ARBT 5 - MODULE 6

GEODESIC
STRUCTURES
GARCIA, PAULA JIREH
GRUCO, LUTHER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. INTRODUCTION. A. BEVELED CONNECTION

B. HUB CONNECTION
B. DEFINITION OF TERMS.
C. GUSSET CONNECTION
C. BACKGROUND HISTORY.
C. CONSTRUCTION OF BUILDING ELEMENTS
D. PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC.
A. BASE FLOOR
A. THE ICOSAHEDRON
B. INSULATION
B. SUBDIVISION CLASS
C. VENTS

A. CLASS I – ALTERNATE. D. SEALS

B. CLASS II – TRIACON. E. DOORS AND WINDWOS

C. CLASS III. F. MATERIALS USED.

E. CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY. A. FOREIGN SAMPLES.

A. CONTRUCTION METHOD BY CLASS B. LOCAL SAMPLES.

A. ALTERNATE G. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.

B. TRIACON
H. COSTING
B. CONSTRUCTION METHOD BY CONNECTION TYPES
I. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
CHORD: A line between 2 points on the sphere.

FACE: The flat surfaces that make up a polyhedron are called its faces. These faces
are regular polygons.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
FREQUENCY: The frequency of a geodesic dome indicates how many times each
side of the base triangle is subdivided.

GEODESIC: A geodesic structure is a spherical structure which is constructed out of

interconnecting lines rather than out of curved surfaces. It uses a series of short,
interconnected straight lines to approximate a spherical or rounded surface.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
MEMBRANE: a thin sheet of tissue or layer of linings acting as a boundary,
lining, or partition

POLYHEDRON: A polyhedron is a 3-dimensional solid made by joining

together polygons. The word 'polyhedron' comes from two Greek words, poly
meaning many, and hedron referring to surface.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
RHUMB LINE: is a line on the surface of the earth making the same oblique angle
with all meridians. Mathematically, it is referred to as a loxodrome, from the Greek
term for running at an inclined angle.

SPACE-FRAME: a space framing or space frame system is a truss-like, lightweight,

rigid structure manufactured from interlocking struts in a geometric pattern. Space
frame structures can be utilized for large areas with few interior supports.
INTRODCTION

GEODESIC STRUCTURES
Geodesic domes are sphere-like structures consisting of a network of triangles which provide a self-
balancing structural framework that uses minimal materials. The word geodesic comes from Latin that
means 'earth dividing’.

• Sports stadiums.
• Theatres.
• Greenhouses.
• Emergency shelters.
• Military shelters.
• Radomes.
INTRODUCTION

TYPES OF GEODESIC DOMES

1. Icosahedron
2. Octahedron
3. Tetrahedron

ICOSAHEDRON OCTAHEDRON TETRAHEDRON

simple geodesic dome, containing twenty with eight faces, twelve edges, and six A tetrahedron is a platonic solid which
triangular faces and twelve vertices has 4 triangular faces, 6 edges, and 4
vertices.
corners.
BACKGROUND HISTORY
Domes are a relatively recent invention in
architecture. Rome's Pantheon, rebuilt
around 125 AD, is one of the oldest large
domes.
In order to support the weight of the heavy
building materials in early domes, the
walls beneath were made very thick and
the top of the dome became thinner. In
the case of the Pantheon in Rome, an open
hole or oculus is at the dome's apex.

Diameter: 43.40 meters

BACKGROUND HISTORY

The idea of combining triangles with the architectural arch was pioneered in 1919 by German engineer Dr.
Walther Bauersfeld. By 1923, Bauersfeld had designed the world's first projection planetarium for the Zeiss
Company in Jena, Germany. This small structure was patented, and a larger structure in Jena later opened to the
public in 1926 , which was impressively named ‘The Wonder of Jena’.
Height: 8.5 meters
Diameter: 16 meters

Dr. Walther Bauersfeld The Construction of Geodesic Dome for Zeiss Planetarium
BACKGROUND HISTORY

R. BUCKMINSTER FULLER
Thirty years later, R. Buckminster Fuller,
an American architect, engineer, poet,
and philosopher, independently
invented a similar structural system.
Following World War II, Fuller wanted
to design affordable, efficient housing
that could be built quickly from mass-
produced components. Willing to look
outside of conventional approaches,
Fuller began to work with spherical
shapes because they enclose a given
space with a minimum of surface area.
He first framed spheres with a network
of strips approximating great circles
(circles on a sphere with centers that
coincide with the sphere's center); the
strips formed triangles as they crossed
one another.
BACKGROUND HISTORY

In 1953, Buckminster Fuller designed the first commercial geodesic dome for the Ford Motor Company headquarters in
Michigan, aka the Rotunda.
Diameter: 28 meters
BACKGROUND HISTORY

In 1954, Fuller received a patent on geodesic

domes. During the 1960s and 1970s, an era in
which unconventionality was prized, geometric
domes became popular as an inexpensive way
for environmentally conscious people to build
their own homes. Instructions were widely
available, but the quality of materials (including
such strange choices as paper mache and
discarded tin cans) and the skill of do-it-yourself
builders were inconsistent. Amateur-built domes
tended to leak when it rained, insufficient use of
insulation limited their energy efficiency, and
inadequate numbers of skylights left interiors
dreary.
 SPACESHIP EARTH
CLIMATRON Botanical Garden Nagoya Stadium
Walt Disney World's Epcot Center
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
Geometrically speaking, it is a generalized notion of a straight line that locally minimizes the
distance between two points on any mathematically defined space.
Rhumb Line, A rhumb line appears as a straight line on a Mercator projection map. It is the
shortest in a flat plane.
Great Circle, the shortest course between two points on the surface of a sphere.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

