1.
Study Summary
• Project Title: A Proposed 5,000 sqm Megadome located in Catbalogan City, Samar.
• Location: Brgy. Maulong, Catbalogan City.
• Core Objective: The study aims to produce the structural design and construction
framework for a large-scale "Megadome." This facility is intended to solve the city's
lack of venues for regional sports meets, cultural conventions, and disaster
evacuation.
• Scope of Work: The research focuses on Civil Engineering aspects: Structural
Analysis (ensuring the building stands up), Geotechnical Engineering (foundation
design), and Construction Management (scheduling and manpower). It explicitly
excludes financial feasibility (ROI) and marketing.
• Key Design Goal: To create a "Schwedler Dome" or similar spherical structure that
is aerodynamic enough to withstand super typhoons (common in Samar) while
providing a massive column-free interior for sports.
2. Expanded References & Their Importance
Here is the list of references used in your proposal, with an expanded explanation of the
specific technical concepts they contribute to your research:
Structural Analysis & Design
• Mercado et al. (2024)
o Topic: Schwedler Dome Geometry.
o Expounded Info: This study identifies the "Schwedler" grid (a specific pattern
of intersecting steel ribs) as the superior shape for typhoon-prone areas. Its
importance lies in aerodynamics: the curved shape reduces wind "lift" (the
force that tears roofs off), while the grid pattern provides high "torsional
rigidity" (resistance to twisting) during earthquakes.
• Zhou (2022)
o Topic: Long-Span Steel Trusses.
o Expounded Info: This source explains the mechanics of covering large
distances without internal columns. It clarifies how steel trusses distribute
heavy loads to the perimeter walls, which is the fundamental requirement for
a sports court where obstacles (columns) are not allowed.
• Hindustan Alcox (2025)
o Topic: Space Frame Technology.
o Expounded Info: This expands on the truss concept by introducing 3D
structural networks. It explains that space frames are lighter than solid
beams because they utilize the "triangle" geometry in three dimensions,
reducing the dead load on the foundation.
• Abraham & Chandran (2021)
o Topic: Geodesic Efficiency.
o Expounded Info: This source provides the mathematical argument for the
dome shape. It states that a geodesic sphere encloses the maximum volume
with the minimum surface area (38% less than a box). This clarifies why a
dome is cost-effective: less surface area means fewer materials bought and
less heat gain from the sun.
Materials & Technology
• Manalo (2022)
o Topic: Concrete-Steel Hybrid Systems.
o Expounded Info: This reference addresses the specific Philippine context of
high seismic activity. It suggests combining materials: using Concrete for the
base/columns to provide the heavy mass needed to anchor the building
against wind, and Steel for the roof to resist tension and reduce weight.
• Xu (2022)
o Topic: Fabric Membrane (ETFE/PTFE).
o Expounded Info: This source introduces the option of using high-strength
fabrics instead of metal roofing. The key benefit expounded here is
translucency—these materials allow natural daylight to illuminate the
arena, drastically cutting electricity costs for daytime events.
• Pauletti & Bauer (2023)
o Topic: Pneumatic (Air-Supported) Domes.
o Expounded Info: While perhaps not your final choice, this reference explains
how air pressure can support a roof. It serves as a comparative study to show
you considered lightweight alternatives before settling on a rigid
steel/concrete structure.
Construction Management & Local Precedents
• Torres (2023)
o Topic: Construction Management Frameworks.
o Expounded Info: This source warns that large public structures often fail due
to logistics, not engineering. It provides the framework for your "Construction
Management" objective, emphasizing the need for Critical Path Method
(CPM) scheduling to coordinate the hundreds of workers and heavy cranes
needed for a dome lift.
• DA Region 2 (2021)
o Topic: Monolithic Domes in the Philippines.
o Expounded Info: This references existing government grain silos in Cagayan.
It clarifies that the "dome" concept is already approved and utilized by the
Philippine government for disaster-resilient storage, validating the feasibility
of your proposal to local authorities.
• WTA Architecture (2022) & Mirror PIA (2022)
o Topic: Regional Precedents (Spark Samar & Ormoc Superdome).
o Expounded Info: These sources are used to benchmark your project against
nearby competitors. They provide data on capacity and usage, helping you
justify why Catbalogan specifically needs its own facility (to stop relying on
Tacloban or Ormoc).