Shading Potential of Semi-spherical Roof Dome, with Special Reference to Gaza Strip

Abstract

This paper examines the shading potential of a semi-spherical roof dome in a temperate climate with special reference to Gaza Strip. It highlights the capability of the roof dome to reduce the amount of solar radiation incident on its surface, naturally, through its curvature shape, which is partially shaded at any time during the day. A case study of Al-Said Hashim Mosque in Gaza was studied as a typical religious building with semi-spherical roof domes. Also, the paper presents a computer model developed specifically to calculate the shaded area produced on a semi-spherical dome located in any place on the earth at any time during the year. Using the developed program, a parametrical study was carried out to investigate the effect of changing the time on the shading performance of the dome. The results showed a direct relationship between the time during the day and the shaded area produced on the dome’s surface.