In architectural terms; a geodesic dome is a structure made up of a collection of triangles held together in a
state of tension that overall forms a hypothetical sphere.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

In architectural terms; a geodesic dome is a structure made up of a collection of triangles held together in a
state of tension that overall forms a hypothetical sphere.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

BUT WHY A
SPHERE FOR A
STRUCTURE?
A sphere is the mathematical object that
contains the maximum volume compared to its
surface area with the strongest shape against
internal, and radial pressure. Therefore, if a
structure of large volume is to be constructed
for minimum cost, it makes sense to look at
structures whose shape approaches a sphere.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Most of the standard materials are either flat or

straight, and manufacturing a curved member
would cost more. Therefore, the members used are
the straight rigid members called the “struts”

ENGINEERING
CONSIDERATIONS
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

If the structure is made of struts. It should be

composed completely of triangles and be as close
to equilateral triangles (equal in length) as
possible.

ENGINEERING
CONSIDERATIONS
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

In very large structures, it is a bad idea to have very

long unsupported struts. The longer the struts, the
easier they are to bend if shear forces are applied.
To offset this, the method of subdivision is used and
is referred to as “Geodesic Frequency”

ENGINEERING
CONSIDERATIONS
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

BUT WHY
TRIANGLE?
When a force (the load) is applied to one of the
corners of a triangle, it is distributed down each
side. The two sides of the triangle are squeezed.
Another word for this squeezing is compression.
The third side of the triangle is pulled, or stretched
sideways. Another word for this stretching
is tension. Meaning there is thus no bending
movement at any member at all.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

INHERENT
RIGIDITY
A triangle has three sides and three angles, and
each angle is held solidly in place by the side
opposite it. This means that a triangle's angles are
fixed, and that if pressure is placed anywhere on a
triangle, its angles, unlike those of other shapes, will
not change.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Flexing of a hinged square Flexing of a hinged pentagon

Structurally stable square Structurally stable pentagon

PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

PLATONIC SOLIDS The most basic structures

known,
congruent
composed
convex
of
regular
polygonal faces defined as
having equal dimensions of
faces, vertices, and dihedral
angles between the faces.
These so-called platonic solids
are approximations to the
sphere. The platonic solids
composed of “triangles” are the
mathematical forms:
tetrahedron, octahedron, and
icosahedron.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

ICOSAHEDRON
Is a regular polyhedron
containing 20 faces, each
of which is an equilateral
triangle, and at each vertex
5 triangle meet.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Great Circle Planes, a plane that

passes through the largest

ICOSAHEDRON circumference of the sphere

Rotation on axis through

opposite vertexes
produces six (6) great
circle planes. Family I.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Great Circle Planes, a plane that

passes through the largest

ICOSAHEDRON circumference of the sphere

Rotation on axis through

centers of opposite faces
produces ten (10) great
circle planes. Family II
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Great Circle Planes, a plane that

passes through the largest

ICOSAHEDRON circumference of the sphere

Rotation on axis through

centers of opposite edges
produces 15 great circle
planes. Family III.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Great Circle Planes, a plane that

passes through the largest

ICOSAHEDRON circumference of the sphere

Combination of all families

produces a total of 31
great circle.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Tessellation, a pattern of shapes broken up and repeated to fill a plane. The shapes do not overlap and there are no gaps.
Subdivision, a technique used to recursively split polygons into smaller polygons.
Geodesic Frequency, referred to as the amount repetition of polyhedron tessellated inside a polygon’s face.
Frequency is the number of divisions along the edge and is denoted by the letter “V”.
Principal Polyhedron, the seed for the subdivision.
Principal Polyhedron Triangle (PPT), the face of the principal polyhedron.
Principal Side (PS), any one of the sides/edges of the PPT.

1V 2V 3V 4V
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

CLASS I
Class I subdivision is also known as “Alternate”;
a name given during a lecture by Richard
Buckminster Fuller as it was the alternative to its
predecessor, Class II.
The principal polyhedra mainly used in the
subdivision is the Icosahedron.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

TESSELLATION
During tessellation, the edges
are subdivided into equal length PS, joined by
a vertex.
The lengths of the PS are changed so that
each new vertex is pushed outward an equal
distance from the center of the dome to make
the 2v dome more spherical than the 1v (base)
dome.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

TESSELLATION
During tessellation, the edges
are subdivided into equal length PS, joined by
a vertex.
The lengths of the PS are changed so that
each new vertex is pushed outward an equal
distance from the center of the dome to make
the 2v dome more spherical than the 1v dome.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

How to figure out the frequency of a dome within a glance:

Every Geodesic Dome has only six 5-way hub connections. Find two and then count the number of struts
between the 5-way connection hubs to determine the frequency.

2V 3V 4V 5V
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

The PPT edges are divided according to the frequency. Subdivision frequency may be even or odd. The
formulas of determining the vertices(V), faces (F), and edges (E), for any given frequency v are as follows:
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

CLASS II
Class II was the subdivision type used in the
founding days of geodesics; it was first called
“Regular” and later “Triacon”. The term “Triacon”
comes from ‘rhombic triacontahedron’ which
was the basis of the earliest domes. So when
talking of geodesic subdivision, the terms
“Class II”, “Regular” and “Triacon”, are all
synonymous.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

The triacon only works on even frequencies because you must have the 2v subdivision from the middle of
each edge to the opposite vertex.
A 2V Triacon is produced by combination of dodecahedron, and triacontahedron.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

