Geodesic Domes

........High Strength-to-Weight Ratio, Structural Integrity

Domes are used for gymnasiums, schools, theme parks, storage facilities, multi-purpose arenas, industrial roof systems, and churches around the world.

Owing to its high strength-to-weight ratio—and thus its ability to span great distances—aluminum is frequently chosen as the construction material for domes. Lightweight aluminum components speed the fabrication and erection of the dome roof.

Aluminum can be finished in a variety of ways and is virtually maintenance-free, unlike steel, wood or fabric dome systems.

Combination systems of aluminum extrusions and interlocking panels in various geometric designs offer ample buckling strength and bending stiffness.

All-aluminum dome structures can weigh between 3 and 9 pounds per square foot, depending on load conditions, leaving a high percentage of load-carrying capability for live loads.

Photo on top: An example of a large, clear-span aluminum dome used as a sports arena, clad with gold anodized aluminum sheet.
Photo on bottom: These barrel vaults and domes covering a water reclamation plant in Mesa, Ariz., were built in 1989 and operate in a corrosive environment. They are supported by an extruded aluminum frame and clad with anodized aluminum sheet.

The need for unobstructed, column-free interiors in many large buildings demands strong yet lightweight roof systems—an ideal application for aluminum. Examples of aluminum spherical and non-spherical lattice roof structures in spans of up to 400 feet or more abound around the globe.

Sports arenas are excellent examples of structural applications that require aluminum's high strength-to-weight ratio. Examples in the U.S. include arenas at Baylor University, the University of Connecticut, and the University of Hawaii.

Why aluminum over wood, steel, or fabric? As a structural material, aluminum offers a very high strength-to-weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, and manufacturability in a large variety of forms such as extrusions, sheet, forgings, castings, and plate. In most dome construction scenarios, aluminum applications are light enough to be handled by one worker, simplifying the erection and material-handling activities during the process.