The Strength Behind The Dome

As a structure the geodesic dome is strong and stable due to the frame being constructed through triangles.Triangles are the strongest structural shape as the have all fixed angles, and are very difficult to distort. This is achieved through the triangle's ability to spread loads. For example if a force is placed on one side of the triangle, its load will be spread and supported throughout the other two sides. In order to achieve this strength and a sturdy dome, the struts assembled in a triangle are called trusses which must be cut exactly to scale and the straight ends of these trusses must meet at a middle point called the node.