Concept for thin shell vaulting which uses recycled auto tires as form work. Pictures of actual construction using this system may follow.

 

Below is a mock up of how individual tires will be held together using clamps.  However the steel wheel centers will be left in place. Sapling trees will be used support the form work.  Rusty, recycled wheel rims might hold tires well but cleats might be also welded to prevent rubber from slipping off. An attempt to split rubber tires (picture below) without cutting steel belts will avoid worker exposure to sharp metal while handling molds.  Each converted wheel will be supported on an individual pre sized pole .

Above-- Mock-up of converted wheels showing clamp to hold many together.  Steel part of wheel is missing in the mock up. Yet to be illustrated is the plan to use sections of fabric like burlap to close in the the mold surface. A dirt loam coating will then be applied over the burlap to fair out the surface. Local dirt as a mold release and as a simple texturing agent should simplify interior finish. (After pressure washing, paint can be applied, if desired). Next Below is a housing example which could implement this type of vault. The purple color rings illustrate a ring reinforcement.

Standardized lab testing of ring reinforcement to compare with other reinforcement systems is of interest. As a low budget single handed developer, I have very little opportunity to extensively test the many ideas presented in these www pages. The testing cannot keep up with my prototyping nor my conceptual exploration. Agricultural wire offers much easier use but as a thicker gauge is less ideal than thin gauge welding wire. More effort will be made to show examples. Here is an example used in contoured wall construction, (sand molded tilt up method).

Here is an example used in a stair.

Here is another example of simple ringforcement using heavier wire.

Step by step concept for using ringforcement in a small (5m/ 15ft) dome.

The opportunity to build the above vaults might also present a combination of needs and site conditions as follows.

The following illustration shows variable height pillars which are topped with hexagonal capitals.

Pillars are poured concrete. Capitals are sand cast flared cones shaped to regular hexagons on top.  Picture below shows essential shape. Capitols can be cast with reasonable tolerances and efficiency. After installation, the hollows may be filled with economical concrete and leveled. A monolithic slab or other surface is then possible.

The hollow shell, hexagonal, cone like parts can be set upon poured-in-place columns.

Additionally, spaces below floor could conceivably also be sealed off from exhaust are. These partitioned areas could be used as cellar spaces and as a solar heat exchanger space. In the case of solar heat, solar powered draft schemes could be implemented.

Too little is known about actual test comparisons between traditional reinforcement, flat spiral loops and individual "O" rings. Rings appear to have interesting test possibilities. As a low budget single handed developer, I have very little opportunity to test the many ideas presented in these www pages. The testing cannot keep up with my my conceptual exploration.

Research & Development Through Free Exchange of Ideas

Comments are invited. Consultancy or constructive cooperation is offered.

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