John C Daley

Daphne, I race motorcycles because I like to go fast.
Some people just like to be ornary!

Yes, that clip holds the lock in place, its the same as a door lock retainer clip.
Perhaps spray with a penetrating oil and leave for a while.
It looks like an old key may be broken off it there.
They knock out with a flat screw driver, larger bladed one.

datmstead  

What is that please?

You have so many questions and ideas its too hard to reply.
Too many "maybe's"
Covering containers with soil can cause the ceiling or walls to collapse.
Cooling can be achieved by using solar panels and running an air conditioning system.
I dont understand your heating system,  radiant subfloor, can you clarify that please?

I dont think the video is peddling bad information.
I have no reason to doubt its truthfulness?

This is wonderful

Scott, where are you located, it helps understand your needs a bit.
Concrete blocks can be cast, you need he skills of a stone mason or strong mathematics.
As William suggested adobe is straight forward, the material id free but the end product is not
it takes a lot to create adobe bricks.
Creating the dome based on a circle is covered in much literature but essentially you start with a foundation, a centre pole and a bit of string.
The bricks are laid around the pole using the string as a guide.
Other techniques are used to create the actual dome shape you want.

Where are you located, it helps with replies.
I have seen what you are talking about.
It involves are larger container filled with a liquid form of mortar into which the cloth is dipped for a full coating.
The cloth is then draped over the formwork or frame that will cretae the shape and maybe hold it in place permanently.

As A Civil Engineer I must advise that concrete and mortar are tow different things.
Mortar consists of usually portland cement and sand.
Concrete consists of portland cement, sand and aggregate.
They are used for entirely different tasks.

Wiliam, I am interested in your story.
I worked in the water industry as a Civil Engineer, I designed new pipelines, managed repairs of urban systems etc.
In Australia the system works like this;
- A community decided hey wanted water.
- An investigation and trial study would be carried out.- If feasible ansd water board was set up.
- That board gazetted an area it would supply based on research.
- If you were inside that area your were obliged to contribute collectively.
- A design was carried out, works costed and approved, water supply set up and operating.
- All properties that had a water supply available to it were obliged to pay fees whether they used water or not.
- Since most rural towns wanted water, connections happen quickly and usage fees are then charged.
- Rarely was water taken past farm land etc that might not normally wish for a town water supply.