Shahid Beheshti University Soffeh 1683-870X 26 2 2016 07 22 Disconnected Double-Shell Domes: Geometry and Construction Disconnected Double-Shell Domes: Geometry and Construction 85 104 100316 FA Nima Valibeig Assistant Professor, Faculty of Restoration, Art University of Isfahan Sanaz Rahravi Poudeh Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Isfahan Azad University Afrooz Rahimi Ariayi Lecturer, Faculty of Architecture, Isfahan Sepehr Non-profit and Private Institute of Higher Education Journal Article 2017 05 07 <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri Light'; font-size: large;">Disconnected double-Shell domes are a common feature of Persian architecture. These domes consist of two separate shells: the lower shell (ahyaneh) seen as a decorated ceiling from inside; and the prominent outer shell visible from the exterior and farther distances. Although essentially disconnected, these two shells are linked by timber tie beams, braces and infill masonry walls (khashkhashi) acting as structural stiffeners both for the drum and the dome. This paper examines the geometry and construction of these domes in five different mosques or churches built in the Safavid Period in Isfahan. Interestingly, despite the similarity of the main concept, there are significant differences in how the stiffener elements link the two shells in these five cases. In smaller domes, there is no connection between the infill walls and the exterior shell. Furthermore, this study reveals that in case the infill walls are not built simultaneously with both of the shells, cracks appear in the outer shell.</span> <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Calibri Light'; font-size: large;">Disconnected double-Shell domes are a common feature of Persian architecture. These domes consist of two separate shells: the lower shell (ahyaneh) seen as a decorated ceiling from inside; and the prominent outer shell visible from the exterior and farther distances. Although essentially disconnected, these two shells are linked by timber tie beams, braces and infill masonry walls (khashkhashi) acting as structural stiffeners both for the drum and the dome. This paper examines the geometry and construction of these domes in five different mosques or churches built in the Safavid Period in Isfahan. Interestingly, despite the similarity of the main concept, there are significant differences in how the stiffener elements link the two shells in these five cases. In smaller domes, there is no connection between the infill walls and the exterior shell. Furthermore, this study reveals that in case the infill walls are not built simultaneously with both of the shells, cracks appear in the outer shell.</span> https://soffeh.sbu.ac.ir/article_100316_184b92a9c8f6cb02ea94ade2d20fc2f2.pdf