suspensionrod.htm
USING LOAD BEARING WALLS AND SUSPENSION RODS
TO SUPPORT THE SECOND FLOOR
The suspension rod with nut The second floor may be hung from
sets on a 3x7 steel plate the dome shell by anchoring a 5/8"
which is embedded threaded rod vertically into the concrete of a seam.
in the concrete seam.
The second floor edge beam is Suspension rods are normally hidden
notched and rests on the bottom in the interior walls. Since this second floor
plate. Each rod holds 3,000 lbs. does not have a wall that extends to
The rebar that extends below the dome shell, the rod will be hidden
the edge beam needs in a PVC pipe.
to be cut off with a hack saw.
SUPPORTING OF THE SECOND FLOOR WITH SUSPENSION RODS
Most often the second floor joists in the American Ingenuity Dome are set on top of the first floor walls, the same as in conventional framing. In areas where additional support is needed, or where there are no first floor walls, the second floor may be hung from the dome shell by anchoring a 5/8 threaded rod vertically into the concrete of a seam.
This weight is suspended by threaded steel rods which anchor into the concrete seams and extend vertically down into the dome. Over 3,000 lbs. can be supported by a 5/8 threaded rod suspended in one of the concrete seams. The location of the suspension rods is determined by your floor plan selection. The Building Plans will show the suspension rods positioning.
The suspension rod with nut sets on a 3x7 steel plate, which is embedded in the concrete seam. The seam is reinforced with #4 rebar and two layers of galvanized steel mesh. These suspension rods and plates are provided with the building kit.
The edge beam is notched and rests on the bottom plate.
After the first floor is framed in and the drywall is attached to the interior framing, the first floor walls make the second floor very rigid.
In addition blocking attached to the second floor plywood butts up against the rigid E.P.S. insulation creating additional stability.
If the additional bracing is needed in earthquake areas we can add steel cables connecting the thicker concrete seams to the second floor framing. These designs in conjunction with the extremely rigid concrete dome are suitable for a category 9 earthquake.