Basalt twine rope is a flexible rebar rope that in tension and compression of concrete becomes like a quarter inch rebar.
We took our basic basalt threads (basalt roving) and braided it to make pencil thick twine, over a thousand feet long on a bobbin that weighs just seven pounds.
By winding this flexible rebar twine back and forth in every direction the concrete cement is tied together and becomes much stronger and harder to break apart.
You can carry the equivalent of a flatbed truck worth of rebar in your backseat!
Monolithic Domes in Texas makes small, what they call EcoShell domes, by blowing up a large balloon, spraying it with concrete and then wrapping the basalt twine around and around the dome in all directions crossing over and then spraying more concrete on the shell.
This is all that is needed to make a small building that can withstand hurricanes and tornados. I personally would have a basement and have the twine extend from that in many directions then wrap those up over the building. The basalt twine is a fantastic buy, contact me for details.
In the video below Mr. David South of Monolithic Domes explains the use of basalt roving and twine in the construction of their Eco Shells.
Video uploaded on Jan 31, 2011 to YouTube: Monolithic use the Basalt for EcoShells. This is the scaled down uninsulated version. The dome on the video is demo only. It is 10 foot diameter. Monolithic often build 40 foot diameter. For most of the housing in the developing countries buildings are 20 feet diameter to 40 foot (6m to 13m).
How is the dome considered well Insulated? It is only a couple layers of thin concrete that does not have very much insulating value. Are we not talking about the insulation that was used before the second layer of concrete was added? The space maybe a sacred round but that would not account for in insulating value!
Monolithic Domes sprays a thick layer of insulation for their larger domes-for the Eco-shells most are in hotter climates that need much less insulation if any. Spray insulation can be added-we have a new board that can be installed and fitted and a softer needle-mat that is insulating and fire-retardant. I bought rolls of quiet cork for the flooring and knee walls-can be glued to anywhere-soft to walk on and bugs don’t like it. Can be resined.There are new “green” resins available.
Would this rope be good for domes between 15ft and 40ft in diameter?
Absolutely
are you familiar with SCIPs? Structural Concrete Insulating Panels? all the benefits of domes but available in rectilinear shapes so that they look like any other building.
Yes I am.I have some thoughts on making those even better as well.
Have you heard of cellular concrete? (Aircrete)? I was thinking of a synonym form poor of house walls. Normally rebar would be used,, could basalt rope or basalt rebar be used in place?
Yes I have heard of cellular concrete and yes basalt can certainly strengthen it as it is not as strong as normal concretes.
Where would I buy the basalt roving or twine.
Call me at 401-481-8422 Nick. or
email [email protected] with the full shipping address and how many bobbins are needed-over 1 thousand fee on a 15 pound bobbin.