The double loxodrome is comprised of rows of vertical bricks that crisscross around the dome and are filled in by horizontal bricks

Effectively, each course of bricks creates a structural element known as a plate-bande that wedges interior bricks between the vertical end caps." Image: courtesy of the researchers.

Each course of horizontal bricks pushes outwards on the vertical herringbone bricks, forming rows of plate-bandes, or straight arches inside the double loxodrome. The physical thrust of the horizontal bricks toward the vertical bricks, keeps the horizontal bricks in place during construction and provides stability to the entire structure once completed. This is the key to the dome’s stability. One of the researchers’ primary findings is that for domes with radial geometry, the herringbone brick pattern enables the bricks to be wedged as plate-bandes and not slide inwards, which would make the dome collapse.

engineering.princeton.edu

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