The edge of the icosahedron is not part of the dome in the triacon breakdown. The divisions are made
perpendicular to an edge. In diagrams the icosahedron is dotted. The triacon produces 6 identical right
triangles for each Icosahedron PPT. There are 120 of them in a complete sphere and they are the smallest
identical subdivisions of a sphere surface. Besides the right triangles of the triacon has 3 repeating patterns.
The triacon can be viewed as a high frequency icosahedron, dodecahedron, and triacontahedron.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

In the 2V figure below, an icosahedron PPT has been divided by its three medians which run from the mid-point
of each edge to the opposing vertex. The median intersections form the center of the PPT. Note how Class II
divides the icosahedron PPT into 6 Schwarz triangles. In the diagram below, one Schwarz triangle is colored
red.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Look at the 2V subdivision: the three mid-points of the edges and the point of intersection (marked yellow) can
all be projected to the envelope. This is called “Basic” Triacon subdivision. The other kind of Triacon subdivision
is “Full” Triacon subdivision.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

In Full Triacon subdivsion, the Left and Right pairs are welded together to form an entire Class II triangle (red),
which is then projected to the envelope. It can be seen that a Class II triangle is formed from the centroids of
adjacent Class I PPT’s. This is further explained in Symmetry Maps. If you count the number of edge divisions on
the welded Class II triangle you will find the subdivision frequency is half that of the Class I PPT; not only that,
the subdivision type on the welded Class II triangle is the same as Class I Alternate.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

two PPT’s of the underlying icosahedron are

marked by dotted lines.

see how the Class II triangle ABC relates to one

half of a diamond face of the rhombic
triacontahedron PQRS. The useful aspect of
Class II subdivision is that it incorporates the
icosahedron’s great circle Family III that co-
incides with the PPT medians:
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

two PPT’s of the underlying icosahedron are

marked by dotted lines.

see how the Class II triangle ABC relates to one

half of a diamond face of the rhombic
triacontahedron PQRS. The useful aspect of
Class II subdivision is that it incorporates the
icosahedron’s great circle Family II that co-
incides with the PPT medians:
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Geodesic Frequency, referred to as the amount repetition of polyhedron tessellated inside a polygon’s face.
Frequency is the number of divisions along the edge and is denoted by the letter “V”.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Geodesic Frequency, referred to as the amount repetition of polyhedron tessellated inside a polygon’s face.
Frequency is the number of divisions along the edge and is denoted by the letter “V”.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

The PPT edges are divided according to the frequency. Note that the subdivisions for triacon can only be even.
The formulas of determining the vertices(V), faces (F), and edges (E), for any given frequency v are as follows:

6 x (v/2)2 + 2 12 x (v/2)2 + 2 30 x (v/2) 2 + 2

12 x (v/2)2 24 x (v/2)2 60 x (v/2)2
18 x (v/2)2 36 x (v/2)2 90 x (v/2)2

56 110 272
108 216 540
162 324 810
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

CLASS III
Class III is a rarely used subdivision type in
designing a geodesic dome. The Class III
subdivision do not line up with the original
edges.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
BACKGROUND HISTORY

In Magnus Wenninger's Spherical models, polyhedra are

given geodesic notation in the form {3,q+}b,c, where {3,q} is
the Schläfli symbol for the regular polyhedron with triangular
faces, and q-valence vertices. The + symbol indicates the
valence of the vertices being increased. b,c represent a
subdivision description, with 1,0 representing the base form.
There are 3 symmetry classes of forms: {3,3+}1,0 for
a tetrahedron, {3,4+}1,0 for an octahedron, and {3,5+}1,0 for
an icosahedron.
The dual notation for Goldberg polyhedra is {q+,3}b,c, with
valence-3 vertices, with q-gonal and hexagonal faces. There are
3 symmetry classes of forms: {3+,3}1,0 for a tetrahedron,
{4+,3}1,0 for a cube, and {5+,3}1,0 for a dodecahedron.
Values for b,c are divided into three classes:
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Class I (b=0 or c=0):

{3,q+}b,0 or {3,q+}0,b represent a simple
division with original edges being
divided into b sub-edges.
Class II (b=c): {3,q+}b,b are easier to see from
the dual polyhedron {q,3} with q-gonal
faces first divided into triangles with a
central point, and then all edges are
divided into b sub-edges.
Class III: {3,q+}b,c have nonzero unequal values
for b,c, and exist in chiral pairs.
For b > c we can define it as a right-
handed form, and c > b is a left-handed
form.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

GEODESIC CALCULATIONS

Spherical Trigonometry is the method Fuller

used to calculate chord factors and angles
for the construction of geodesic members.
It is about spherical triangles, which are made
up of arcs on the surface of a sphere. And
because of the curvature of the sphere
(positive curvature), the angles of a spherical
triangle will add up to more than 180°. The
amount over 180° is called the spherical
excess.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Geodesics gives a set of constants for each strut length so that using these constants can be
possible to calculate the lengths by using any diameter of a sphere. It’s called the chord factors.

𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2sin( )
2
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 × 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠

Great Circle
Planes, a plane
that passes
through the
largest
circumference
of the sphere.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Computing for a 2m 1V Dome using spherical trigonometry:

𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2sin( )
2
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 × 𝐷𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑅𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
1/10

360
𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = ( )
5.5
𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = 65.4545

65.4545
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2sin( )
2 1/10
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 1.0813
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 1.0813 × 2𝑚
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 2.16𝑚
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Computing for a 2m 2V Alternate Dome using spherical trigonometry:

360
𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = = 36
10
36
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2sin( )
2
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝐴 = 0.6180
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐴 = 0.6180 × 2𝑚
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝐴 = 1.24𝑚

360
𝐶𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑒 = = 31.7272
11
31.7272
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 = 2sin( )
2
𝐶ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝐵 = 0.5465
1/10
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 0.5465 × 2𝑚
𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑡 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ = 1.09𝑚
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

1 V Geodesic Dome Factors

STRUTS CHORD FACTOR AMOUNT
A 1.05146 25

2 V Geodesic Dome Factors

STRUTS CHORD FACTOR AMOUNT
A 0.61803 35
B 0.54653 30

3 V Geodesic Dome Factors

STRUTS CHORD FACTOR AMOUNT
A 0.34862 30
B 0.40355 40
C 0.41241 50
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

4 V Geodesic Dome Factors

STRUTS CHORD FACTOR AMOUNT
A 0.25318 30
B 0.29524 30
C 0.29453 60
D 0.31287 70
E 0.32492 30
F 0.29859 30

In depth illustration for assembly: https://geo-dome.co.uk/article.asp?uname=calculation

5V to 8V Geodesic dome factors: http://www.domerama.com/calculators/chord-charts/
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

You can easily modify or distort domes. Besides domes with completely different shapes (that is elliptical) you
can just change the length of, or remove, or replace some struts with cables. The struts inside the hexagons
and pentagons can be removed, making flat hexagons and pentagons. The strut lengths and angles are the
same as with all triangles. When removing struts to form hexagons and pentagons, you need to use a frequency
with a point in the center of the face (so for triacon, any frequency works)
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Two triangles can be grouped together to form diamonds. The strut lengths and angles are the same as with all
triangles. With alternate there must at least be 3v and the pattern and symmetrical only with a point in the
center of the icosahedron face. With triacon any frequency works. The diamonds are bent along their short
axis.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Another breakdown produces flat and thin diamonds. The diamonds have the same edge length but different
face angles. The angles opposite each other in the diamond are equal. The fat diamond/thin diamond is also
called the enenicontahedron.
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

There are 2 different basic triangles in the elliptical icosahedron and any breakdown will result in a different
strut length in these two triangles. Where there exists an expansion which refers to the amount of distortion
along the zenith-to-zenith pole:
An expansion of =1 means it is a sphere, >1 means it is a stretched dome (vertical ellipse), <1 means
it is squashed (horizontal ellipse)
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

2 V Geodesic Dome Factors (elliptical ZAFU)

Expansion equivalent = 0.61800 (ZAFU)
Triangle 1
STRUTS CHORD FACTOR
A 0.533771
B 0.618033
C 0.562773
D 0.445083
E 0.543035
Triangle 2
STRUTS CHORD FACTOR
B 0.618033
F 0.459493
G 0.418429
G 0.418429
PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

2 V Geodesic Dome Factors (elliptical EGG)

Expansion equivalent = 1.61800 (ZAFU)
Triangle 1
STRUTS CHORD FACTOR
A 0.579607
B 0.618033
C 0.743487
D 0.749689
E 0.555583
Triangle 2
STRUTS CHORD FACTOR
B 0.618033
F 0.910565
G 0.788849
G 0.788849
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY
Frame construction method by Subdivision Classes:
1. Alternate
2. Triacon
Construction methods by connection type:
1. Beveled Connection
2. Hub Connection
3. Gusset Connection
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

3v ALTERNATE
1. Multiply the chord factor to the radius to get
the strut length.
2. Put together one face.
3. Add the other face
4. Repeat until the dome is done.

STRUT COLOR AMOUN CHORD

T FACTOR

A BLUE 120 0.4124

B YELLOW 90 0.4035

C RED 60 0.3486
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

BASE SOLUTIONS
1.You can shim the dome’s base, adding pieces of wood or other material to level the base
2.You can shape the foundation to match the uneven up-and-down perimeter of the dome
framework
3.You can alter some of the strut lengths in the bottom row of triangles
4.You can reduce the number of edges in the footprint from 15 to 10, which requires some
clusters of triangles to be replaced by 5 trapezoids
5.You can use an entirely different geometry whereby a flat base is built right into the dome
design from the outset
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

The Fuller-Kruschke method introduces a fourth length strut which generates a flat base making it
very adequate for architectural applications as weight is evenly distributed through a circular flat base
and its 15 vertices.
http://www.domerama.com/calculators/3v-geodesic-dome-calculator/
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

4v TRIACON
1. Multiply the chord factor to the radius to get
the strut length.
2. Put together one face.
3. Add the other face
4. Repeat until the dome is done.

STRUT COLOR AMOUNT CHORD

FACTOR
A GREEN 60 0.3134
B RED 120 0.3361
C YELLOW 60 0.3628
D BLUE 60 0.3894
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION METHODOLOGY
Construction methods by connection type:
1. Beveled Connection
2. Hub Connection
3. Gusset Connection
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Beveled Connection
A connection where struts are connected without a hub system. There are a few inherent
advantages to this connection system over the steel bolt together hub connectors. You are
not drilling big holes down the center of your wood strut. With the compound angles cut to
properly fit under compression, as the wood swells and contracts it does not move or
change the connection angle as the steel bolted hubs. .
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Hub Connection
‘Hubs’ the small, modular object acts as a connection point for a series of five/six rods.
working like any ball joint, the ball piece screws into a piece of lumber, and then pops
directly into the main hub.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Hub Connection
This is the classic way to connect geodesic struts together. A hole is drilled in the flattened
ends then bolted together. To accommodate a drilled hole into your struts, the length of the
strut needs to be longer. Each vertex requires one bolt, two washers, and a nut.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Hub Connection
This is a sophisticated and versatile and universal steel geodesic hub connector invented by
Leith Aitchison of Dome Dimensions in Australia.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Gusset Connection
The StarPlate is a connector plate that was sold by Strombergs Chickens who hold the
patent rights. It's intended to join five struts (2x2, 2x4, 2x6 lumber) to make a single
frequency dome where the strut length is up to nine feet.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Gusset Connection
The Temcor Polyframe dome consists of four basic components; the gusset, struts, panels,
and spline. The basic structural system of struts and gussets are assembled with the use of
the 3/8 inch diameter stainless steel lock bolts, prior to the installation of the panel
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Gusset Connection
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Construction of Strut ends for different connectors

