Geodesic dome

 A geodesic dome is a spherical or partial-spherical

shell structure based on a network of great circles (geodesics
) lying on the surface of a sphere. The geodesics intersect to
form triangular elements that have local triangular rigidity
and also distribute the stress across the entire structure.
When completed to form a full sphere, it is known as a
geodesic sphere.

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Geodesic Dome Types for
skylights
 Basically, Geodesic domes are produced by subdividing the
faces of a regular polyhedron that fits onto a sphere.
Geodesic spheres and domes are then categorized according
to the base polyhedron, the number of subdivisions and the
type of subdivisions.

Base polyhedron
 There are several regular polyhedrons that can be used as a
basis for subdividing into geodesic spheres but 3 are more
common.
 The most common one is the icosahedrons, the second one
is the octahedron and then the less commonly used is the
tetrahedron

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COMMAN POLYHEDRON

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Icosahedrons
Octahedrons
Tetrahedrons
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Construction Issues
Loads distributions
A geodesic dome uses a pattern of self-bracing triangles in a
pattern that gives maximum structural advantage, thus
theoretically using the least material possible. (A "geodesic"
line on a sphere is the shortest distance between any two
points.)

Local loads are distributed throughout the geodesic dome,

utilizing the entire structure. Geodesic domes get stronger,
lighter (qt movie, 2.6mb, no sound), and cheaper per unit of
volume as their size increases--just the opposite of
conventional building.

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Geodesic Load Distributions
    Struts: Struts are the force
members in a geodesic dome that act
in compressive and tensile forces to
resist loading. What exactly is
geodesic? Geodesic is a Latin term
meaning “earth dividing.” Imagine the
earth as a perfect sphere, with its
longitudinal lines dividing it into equal
halves. These longitudinal lines are
called great circles. The geodesic
dome has members which follow three
sets of principal sets of great circles
intersecting at 60 degree angles,
subdividing the dome surface into a
series of equilateral spherical triangles.
The more complex this system of
triangles, the more spherical the dome
becomes. The structure as a whole is
subjected to bending moments, but the
individual struts are rigid and only
subjected to tension and compression
forces. Applied loads are distributed
through one strut to the pins. The pins
transfer the loads to the next strut, and
this process continues until the
loadings reach the foundation. A
diagram of the load distribution is
 Pins: The pins are used at vertices to hold the struts together. The pins
must be able to resist the compressive forces transferred through the
struts. All of the vertices must have a pin connection, which allows
forces to be transmitted through to the foundation. The pins should be
weather treated to resist damage due to environmental conditions
Substructure: The foundation transfers loads from the superstructure
down into the earth. The applied loads consist of live, dead, wind,
seismic, and gravitational. All of these must be withheld by the
foundation. Although the geodesic dome is primarily a self-supporting
structure, its foundation must carry the applied loads and anchor it into
the earth. Typically, a circular concrete slab is poured onto the earth.
The struts and piers are bolted and welded to the slab as shown in the
diagrams below:
Dome models

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