I will try to write something about it in the coming weeks, to show the results. For now, you can check out a video about reground styrofoam mixed in the concrete that I posted on YouTube a while back.

Thanks again,

Mike

I have some questions about dome construction that are not related to this blog. I have been researching domes for a number of years and recently I have read about foam concrete.

I would like to know if it is feasible to use foam in shotcrete form to Create a thin shell dome using the inflatable airform and spraying a thin layer of dense concrete followed by rebar and a layer of low density foam concrete, followed by a thicker layer of dense concrete on the interior.

I also considered using denser concrete for the bottom of the dome, graduating to less dense material at the top (like the dome of the Pantheon).

Do you know if it is possible to combine these two technologies (foam concrete and shotcrete)?

The foam concrete manufacturers say that because the foam used is “closed cell” it prevents water from seeping through. If so, you could end up with a lighter, cheaper, water proof, and insulated thin shell that could be used for emergency shelters. What do you think?

Frank Walsh frank.walsh@att.net