Shimizu Mega-City Pyramid - Materials and Construction Process

Materials and Construction Process

First, the pyramid's foundation would be formed by 36 piers made of special concrete.

Because the seismically active Pacific Ring of Fire cuts right through Japan, the external structure of the pyramid would be an open network of megatrusses, supporting struts made from carbon nanotubes to allow the pyramid to stand against and let through high winds, and survive earthquakes and tsunamis.

The trusses would be coated with photovoltaic film to convert sunlight into electricity and help power the city. The city will also be powered by pond scum or algae.

Large robots would assemble the truss structure, and air bladders would be used to elevate trusses above the first layer using a construction system proposed by Italian architect Dante Bini. Spheroid nodes at the connections between trusses would provide structural support and serve as transfer points for travelers.

Australian Company, Straight Edge Tiling have secured a contract for the internal tiling of the Pyramid. CEO Daiman Cartan met with construction engineer David Dimitric and lawyer Tavis Gorman in December 2007 to discuss innovative concepts regarding the huge task, as well as legal boundaries, to which an agreement was made.

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