Abstract:
A large number of ancient Dagabas are available in Sri Lanka. These are restored to a certain
extent in order to ensure that they will be available for many more decades. Since the
restoration of large Dagabas can be an expensive exercise, it is very useful to have optimized
solutions.
The domed shape of Dagabas offers an ideal opportunity for the use of masonry which is a
relatively low cost material. However, the low tensile force carrying capacity has often
created many problems in the form of cracks. Even though these cracks generally do not have
serious repercussions, they have been considered seriously and often expensive restoration
work has been undertaken. Therefore, the development of cost effective solutions that will
have only very remote possibility for the formation of cracks is of significant importance.
The research study presented in this report covers such a study carried out for domes having
diameters from 10 m up to 70 m. The cost aspects of using normal and special stronger bricks
for such restoration work are also discussed.
