Pabal Domes

Buckminster Fuller is best known for the invention of the geodesic dome (1954), the lightest, strongest, and most cost-effective structure ever devised. Its design created the lightest, strongest, and most cost-effective structure ever devised. The geodesic dome is able to cover more space without internal supports than any other enclosure.

Dr. SS Kalbag, Founder of Vigyan Ashram did some modifications and made concept of Geodesic Domes very popular in India that’s why Geodesic domes are known as ‘Pabal Domes’ also.

Pabal domes are now available, in the form of a handy kit. All components are color coded to facilitate easy assembly at site. A detailed instruction manual with simple illustrations is supplied with the kit. The foundation angles are grounded after marking the plinth.

The structure is formed with nuts and bolts and clamped on. Next the doors and windows are fixed in position. This framework is covered with standard steel meshes. A cement and sand mixture (1:3) is applied over the mesh with steel shuttering fixed from inside. This forms an integral monolithic ‘Ferrocement’ shell. After the usual curing, the shuttering is removed.

Advantages:

Economical : The Pabal Dome provides an attractive living space at an extremely economical price.

Simple : The Pabal Dome requires simple nut bolting of color coded components, making it ideally suited to do-it-yourself construction. As the construction requires cement or brick masonry, it can easily be carried out by local masons.

No Foundation : Because of its uniform loading, the Pabal dome does not require deep foundations. The anchoring required is simple yet firm, yielding considerable economics in time and money.

Rapid : A team of 8 people can complete the construction in less than a fortnight. The kit can be assembled in one day.

Durable : As the Pabal Dome is constructed of steel and cement, it is as durable as conventional steel, cement and brick construction.

Flexible : Several domes can be interconnected to form interesting housing designs. Beside ferro-cement, cheaper cladding materials, like brick, plastic, thatch etc. can be used for more economical construction.

Shape and Structure : The uniform distribution of load and the round shape of the dome make it ideal for areas prone to earthquakes and cyclones.

Mukesh Bhavsar

Pabal Dome kit :The Standard kit is available in two sizes, with diameters of 6 meters and 4 meters ,and carpet areas of 280 sq.ft. and 120 sq.ft.respectively. Other sizes i.e.7 and 8 meters can be supplied on order.

The kit includes the steel frame, nuts and bolts, one door and four window frames. Accessories such as ceiling ventilators, window grills and window panes are optional. An illustrated construction manual is supplied along with the kit, and simply explains each step of the construction process. If required, the construction of the dome can also be undertaken by approved contractors.

To buy Pabal Dome kit contact:-

Kasim Inamdar- 919766518092

You can download instruction manual of Pabal Dome from ‘do it yourself’ website- http://www.learningwhiledoing.in/?page_id=109

Research paper published on Pabal Domes can be read at- http://www.scribd.com/doc/53668636/14/The-Pabal-dome