Dome-shaped structure and method of constructing same

A dome-shaped structure comprising:

• a base foundation;
• a plurality of initially substantially straight flexible outer stringers, each said outer stringer having a first end and a second end, wherein said first ends of said plurality of outer stringers are circumferentially spaced and attached to said base foundation;
• a plurality of initially substantially straight flexible inner stringers, each said inner stringer having a first end and a second end, wherein said first ends of said plurality of inner stringers are circumferentially spaced and attached to said base foundation;
• means for supporting said second end of said plurality of inner and outer stringers substantially centrally and inwardly located above said base foundation,
• wherein said base foundation and said means for supporting maintain said inner and outer stringers in a flexurally-stressed arcuate configuration and said circumferentially spaced inner stringers are located within the periphery formed by the circumferentially spaced outer stringers at said base foundation and said second end of said plurality of inner stringers are below said second ends of said plurality of outer stringers;
• an outer shell attached to said plurality of outer stringers;
• and
• an inner shell attached to said plurality of inner stringers,
• wherein a substantially continuous enclosed space is formed between said inner and outer shells.

A method for constructing a dome-shaped structure, comprising the steps of:

• installing a foundation;
• attaching a plurality of substantially straight stringers to the foundation;
• positioning a support assembly in a substantially central position above the foundation;
• flexing the plurality of stringers to a substantially horizontal position at the support assembly;
• attaching the plurality of stringers to the support assembly;
• and
• maintaining the plurality of stringers in a flexurally-stressed arcuate configuration between the foundation and the support assembly.

A method for constructing a dome-shaped structure, comprising the steps of:

• pouring a concrete foundation;
• inserting a plurality of outer sockets in the foundation to form an outer periphery;
• inserting a plurality of inner sockets in the foundation to form an inner periphery;
• positioning a support assembly in a substantially central position above the foundation;
• attaching a plurality of substantially straight inner and outer stringers in a substantially horizontal position to the support assembly;
• flexing the plurality of inner and outer stringers to a substantially vertical position at the foundation;
• inserting an end of the plurality of inner stringers in the inner sockets;
• inserting an end of the plurality of outer stringers in the outer sockets;
• and
• bonding the plurality of inner and outer stringers to the plurality of inner and outer sockets.

A dome-shaped structure comprising:

• a base foundation;
• a plurality of initially substantially straight flexible stringers, each said flexible stringer having a first end and a second end, wherein said first ends of said plurality of stringers are circumferentially spaced and attached to said base foundation;
• and
• means for supporting said second ends of said plurality of flexible stringers substantially centrally and inwardly located above said base foundation,
• wherein said base foundation and said means for supporting maintain said inner and outer stringers in a flexurally-stressed arcuate configuration.