PVC shelter systems style dome

[watchyourfeet]

Anyone have experience building their own shelter systems style dome? I saw a few last year and really like the design but I'm a staunch DIY-er when it comes to this stuff. Unfortunately at the time I didn't think to take pictures of any of the pvc domes I visited. I found a couple online resources referring to them as "basket weave" style domes but none of them were especially useful. I already have a cover so I'm just trying to decide if a building pvc tensile frame is feasible. I would likely build a 20' diameter dome. Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Captain

[some seeing eye]

Use 20' pipe. It will return warped into a curve - that is suitable for burial for sprinklers and electric, though electric is usually grey - check code. Pipe available in Reno. UV weakens the pipe over years. I have only used pipe for one BM event. Planting, anchoring pipe/cover to and removing rebar for the pipe is nontrivial. Consider how you will get the cover over the dome, practice at home.

PVC pipe is a great BM structure because it flexes in wind gusts. Protect your cover from lifting.

[LionsNzebras]

Do a quick google on PVC domes, I looked at about 8 different designs, there are some very cool ones, and some not so cool ones.

There is a company that makes on with a large hub that the struts fit into then you zip tie it down, looks well enough, that was my first thought. http://www.ziptiedomes.com/
If you never ever plan on hanging anything on your dome, PVC will be a good choice.
The only things I was worried about was warping in the heat.

Them my wife wanted to hang a hammock on it, so I switched to EMT and another design.
Our thread is here:

viewtopic.php?f=277&t=72490

Its still a work in progress but its coming along, slowly.

[some seeing eye]

Doubt the zip tie domes with a cover would stand up to the winds.

[tychorien]

Does anyone know who is responsible for creating these domes?

[unjonharley]

I had cheap zip ties.. They broke down in the sun and heat over the week.. The ties snapped/broke when it was time to take the shelter down.. Replaced some with a short rope and square knot..

[watchyourfeet]

Thanks for the replies! To clarify, I was referring to the style of dome built by Shelter Systems with the bowed poles. I'm not really interested in building a pvc geodesic dome, if I do a geo dome I'll just use EMT. But anyway I emailed Shelter Systems with some questions and they told me that style of frame will not stand without the cover, thus the cover has to be fabricated to fit the frame. More work than I'm willing to do.

Tychorien, your image link is broken.

Thanks guys!

[LionsNzebras]

These guys are right, zip tie domes may not handle the wind, unless you can use a wind break, like your truck\camper something.

The zip ties will also break down in the sun if the zip ties in question are not UV rated, in most cases they are black.

Zip ties also have a pound breakage rating, I would strongly suggest the 1000 pound ones, yes there more expensive, yes they are thicker but the absolute last thing you want is a failed sleeping structure, or to have it blow across the playa.

While we have not burned yet, I have seen enough images of BIG stuff flying across the playa to plan a little more diligent.