Arched Vault & Domes Theory

Organizing Unit:Auroville Earth Institute

Domain & contents:Earth Construction The AVD Theory course covers the structural design and construction of vaulted earthen masonry. It offers an in-depth understanding of various methods of stability analysis for arches, vaults and domes following the principles of Limit Analysis of Masonry. It is one of the few courses globally which combine structural design of AVD with integrated principles of construction. The course focuses on the use of Compressed Stabilised Earth Block (CSEB) as a building material and vault construction methods developed by AVEI (e.g. the Free-spanning technique). Many students take the AVD Masonry course in tandem with this course.

Duration:6

Intended Audiences :Architects, engineers, Students

Prerequisites:Recommended only for engineers, architects or students.

Maximum particispants:30

Minimum participants :12

Purpose :Stability study of arches, vaults and domes in CSEB

Approach :The first four days are spent on an in-depth review of structural basics and various analysis methods for the stability of AVD, with lectures, presentations, case studies and practical exercises; The second half of the week is spent performing stability studies of vaults/ dome sections (carried out as personal work, with instructor´s supervision and feedback).

Team :Mr. Satprem Maïni Architect - Director of the Auroville Earth Institute