A new, more cost effective structure using age old building materials Plywood Dome A new, more cost effective structure using age old building materials model GAO STRUCTURE www.gaostructure.com

Unit of Plywood Dome Plywood panel fixed on frame members Frame members ( I-Joist) form geodesic curve

Creating a Dome Plywood Dome surface Frame Member

Advantages of Plywood Dome Span up to 80 meters in diameter Simple connection between members Quadrangular panel requires less work than triangular panel Panels Less influenced by moisture conditions than wood strips Material readily available

Significant Cost Savings Up to 50% less cost than reinforced concrete domes Up to 2/3 less cost than metal frame domes Up to 30% less cost than other wooden domes

What’s the difference ? Plywood Dome Other Wooden Domes Dome surface as a monolithic shell supports load Dome frame supports load

Basic design & construction small angle to shape curved surface Plywood Glue and fasteners used for stiff connection (dome surface) I-Joist Additional support (frame member) Bottom surface when necessary

Cover Rectangular Roofs Plywood dome Covers central area Steel circular truss Cover 4 corners

Cover Buildings of various shapes

Best Use of Plywood Dome Cover buildings that have a large span without interior supporting columns require low cost roofing require light weight roofing require roofing built with sustainable material

Material Storage Structures Applications Material Storage Structures

Applications web photo Large Theatres

Applications web photo Gymnasiums

Applications web photo Movie/TV Production Studios

Large buildings with fewer columns Building Plan Column spacing can be 20 – 30 meters.

Applications web photo Warehouses, Workshops, etc.

GAO Structure Plywood Dome Technology Development: Henry Gao, Ph.D. P. Eng. GAO Structure Patent Pending: Application 2 769 592 Consultant: John D. Kenmuir, CMC Kenmuir & Company Consultants