PRINCIPLES OF GEODESIC

Geodesic Calculators
https://acidome.ru/lab/calc/#1/1_GoodKarma_
1V_R2.2_beams_120x40
http://www.domerama.com/calculators/
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE FLOORS

Concrete floors, a practical floor material for domes. It’s generally cheaper than wood,
provides an absolute anchor for the dome.
Tpyical Concrete Floor
• Typical concrete floor is 3”-4” thick, reinforced with 6”x6”x1/4” steel mesh. Thickness can
vary.
• Perimeter of floor is deeper, as some weight is there
• ½” reinforcing steel goes around footing; it should be suspended above ground
• Gravel underneath for drainage, and to provide solid, level place for concrete slab to rest
on.
• Plastic sheet are important as vapor barrier. Put it over the gravel and under everything
else.
• Hooked end of anchor bolt is embedded in the concrete. Use two or three ½”x10” bolts
for each strut along the bottom of the dome.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE FLOORS

Concrete floors, a practical floor material for domes. It’s generally cheaper than wood,
provides an absolute anchor for the dome.
Tpyical Concrete Floor
• Typical concrete floor is 3”-4” thick, reinforced with 6”x6”x1/4” steel mesh. Thickness can
vary.
• Perimeter of floor is deeper, as some weight is there
• ½” reinforcing steel goes around footing; it should be suspended above ground
• Gravel underneath for drainage, and to provide solid, level place for concrete slab to rest
on.
• Plastic sheet are important as vapor barrier. Put it over the gravel and under everything
else.
• Hooked end of anchor bolt is embedded in the concrete. Use two or three ½”x10” bolts
for each strut along the bottom of the dome.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION OF CONCRETE FLOORS

Forms, After the first course of dome is in place, arrange it so that the center of each
ground strut is an average equal distance from the center, get each of the five hubs
touching the ground to be at the same level, stake it in place so it can’t move. Leave an
opening to wheel concrete in. Drill holes in base struts, suspend anchor bolts and prepare
for pour.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION OF VENTS
Simple vent, ventilation at the top
achieved by opening entire triangles. To
allow for air circulation and cooling, as
the illustration shows, it is desirable to
have openings at the top and bottom of
the dome.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

CONSTRUCTION OF VENTS
Base vents and eaves, lower vents can be anywhere, even in floor. If on the side of the
dome, an eve can be built to shed rainwater. Lower vents should be screened. Floor vents
can have a wind scoop underneath to increase air flow
Tent Vents, flexible membranes vented with zippers. Zippers can’t take severe strain;
rounded corner openings are less likely to tear.
Umbrella vents, triangles, pentagons, or hexagons can be raised above the surface of the
dome and the space between used for ventilation, as is the illustration. The entire umbrella
covering could be jacked up and down, or have small flaps around the perimeter.
Hats, small vents can be made by using short 6” stovepipes topped by hats. Commercial
rotating vents can also be used. You can also use electric blowers.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

INSTALLATION OF INSULATION
Rigid foam insulation, an insulating foam
installed and fit below a triangular face. To
increase its efficiency, it is recommended to staple
an aluminum foil on the back before installation
and leaving an airs space between the foam and
the dome.
Fiberglass insulation, with aluminum backing. It
is cheaper than foam, commonly used, easy to
apply. It comes in rolls generally of a width to fit in
the 14 ½” space between wall studs. It can be cut
with scissors and stapled in place. The aluminum
should face in, and most likely should be covered
with an interior membrane.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

SEVERAL METHODS OF SEALING

• A membrane sprayed over the entire
dome surface-rigid, such as fiberglass or
flexible, such as Eastron or GE Weather
Topping. The latter can be applied with a
roller.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

SEVERAL METHODS OF SEALING

• Shingling; either wood or
composition shingles, or
shingling the edges of
triangles, the upper over the
lower, to shed water.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

SEVERAL METHODS OF SEALING

• Caulks, which fill the
joints between
triangles.
• Tapes, which span the
joints between
triangles.
• Gaskets, which are
sandwiched in between
panels
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS AND WINDOWS

Up to half of the triangles in a geodesic dome’s lowest row can be removed with no harm
to the structure’s strength. This allows a designer to open doors and windows when
planning a geodesic dome building. Skylights can be installed on any surface within the
basic triangular frame. Dormers, copulas, and flat-roofed wings can also be built.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS AND WINDOWS

Windows
Usually built along the domes’ geometry as opposed to inserting the conventional
rectangular windows.
• A small amount of light coming at the top will illuminate the dome well, more so if the
interior is white.
• Windows generally cause leakage problem if not properly designed and installed.
• Large window areas must not face the summer sun, or must be shaded to prevent high
and unpleasant heat build-up.
• Optical clarity is highly desirable.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Windows
Comparative chart of Plastic
Window Material
In selecting window material, one needs
to consider clarity, weatherability,
burnability, price, and size available.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Windows
Vinyl
Optically clear plastic windows that offers slight
screened-in distortion. Easy and inexpensive to
install, relatively safer as compared to conventional
glasses.
Butyrate
A high impact-resistant material used for
thermoforming a variety of OEM products for various
applications. Combining long-term weather
resistance with clarity and ease of forming at a wide
range of temperatures.
Polycarbonate (Lexan)
A super tough plastic material under the
thermoplastic family. Has an ability to undergo
significant deformation without cracking or breaking.
Like other clear plastics, it scratches easily.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

