Re: Smaug: A 36" x 16" build - A dome design question
Martin,
I would imagine that the curve of my dome approximates a section of a sphere. I drew it by bending a metal ruler between two points until it looked like what I wanted. Designing it in google sketchup, I used the arc tool with a 2" bend. I am a geometry dummy and could not tell you the difference between an arc and an ellipse. No worries at all about the flat part of the dome being self-supporting. When you are constructing the dome, you will see that with just the slightest angle the bricks will hold each other in place
I think that the shape with the 9" soldier course that you have in mind will be good for bread baking--it will give you more volume in the lower part of the dome. If I were doing mine again, I would use the soldier course shape, but not the soldier brick layout even though I really like the look. I would use half-bricks for the first three courses, have them rise vertically, and lay the bricks on bond (if that is the proper bricklayers term of art.)
Good luck with your build. I look forward to following it. Post pics!
Martin,
I would imagine that the curve of my dome approximates a section of a sphere. I drew it by bending a metal ruler between two points until it looked like what I wanted. Designing it in google sketchup, I used the arc tool with a 2" bend. I am a geometry dummy and could not tell you the difference between an arc and an ellipse. No worries at all about the flat part of the dome being self-supporting. When you are constructing the dome, you will see that with just the slightest angle the bricks will hold each other in place
I think that the shape with the 9" soldier course that you have in mind will be good for bread baking--it will give you more volume in the lower part of the dome. If I were doing mine again, I would use the soldier course shape, but not the soldier brick layout even though I really like the look. I would use half-bricks for the first three courses, have them rise vertically, and lay the bricks on bond (if that is the proper bricklayers term of art.)
Good luck with your build. I look forward to following it. Post pics!
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