Development of rehabilitation techniques for ancient dome structures with computer modeling

Abstract

A large number of ancient Dagabas are available in Sri Lanka. These are restored to a certain extent in order to ensure that they will be available for many more decades. Since the restoration of large Dagabas can be an expensive exercise, it is very useful to have optimized solutions. The domed shape of Dagabas offers an ideal opportunity for the use of masonry which is a relatively low cost material. However, the low tensile force carrying capacity has often created many problems in the form of cracks. Even though these cracks generally do not have serious repercussions, they have been considered seriously and often expensive restoration work has been undertaken. Therefore, the development of cost effective solutions that will have only very remote possibility for the formation of cracks is of significant importance. The research study presented in this report covers such a study carried out for domes having diameters from 10 m up to 70 m. The cost aspects of using normal and special stronger bricks for such restoration work are also discussed.