Windows
Plexiglass
Also known as acrylic, acrylic glass, or more
scientifically, poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA),
plexiglass is a transparent petroleum-based
thermoplastic typically manufactured in sheets. It
is a strong, tough, and lightweight material, with a
higher impact strength than glass. It is also useful
for outdoor applications due to a higher
environmental stability than most other plastics,
such as polystyrene and polyethylene.
Fiber Glass
A fiberglass is a form of fiber-reinforced plastic
where glass fiber is the reinforced plastic. This is
the reason perhaps why fiberglass is also known
as glass reinforced plastic or glass fiber reinforced
plastic. The glass fiber is usually flattened into a
sheet, randomly arranged or woven into a fabric.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS
Triangle Door
Merely hinge one of the point-down triangles and work out a detail for shedding water. This
limits the size of the things one can bring inside the dome and causes one to stoop each
time the dome is to be entered.
Trap Door
Applicable if the dome is elevated where the space below can be accessed. No need to cut
through the geodesic dome, although this uses up floor space and is dangerous without
any railing from falling through the door.
Robin’s Door
Only works if the dome has a base frame that can be accessed. The triangular part of the at
the base of the geodesic dome is cut as well as a rectangle at the base frame. This makes 2
sections of a door, similar to a dutch door.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS
Stairs underneath
the dome with
Trap Door at the
floor of the dome
for entry inside.

Robin’s Door at a
Triacon dome,
with the door at
the top opened
and closed at the
base.
Pillow Dome’s Triangular Doors and
Windows
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS
Diamond Door
Note that a door made with a hinge on a slat will open with gravity, sometimes with disaster if
the door is heavy. This can be countered by a long spring or a piece of nylon cord (as off a
parachute) which will stretch and spring under load.
Rectangular Door
Doors made by extending half-hexagon out to a 90-degree wall, then installing standard doors
or windows
Arch Doors
It looks great and is made to keep the dome’s structural integrity because of its arched shape
and multiple attachment points. The reason is that load from the structure is distributed
downwards and outwards so your archway needs to do the same. This is why the attachment
points are so important. Each one will spread the load evenly around the arch, down to the
ground.
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS

Diamond Doors
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS

Rectangular Doors with Pease dome on

the left
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

DOORS

Arch Doors
MATERIALS USED
There are two broad groups of materials used in making the struts of geodesic domes. These are wood and
metallic alloys.
• For simple, movable, temporary structures, timber, PVC or galvanized steel frames covered with thin
architectural membrane (such as PVC polyester or ETFE foil) can be used.
• For more permanent structures such as sports stadiums have been constructed with aluminum and steel
frames covered with materials such as copper, aluminum, acrylic and Plexiglas panels.
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

DOME OF VISIONS 3.0

Designed by Architect Atelier Kristoffer Tejlgaard
Denmark (2016)
Cost: est. half a million dollars

CLASS II – 4v
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

• Polycarbonate - clad with 6mm sheets of

• GLULAM - Glue Laminated Timber • Brackets - Star shaped nodes in five- polycarbonate in rhombus shapes
six large pieces of curved glulam and forms millimeter sheet steel with anchor bolts on
the circular foundation of the dome. LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber)
Advantages:
Advantages
Durability
Locally available, Advantages:
Flexibility UV Protection
Lightweight
Durability Easy to install
Anti-termite Disadvantage:
Cost
Disadvantages Disadvantages:
Costly Precision PRICE: P11,000 – P45,000 per sheet
Quality (Polylite)
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

CONSTRUCTION EXTERIOR INTERIOR

MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

CLIMATRON Botanical Garden

St. Louis Architects Murphy and Mackey
Ross & Baruzzini Inc. (renovation)
St. Louis, Missouri, USA (1959 / 1990)
Cost: $700,000 ($6 million renovation)

CLASS II – 6V

1960 2019
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

• Aluminum Pipes • Aluminum Frame • Glass

(Outer Structural Frame) – Intersecting (Inner Structural Frame) – Inner rigid frame 2,425 panes of heat-strengthened glass,
Aluminum pipes 6 inches diameter. connected to outer frame by rods containing a Saflex plastic interlayer coated
with a low-emissivity film

Advantages: Advantages:
Easily cut and bent in various lengths Easily cut and bent in various lengths Advantages:
Doesn’t require special connectors Doesn’t require special connectors Low Maintenance

Disadvantage: Disadvantage: Disadvantages:

Not much option for coverings other than PVCs Not much option for coverings other than PVCs Heavyweight
or canvas membrane. or canvas membrane.
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

CONSTRUCTION EXTERIOR INTERIOR

(1959) (1990) (1990)
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

SPACESHIP EARTH
WALT DISNEY WORLD’S EPCOT CENTER
Walt Disney Imagineering Design Company
ORLANDO, FLORIDA, U.S.A.
Cost: $800 million - $1.4 billion (1982)

CLASS II – 8v
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)

• ALUCOBOND • Steel • Neoprene Sheet

Neoprene rubber is a highly resistant • Aluminum Pipe Standoffs
a carbon – aluminum compound, Inner sphere is made up of steel
material and is used for a variety of to create the gap between the inner
which is easily cleaned and can panels with waterproofing sheet
outdoor applications. and outer skins and attached the
withstand the Florida climate.
- Alucobond facets to them.

