A Geodesic Dome-Type Based on Pure Plate Action

Abstract

In recent years a theory for pure plate-domes has been developed. The strength and global stability for plate domes are based on membrane forces in the plates and and the transfer of shear forces between the plates. The theoretical relation to the traditional lattice-dome type, whose strength and global stability are based on bars and nodes, is so close, that the two dome types may be regarded as opposites, as mirror images, antagonists, polars, reciprocals or, as used in the following: Duals. Even for creating the system of the facets, the traditional lattice-dome methods can be used, if only nodes are replaced by plates and bars by shear force resistant “lines of support” as intersection lines between the plates. Some methods for systematic generation of facets will be discussed, as well as some advantages of using plate-domes instead of lattice-domes.