from: larry schafer - dec 8 - 1994

Leyden note:
In december 1994 -- the UNI-Dome at the University of Northern Iowa -- collapsed under the weight of snow -- and it took a couple months to repair. Larry comments about the matter and his own Carrier Dome at Syracuse.

Guess they'll have to blow a little harder in UNI.

We've had at least two collapses. Makes a terrible mess in the middle of the "field."

Rolling Stones concert in the Carrier Dome tonight. The sound, the hot screaming bodies, the steamy Dome Dogs will boil the snow from the roof.

Factoid
Air presssure equivalent to the bottom pressure created by 1/4 inch depth of water is all that is required above outside air pressure to keep our dome up.
They maintain an extra pressure of 3 inches of water. Isn't physics wonderful.

Leyden note:
This whole business of air pressure and "hi" and "low" pressure is totally relative.
"Hi" is simply higher than what is on the "other side." One-quarter inch depth of water would not exert much pressure -- but it is enough to keep the dome "up." Yes, larry, physics is wonderful.

And remember -- when the dome collapses -- that's fizzicks, too !

Remember the story of the "Three Little Pigs?" I'll huff and puff and blow your house down - - - how hard did the big bad wolf have to blow ? What are some variables that would determine the power of his exhale ? And what about that movie: "waiting to exhale?"
4/13st/96