Name: Eric M.
Status: Student
Age: 20s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: July 2003
Question:
You answered the question What is the strongest
geometric figure: a triangle and a star. I always thought it was a
geodesic dome? Is that wrong? A geodesic dome is like the Epcot Center's
golf ball and is supposed to become the strongest structure if it is big
enough.
Replies:
I still stand by my statement (made over 10 years ago!!!!): I was always
taught that the triangle was the strongest structure when it comes to
design of structural members. Now, with that statement, you will also
notice that the geodesic dome design incorporates a plethora of triangles
to conform to its shape. I have read the other response to this question,
and he makes the comment about 2d and 3d differences. Thus, the geodesic
dome takes the triangle into a third dimension (if you will) to give it
depth and height and give the triangle a load in all three planes, whereas
a bridge tends to load the triangles in just one plane. A triangle is
great for structural members because it gives you great strength for
minimal material cost. Now, I am sure others will have a different
opinion because of different applications. I do not think there is one
"definite" answer to this issue because different applications can have
different answers. The geodesic dome is a great struct!
It gives a large volume of space for minimum material cost. Hope this helps.
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