A new, more cost effective structure using age old building materials

GAO STRUCTUREwww.gaostructure.com

Plywood Dome

model

Frame members ( I-Joist) form geodesic curve

Plywood panel fixed on frame members

Unit of Plywood Dome

Plywood Dome surface

Frame Member

Creating a 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

Advantages of Plywood Dome

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 ?

Dome frame supports load

Plywood Dome Other Wooden Domes

Dome surface as a monolithic shell supports load

I-Joist

Plywood

(frame member)

(dome surface)Glue and fasteners used for stiff connection

small angle to shape curved surface

Additional support Bottom surface

when necessary

Basic design & construction

Cover Rectangular RoofsSteel circular truss

Cover 4 corners

Plywood dome Covers central

area

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

Applications

Large Theatres

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Applications

Gymnasiums

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Applications

Movie/TV Production Studios

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Large buildings with fewer columns

Column spacing can be 20 – 30 meters.

Building Plan

Applications

Warehouses, Workshops, etc.

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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