The Geodesic

Dome
Geo (earth)
Desic (divided)

Geodesic Domes are

energy and material
efficient

Geodesic Domes can

span large interior areas
Notice that
there are NO
interior support
columns

Discovered by
Buckminster Fuller

Bucky Fuller in front of

Casa Manana Theater in
Fort Worth Texas

Complicated Math?

The geodesic dome

ratio took two years
to calculate without a
computer.

Simple Directions!
Find an existing Geodesic ratio and
create triangles.

Use any material

Warning! Food will melt!

Which ratio do I use?

To build a 2V Dome
with a radius of 30cm
35 Struts 18.54 cm
each
30 Struts 16.4 cm
each

To build a 3V 5/8
Dome with a
radius of 30 cm
30 Struts 10.46 cm
each
55 Struts 12.11 cm
each

To build a 4V Dome
with a radius of 30 cm
requires:
30 Struts 7.6 cm each
30 Struts 8.86 cm each
60 Struts 8.84 cm each
70 Struts 9.39 cm each

80 Struts 12.37 cm
each

30 Struts 9.75 cm each

30 Struts 8.96 cm each

Kit homes are not a new

Idea

 Square houses have

natural fatal flaws

Domes can range from

very small

To very big

The
dome
at
Epcot
has
been
through
MANY
storms.

More triangles mean

more strength and
stability

These two designs are filed with the United

States Patent office.

Geodesics are more

common than you might
think.

South pole research

station
Pop-up tent
Dopplar weather radar
Football
(yes, this is called a football)

Your Turn!
Research, design and build a Geodesic
Dome.
You may use any dimensions and any
type of material for construction.
You must turn in the dome and a data
sheet showing which dome ratio you used
along with all math steps.
Also show the predicted and the actual
dimensions of your dome.