The American Institute of Architects calls geodesic dome "the strongest, lightest and most effective structure known to men'' (source: pacificdomes.com). At the same time, many people still do not believe that geo domes can be stable and durable, because of its materials. In this article we will try to find out if the geo dome is a strong and stable structure.


The idea of effective living

To talk about the strength of geo domes, let's recall what idea was behind the creation of this type of structure. Scientist Richard Fuller was looking for a way to create a structure that would be quick to build, strong enough and cost-effective. While searching for ideas, he found geo domes. According to the scientist, such structures are an effective solution compared to traditional buildings.

“You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete.” - Richard Buckminster Fuller, promoter of geo domes.

Interesting fact. Fuller took inspiration and ideas from nature. As such, the eggshell is light and delicate, but very strong. On the other hand, a box made of cardboard - a relatively heavier and stronger material - is easily deformed.

Thanks to numerous experiments, it was possible to confirm that geodesic domes have a number of advantages over conventional residential structures. These are: versatility, ease of installation, energy efficiency, durability and strength.

The strength of triangle

What makes geo domes stable and durable? As we wrote in other articles, the dome is a geodesic structure consisting of triangles, connected to each other. Due to such elements, the structure withstands heavy loads.

Triangle is the strongest figure because it has equal angles. In other words, the load force is being evenly distributed over each edge of the triangle and only then transferred to connected elements.

This cascading load distribution is typical for spherical structures such as eggshell, for example. When “box”- shaped structures (i.e. typical forms of buildings), at the same time, do easily deform under high loads.

As a conclusion, such high strength is the result of evenly distributed power of triangles throughout the geodesic dome structure.


The ability to withstand heavy loads

Interestingly, the strength of the geo dome increases with the size of the structure.

The spherical shape withstands wind loads up to 120 km / h and snow loads - up to 160 kg / m2. Calculations are approved by a certified architect.

Each load will be evenly distributed over the entire geodetic structure. Therefore, in areas characterized by difficult climatic conditions (snow, wind, even cyclones), such geo domes are built.

Due to the excellent stability and strength of the geodesic dome, in 1975 such a structure was built for the first time at the South Pole, where resistance to snow and wind loads are particularly important.

The strength of the dome is also influenced by the quality of materials used in its construction. All ECOPOD materials are certified. Besides that, completed structures are covered by a 5-year warranty.

Richard Fuller said that people must "break free from the old building paradigm" and accept geodesic domes as an improved version of housing. If you agree with that, choose ECOPOD - we guarantee not only durability, but also quality and quickness of project implementation. .
Check the offer and create your order in the Products tab.

Geo dome ECOPOD - quality, speed, eco-friendliness.