Question about bent dome conduit

[jahreed]

Hey lovely peeps :)

I had a quick question for the domers out there...

We've got a 4v 30ft dome made out of 1/2" conduit.

Last weekend we had a minor catastrophe with the structure nearly collapsing in high winds (not properly secured, a sail rigged to it etc..etc...).

some of the conduit was bent (not creased at all or broken/split) to varying degrees. I was able to manually bend the pieces back into nearly perfect straightness.

My question is as follows-
Is there any danger/risk in using these pipes?

cheers
jr
chicago

[capjbadger]

Ok, first off, I have to question the wisdom of using 1/2" for such a large structure...

anyway..

You should be ok. The forces on the struts are actualy trying to rip them apart. If the bolt at a juction were to suddenly dissapear, the struts would spring apart. The whole structure is under tension, not compression.

Get them as straight as you can and make doublely sure there are no cracks around the bolt holes and you should be ok.

Again... I'm a bit surprised that 1/2" was used. 3/4" minimum should really be the rule...

[EspressoDude]

Not much more risk than before.

Sounds way to weak for a dome that big.. If it collapsed at home, it will collapse on the playa, possibly injuring people.

Cap..for every tension there has to be a matching compression somewhere.

Probably should be 1" EMT, or a tissue paper cover that shreds at 15-20 mph wind.

[capjbadger]

E-Dude is right. I re-looked at my book and yes, about half the struts are under compression.

I like the tissue paper idea. We're talking 60-70mph winds out there easy. If it failed once already... People have gotten badly hurt from domes going down. And We're not talking about the owners, but their neighbors.

No offence, but I wouldn't want to be camped anywhere near you man. The conduit on that dome for the size is just too small...

[blyslv]

Use camo netting to cover it. It sheds the wind and provides decent shade, especially if doubled.

[jahreed]

let me stress that last weekends collapse was not due to structural weakness but instead a HUGE SAIL ATTACHED TO A DOME THAT WAS NOT REBARED DOWN AT ALL...there, i've said it-flame on!

Basically, I think that it can be chalked up to user error.


Also, I appreciate your concern regarding the 1/2" conduit. We knew that 3/4" was recomended but couldn't afford nor did we have the room to haul that much pipe.

I think last years 70MPH windstorm was a pretty decent test for the big guy....and he passed with flying colors. Possibly we are slightly more wind oblivious because we're using cut/grommeted triangles for shade that are secured at the corners by ball bungies (god i love ball bungies).

it's the radio free valhalla dome from chicago if anyone cares.
cheers
jr

[capjbadger]

let me stress that last weekends collapse was not due to structural weakness but instead a HUGE SAIL ATTACHED TO A DOME THAT WAS NOT REBARED DOWN AT ALL...there, i've said it-flame on!

Basically, I think that it can be chalked up to user error.

Ahh.. thats a bit different.

*Smacks wrist* Bad Domer! No Bacon!

Well you know better now then. Glad no one was hurt.

[jahreed]

Thanks for your help guys

Do I have a definitive answer to this question of bent EMT integrity.
again-none of the pipes are creased, split or broken in any way.

thanks.

[trilobyte]

I'm guessing that the consensus is that it ought to be okay, though most people reading this thread would still be nervous about being in the structure when it gets windy lol...

~Trilo~