1. 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

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

3. Creating a Dome
Plywood Dome surface
Frame Member

4. 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

5. 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

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

7. 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

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

9. Cover Buildings of various shapes

10. 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

11. Material Storage Structures
Applications
Material Storage Structures

12. Applications
web photo
Large Theatres

13. Applications
web photo
Gymnasiums

14. Applications
web photo
Movie/TV Production Studios

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

16. Applications
web photo
Warehouses, Workshops, etc.

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