Advantages:
Advantages:
Advantages: Non-Combustible
Lightweight
Lightweight Excellent adhesion to metals
Non-combustible
Non-combustible Protection from oxidizing agents such as oil
Good for extreme weathers
Easy to form into shapes Good thermal stability
Disadvantages:
Disadvantages: Disadvantages:
Costly
Costly Costly
Absorbs water overtime
PRICE: P1,611 (300mmx300mmx1mm)
PRICE: P2,750 – P3,100 (4’x8’ x 4mm)
(RS PRO)
(Polylite) Price: P1,652 (1mx1.2m x1.5mm thk) –
P7,237 (1mx1.2xx6mm thk)
(RS PRO)
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)
MATERIALS (FOREIGN SAMPLE)
SPACESHIP EARTH
CONSTRUCTION TIMELAPSE
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

DOMESCAPE
FABRIMETRICS PHILS. INC.
NASUGBU, BATANGAS (2019)
Cost:

CLASS I – 3v
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

• Steel Frame • PVC Cover • Insulation Liner

26mm x 2mm Q235 galvanized Steel, Cover:850g PVC coated black-out Insulated liners for tents allow tent to retain heat in
layers and 0.7mm transparent PVC cold weather climates and keep heat from raising the
White Baking Finish with Stainless Steel
fabric interior temperature of an air-conditioned structure.
Screws & Nuts.
Advantages:
Advantages:
Easy to install
Can be easily assembled and disassembled
Low maintenance
Lightweight
Lightweight
Disadvantages:
Disadvantages:
High-maintenance cost
poor heat stability
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

Therma South Inc., Coal Dome

Davao City, Davao del Sur Province, Philippines (2014)
Contractor: Leighton Contractors Philippines
Assistant Architect: Virgil Jr. Palanca
Diameter: 120 meters
Height: 80 meters

CLASS II – 16v
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

• Aluminum Frame • Aluminum Cladding

Built of lightweight and strong aluminum bars. Aluminum panel cladding panels may be applied internal
or external to the structure
In storage applications, the most common cladding is single-
skin corrugated metal. Rectangular panels may be applied
internal or external to the structure.
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

CENTER-OUT
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

Therma Visayas Inc. Coal Dome

Toledo, Cebu Province
GEOMETRICA
Diameter: 125m
Height: 40m

CLASS II – 16v
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

• Aluminum Frame • Aluminum cladding

Lightweight Geometrica bars are prefabricated covers 95% with translucent panels for natural
light. Corrosion-resistant aluminum was utilized due to its
proximity to the coast.
MATERIALS (LOCAL SAMPLE)

PERIMETER SELF-SUPPORTING
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Super-Lok™ Dome Connectors
Shown below are the components involved in a 30′ – 40′ diam. high profile dome kit with 3
openings for extensions. The tool package shown below comes with the purchase of the full
dome shell kit (with wood components) but not with the purchase of just the metal connection
hardware kit. (Current sleeve parts are coated with black epoxy.)
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Super-Lok™ Dome Connectors
Shown below are the components involved in a 30′ – 40′ diam. high profile dome kit with 3
openings for extensions. Click the image to enlarge. The tool package shown above comes with
the purchase of the full dome shell kit (with wood components) but not with the purchase of just
the metal connection hardware kit. (Current sleeve parts are coated with black epoxy.)
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Zip Tie™ Dome Connectors

The 4" Standard Connectors
The 4" Dual Covering Connectors
The 6" Super Connector
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Zip Tie™ Dome Connectors
The 4" Standard Connectors are made for 1" PVC pipe, and are used for most domes
including Chicken Coops and Greenhouses with 1 layer of plastic. These Connectors can be
drilled to accept metric sized PVC Pipe, as well as 3/4" or 1" EMT Conduit.

•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 2v Dome - $130.00

•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 2v Silo Dome - $180.00
•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 3v 3/8 Dome - $230.00
•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 3v 5/8 Dome - $305.00
•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 4v Dome - $455.00
•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 5v 7/15 Dome - $630.00
•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 5v 8/15 Dome - $755.00
•4" Standard "Connectors Only" Kit for a 6v Dome - $980.00
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Zip Tie™ Dome Connectors
The 4" Dual Covering Connectors are made for 1" PVC pipe, and allow 2 layers of Greenhouse
Plastic to be attached to the Dome, one on the inside, and one on the outside.
These Connectors can be drilled to accept metric sized PVC Pipe, as well as 3/4" or 1" EMT
Conduit.

•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 2v Dome - $234.00

•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 2v Silo Dome - $324.00
•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 3v 3/8 Dome - $483.00
•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 3v 5/8 Dome - $640.50
•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 4v Dome - $955.50
•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 5v 7/15 Dome - $1,323.00
•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 5v 8/15 Dome - $1,585.50
•4" Dual Covering "Connectors Only" Kit for a 6v Dome - $2,058.00
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Zip Tie™ Dome Connectors
The 6" Super Connector is used for building Geodesic Shelter Domes using 1.5" PVC Pipe
for struts, and will support over 300 lbs.

