DomesBricksandMore

In case a pyramid does not work.

Or a structure needs to last a little longer.

Or a hill needs to be built.

How bout a dome?

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Here are some websites to look at:

http://isha.sadhguru.org/blog/inside-isha/isha-yoga-center/a-labor-of-love-the-dhyanalinga-dome/

Talks about why not to use cement.

Talks about how to make bricks.

The trick to solid bricks is testing it under water for 24 hours, melted bricks are not durable.

Talks about how to make a dome.

The trick to building one layer is to have a layer built all at once.

(click transcript) http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/great-cathedral-mystery.html

The trick to positioning the bricks in a dome, is to have ropes from a center on the floor.

The trick to make the bricks slope is a herring bone pattern of layering the bricks. The video actually showed a sample of how reseachers think they builted it on TV.

Tiling

To position tiles in absolute positions; points with Euclidean drawings might help with localizing the points.

SAFETY & ACCESSIBILITY

I have heard/read that design is especially important to the function and safety.

Stairs Safety - Stair height and width:

To prevent tripping and falling, it has been suggested that the steps of a flight of stairs have enough tread (some people have longer feet)

Tread (nosing + run) 279mm, Rise (nosing + riser) 178mm.

(See figure 2) http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/acho/acho_012.cfm

[Of course it depends on the dimensions and physical abilities of the users; these measurements may have to change to match the range of users.)

Stairs Safety - Stair hand rails:

Handrail height 900- 965 mm.

Handrail extension at bottom and top of the stairs.

(See figure 1) http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/acho/acho_012.cfm

[Of course it depends on the dimensions and physical abilities of the users; these measurements may have to change to match the range of users.)

Door Accessibility - Lever is better than Circular knob

For people who have their hands full or injured or with arthritis etc..., lever handles are good for doors.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2512630/Doorknobs-BANNED-Vancouver-local-government-pushes-make-houses-elderly-friendly.html

hth