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The invention relates to the field of spherical
structures. More particularly, this invention relates to spherical structures
assembled from a plurality of convex-concave elements. Spherical structures as
referred to herein include structures that have either a continuously curved or
a faceted spherical shape, as well as structures that are semispherical, such
as domes, or completely spherical, such as globes. Spherical structures have
many and varied applications, but offer particular advantages as spatial
enclosures. Not only is the sphere aesthetically pleasing, but it possesses
certain structural advantages that make it stronger, more stable, and better
able to resist certain forces, such as those resulting from wind, earthquakes,
and other natural phenomena, than rectangular structures of comparable size.
Nevertheless, despite the structural advantages of spherical over rectangular
structures, spherical structures are not commonly used as spatial enclosures
and have been constructed primarily for very special purposes. Examples of such
special purpose spherical structures are the ancient domes that crown great
cathedrals and the arches that impart strength to load-bearing structures such
as aqueducts and bridges. Typical housing structures are, however, generally
rectangular or cylindrical structures. Several reasons for the lack of use of
spherical structures as housing or shelter are based on the fact that such
structures are geometrically very complicated and difficult to build; they
require special knowledge of spherical geometry and considerable mathematical
ability. Thus, making such structures requires specialists and extensive
working or shaping of the individual elements, resulting in a structure that is
more costly to construct, relative to a rectangular structure of comparable
size.
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