Space truss dome

A method for defining a large span dome having a principal surface of desired curvature defined by a primary network comprised by a plurality of structural struts interconnected at junctions spaced throughout the surface, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) defining the principal network with struts having cross-sectional dimensions and shapes which are substantially uniform throughout the network,
• b) defining those cross-sectional dimensions and shapes with reference to loads and loading modes expected to be encountered by network struts at and adjacent to a perimeter of the dome, and
• c) supplementing the network over a selected central area of the dome with a truss system which is connected inside the dome to the network and which has structural strength in combination with that of the adjacent portions of the network to effectively withstand expected loads tending to produce snap-through of the network.

A method for internally bracing against substantial curvature change a dome having a principal surface of selected curvature which is triangulated within a dome perimeter by structural members interconnected at junctions essentially in the surface, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) defining inside the dome adjacent a selected portion of the principal surface spaced inwardly from the dome perimeter a grid of structural elements arranged to define a plurality of corner-connected un-nested triangular areas each of which has a corner thereof located adjacent substantially the midlength of a principal surface structural member so that each area lies subjacent a corresponding triangle of structural members, and
• b) structurally joining each corner connection in the grid of structural elements to each of the structural member junctions most proximate thereto .