Saturday, September 10, 2005

The Monolithic Dome and Why America Should Consider As a Housing Solution For Evacuees

It's no secret that I love the monolithic dome and if I had the money to do so, I'd own one. Now with that being said, I'll make my case in favor of the monolithic dome as a housing solution for the evacuees of hurricane Katrina not because of my undying love of the structure but because of its durability and ease of construction.

According to recent reports, we are entering a period of turbulent weather. For the next twenty or thirty years, it is expected that storms will increase in severity and frequency. Take a look at what is going on in the Atlantic right now.

According to the Monolithic Dome Institute's website, these structures are disaster resistant shelters. Furthermore,
The Monolithic dome, by its very nature, can and will withstand hurricane winds. The strongest hurricanes push with 150-mile-per-hour (mph) winds or 100 pounds per square foot. That force means absolutely nothing to a Monolithic Dome.
"But what about the Superdome?", you ask. The Monolithic Dome Institute has information on that structure as well. It is not a "monolithic dome" which is made of concrete, rather, it was made of steel and other materials. Concrete also has thermal mass so if the power goes off, it takes hours before temperature changes are felt.

I was delighted to learn that one family took shelter in a lesser version of the monolithic structure, the EcoShell, and fared the storm well. The EcoShell has been used as a demonstration home in Haiti to help teach residents the construction process. The EcoShell offers increased protection, more square footage than the traditional building techniques (mud huts) and cost about the same. Learn more about monolithic dome structures in Alabama and Louisianna that weathered the storm.

Yes, Virginia, I think I am a hopeless evangelist of the Monolithic Dome and perhaps one day Habitat for Humanity will take note and begin building using this construction method.

Finally, it should also be noted that, according to reports, the New Orleans area is sinking. The ground upon which the city was built used to get its layers of sediment from the Mississippi floods. Since levys have been built, that is no longer the case. Furthermore, over time, the ground that the city rests on becomes more compact with the layers below. I'm no engineer by any stretch of the imagination but can clearly see how this is possible and understand the horrors that a flood can inflict upon that town. I wonder how many of the people who are advocating rebuilding that city actually plan to live there?

Please, don't forget to help raise money to provide Christmas for the children of hurricane Katrina. We have a number of evacuees that have taken up temporary residence in Smyrna, TN. If you would like to know more about how you can help, please contact me at dailydiablogger@gmail.com and read about how the Smyrna Martial Arts school is taking steps to provide these children a wonderful Christmas. I understand that the Town Center is also taking up donations.

I am also willing to donate my first adsense revenue check to the cause.

Are you a Smyrna, TN Blogger or Podcaster? ThisisSmyrnatn.blogspot.com is forming a Blogger's/Podcaster's Discussion Group. Plans are to meet once a month to discuss blogging, tools of blogging, css, podcasting and anything else of interest. Email Michelle at dailydiablogger@gmail.com if interested.

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