (

SetQ =Vl- k'(1 - g')'. Values ofQ are presented in the table.
T = wa' X

27ra2wC
2". R sin' 8

H=

C)

11,}(#2 (

(19)

g - (1 _ g') Q

Values of C and Q may be taken from table.

At axis of rotation T
,

= H = !wR
=
2

wa'J.

(20)

2h

If w is considered the unit load per sq.ft. of horizontal projection

R is the radius of curvature and x is distance to axis of rotation.

instead of surface area, the following formulas apply.

Following the procedure used for spherical domes, we have

Total load: W = w1I"x'

Meridional thrust:

I+!!sin 8-WCDSO=0

or H = _ ~

R sin

+ wx cos 0
sin

f)

W
2". R sin' 8

+ wa'ly**

= -- = -v
2 sin (J

2b

1 - k'(1 - g')

(22)

Hoop force:

H = _ ~
Rsin8

h'

+ wx cos' (J =

+ wx (1 -

wx'

sin 8

2R

sin~

sin' 8)
sin 8

wa2 (1 - g')
2b(I - g')

WII'J ~ /

wx

(J

wa'

dx'
d'y
dx'

W
21rx sin

(21)

- g2)

-:u;Q

(J

R= [1 + (1x),J
J"y

= ".a'w(I

dy
b'x
y-xy+xdx
b'
b'
t/2y =
---=-a'
y'
a' y'

b'

a2y3

2h
-

P(1 - g')

2b

+ wa'J.

WlI'l

_WiI"

R=

VI -

a' [1 - k'(1 - g') J - b'\1 - g')

wx "-~--'-'-"'-~-"-'.!-...::.=-""-.!.
a' [1 - k'(l - g') J

Vl -

2b

k'(l - g')

2g2

VI -

k'(1 - g')

282-1

(23)

*The quantity under the radical sign may also be written as:

g2

+ -b' (1 - tl
Q'

cos8 . . .
d
'11
I
1
~
sin (J ts POSltlVC: an numenca Y cqua to tan 8 = b2 , /

tR. is actually

a negative quantity~ but we are here concerned with

the numerical value only.

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