02-24-2011, 05:37 AM
Yeah, I thought the material cost mentioned was a bit goofy... but I also know David B. South is a straight shooter, and he's genuinely interested in providing low cost housing in third world countries like Haiti. I think that Hawai'i is as much in need of this kinda housing solution as Haiti.
Anyway, I'm familiar with the Ecoshell process. Basically it's a rebar reinforced ring beam foundation, with a poured slab floor, then the dome is built on top, with the shell tied to the base with rebar stubs. It's incredibly strong. FEMA is using the method to build above-ground tornado shelters in the midWest.
The one residual objection I've heard to the Monolithic approach for use in Hawai'i is the use of iron rebar, which potentially could degrade under long exposure to wet weather. Replacing the iron with basalt fiber answers that issue.
Funniest moment in the video to me is David saying "I'm so excited about this," with no visible sign that he is excited, but then again, he's an engineer. :d
Anyway, I'm familiar with the Ecoshell process. Basically it's a rebar reinforced ring beam foundation, with a poured slab floor, then the dome is built on top, with the shell tied to the base with rebar stubs. It's incredibly strong. FEMA is using the method to build above-ground tornado shelters in the midWest.
The one residual objection I've heard to the Monolithic approach for use in Hawai'i is the use of iron rebar, which potentially could degrade under long exposure to wet weather. Replacing the iron with basalt fiber answers that issue.
Funniest moment in the video to me is David saying "I'm so excited about this," with no visible sign that he is excited, but then again, he's an engineer. :d