•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 2v Dome - $234.00

•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 2v Silo Dome - $297.00
•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 3v 3/8 Dome - $368.00
•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 3v 5/8 Dome - $488.00
•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 4v Dome - $705.25 *
•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 5v 7/15 Dome - $976.50 *
•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 5v 8/15 Dome - $1,132.50 *
•6" Super "Connectors Only" Kit for a 6v Dome - $1,470.00 *
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Domerama 10m radius Geodesic Dome costings using calculator
http://www.domerama.com/calculators/

1V 2/3 Dome
Floor Capacity(Surface Area): 190sqm
Total Struts/lm: 263m or 863ft
Galvanized Pipe (Steel 40) 2” Dia @ $206.38 per 10lft. : $17808
Structure Pipe (EMT) 2” Dia @ $54.94 per 10lft. : $4741
Structure Pipe (Aluminum 40) 2” Dia @ $118.76 per 10lft. : $10248
Wood Struts 2”x6” @ $7.65 per 10lft : $661
Cover (Approx. sf.): 628
Canvas 42 oz @ $15 per sf. : $9420
Tyvek (housewrap) @ $0.97 per sf.: $610
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Domerama 10m radius Geodesic Dome costings using calculator
http://www.domerama.com/calculators/

2V 1/2Dome
Floor Capacity(Surface Area): 294sqm
Total Struts/lm: 411m or 1349ft
Galvanized Pipe (Steel 40) 2” Dia @ $206.38 per 10lft. : $27829
Structure Pipe (EMT) 2” Dia @ $54.94 per 10lft. : $7408
Structure Pipe (Aluminum 40) 2” Dia @ $118.76 per 10lft. : $16014
Wood Struts 2”x6” @ $7.65 per 10lft : $1032
Cover (Approx. sf.): 628
Canvas 42 oz @ $15 per sf. : $9420
Tyvek (housewrap) @ $0.97 per sf.: $610
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Domerama 10m radius Geodesic Dome costings using calculator
http://www.domerama.com/calculators/

3V 5/8 Dome
Floor Capacity(Surface Area): 279sqm
Total Struts/lm: 656m or 2153ft
Galvanized Pipe (Steel 40) 2” Dia @ $206.38 per 10lft. : $44418
Structure Pipe (EMT) 2” Dia @ $54.94 per 10lft. : $11825
Structure Pipe (Aluminum 40) 2” Dia @ $118.76 per 10lft. : $25560
Wood Struts 2”x6” @ $7.65 per 10lft : $1647
Cover (Approx. sf.): 628
Canvas 42 oz @ $15 per sf. : $9420
Tyvek (housewrap) @ $0.97 per sf.: $610
CONSTRUCTION
METHODOLOGY

COSTING AND PRICES

Domerama 10m radius Geodesic Dome costings using calculator
http://www.domerama.com/calculators/

4V ½ Dome
Floor Capacity(Surface Area): 309sqm
Total Struts/lm: 747m or 2451ft
Galvanized Pipe (Steel 40) 2” Dia @ $206.38 per 10lft. : $50580
Structure Pipe (EMT) 2” Dia @ $54.94 per 10lft. : $13465
Structure Pipe (Aluminum 40) 2” Dia @ $118.76 per 10lft. : $29106
Wood Struts 2”x6” @ $7.65 per 10lft : $1875
Cover (Approx. sf.): 628
Canvas 42 oz @ $15 per sf. : $9420
Tyvek (housewrap) @ $0.97 per sf.: $610
 ADVANTAGES
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
A proper geodesic dome is immensely strong. It can
withstand extreme weathers, powerful winds, and a wide
range of temperature

RAPID CONSTRUCTION
Most geodesics are prefabricated. This can offer relatively
low construction costs, especially in countries with high labor
costs. It also offers huge advantages if the local weather
makes construction difficult.

COST-EFFECTIVE
The reduced labor costs and the materials used in building
the geodesic homes make them a cheaper option to build
than the conventional structures.

RESISTANT TO NATURAL DISASTERS

The structures are aerodynamic and can withstand load of
extreme pressure. The materials with which these domes are
built are fire resistant, rust resistant and waterproof. Also,
since the structures are so easy to assemble and dissemble,
migrating from an area which has been hit by some disaster
becomes easier.
DISADVANTAGES
UNUSABLE SPACE
They are difficult and inefficient to subdivide into rooms. The rooms are
often difficult for arrangement of furniture and decoration. The space
efficiency gained by the dome is largely lost in the inefficiency of laying
out the spaces.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

Fitting doors and windows into a dome structure are much more of a
challenge than fitting them in a rectangle-based building

EXPERTISE
Geodesic Knowledge and skilled labors are greatly required for such
building.

PERMITS
The building’s permit can also be a problem as drainage and fire
escapes can be an issue and they need to meet code requirements.
CONCLUSION

Geodesic structures are construction systems that depends heavily

on the precision of their basic foundations because they are formed based
on the platonic solids, mostly the icosahedron, and their respective classes,
where the size of triangles varies depending on the frequency with which the
multi-faceted bottom parts are divided. With all the triangle's vertices
roughly on the sphere these type of domes are considered incredibly strong
structures that, in contrast to what generally happens in conventional method
of constructions, becomes sturdier when they become larger. Aside from
that, it has a range of visual features that are essential in design and
architecture.
RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended to watch more lecture videos and

study various researches regarding the geodesic structure, its
types, uses, connections, and applications because its concepts
and proper implementations may differ based on different
architectural and structural considerations.
REFERENCES
By Example (n.d.). Constructing Our Geodesic Dome. Retrieved from: www.byexample.net/projects/current/dome_construction/ Busemann, H. (2005).

The Geometry of Geodesics (Dover Books on Mathematics). Dover Publications.

Ching, F.D.K. & Adams. (2001). Building Construction Illustrated. New York: Wiley.

Clarke, B. (2009). Geodesic Dome Connector Plates. Retrieved from: https://prc68.com/I/DomePlates.shtml

Craven, J. (2019). Geodesic Domes and Space-Frame Structures. Retrieved from: https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-geodesic-dome-177713

Delpozo, B. (2020). The storied history behind EPCOT’s Spaceship Earth. Retrieved from: https://allears.net/2020/12/10/the-storied-history-behind-
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