Step 1: Understanding What Is Geodesic Dome.
Based on my findings from wikipedia.
"A geodesic dome is a spherical or partial-spherical shell structure or lattice shell based on a network of great circles (geodesics) lying on the surface of a sphere. The geodesics intersect to form triangular elements that have local triangular rigidity and also distribute the stress across the entire structure. When completed to form a complete sphere, it is known as a geodesic sphere. The term "dome" refers to an enclosed structure and should not be confused with non-enclosed geodesic structures such as geodesic climbers found on playgrounds."
Article above was taken from Wikipedia.
From this example picture, it gives me a more clear picture of how a geodesic dome looks like.
Step 2 ; Figuring Out How To Construct A Geodesic Dome
For this step, i went to http://www.desertdomes.com/ to get the mathematical calculation on how to build a geodesic dome.
And than using the Dome Calculator, i decided to go for
Radius Of 25cm
So the length of the sticks are.
A : 8.7
B : 10.1
C : 10.3
Than i printed the two pages (Dome Calculator & Assembly Diagram) from this website to use it as a guideline for the construction process.
Step 3 : Building Materials.
The material for this project is the satay bamboo sticks and the masking tape.
They can be easily available to get from the local mini market in front of USM Sg. Dua Entrance.
Step 4 : Construction Process.
The next step will be shown through a series of pictures staring from the beginning till the end of the product.
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| Picture 1 |
Firstly, we must have all the tools needed to construct a geodesic dome ready.
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| Picture 2 |
The next thing is cutting the satay bamboo sticks according to the required length measured.
For me, i have to cut the bamboo sticks in 3 different length based on the calculation given from the Dome Calculator which is :
A : 8.7 cm
B : 10.1 cm
C : 10.3 cm
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| Picture 3 |
Next is placing the sticks on the printed motif to make more easy for me to glue them according to the right angle.
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| Picture 4 |
After that, i used the masking tape to hold the sticks together firmly.
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| Picture 5 |
The picture above shows how the sticks looks like after it is sticked together.
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| Picture 6.1 |
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| Picture 6.2 |
The two pictures above shows two different type of connector. One is 6-way connector and the other is 5-way connector. This technique will help me during the construction process so that i wouldn't stick wrongly one another.
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| Picture 7 |
The picture above shows that how i am using the masking tape to stick the satay bamboo sticks. This process is to make the main ring or the main individual unit of the geodesic dome.
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| Picture 8.1 |
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| Picture 8.2 |
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| Picture 8.3 |
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| Picture 8.4 |
The picture 8.1 to 8.4 shows how i combined the main individual units( please refer Picture 7 ).
The picture 8.1 shows the process of combining the main two unit and slowly progressing towards the end product which is the combination of multiple units.
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| Picture 9 |
Picture 9 shows that the main structure of the geodesic dome is complete, but there are some cleaning process needed to be done.
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| Picture 10 |
Meanwhile, picture 10 is showing how i use the scissor to remove excessive masking tape from the geodesic structure.
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| Picture 11 |
From picture 11, after all the cleaning process is done, i use extra printed motifs to paste on the connection area to make it more presentable and clean.
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| Picture 12 |
Finally, picture 12 shows the end product of my geodesic dome."still fresh from the oven"
Step 5 : Product Show
Conclusion From This Project.
This is a very interesting project to do because i really understand how triangle structures can be combined to create a product/model/building..
Besides that, I am able to understand how the beam and column for a normal building construction can be transformer or replaced by this kind of triangular structure.
Project Info.
Client : Wan Burhanuddin bin Wan Abidin
Architect : Mohibbuddin Design Ptd. Ltd.
Structural Consultant : Tara Landry ( Desert Domes )
Main Contractor : Mohib Bina Sdn. Bhd.
Main Contractor : Mohib Bina Sdn. Bhd.
Construction Site: Aman Damai, USM ( For the model )
Kedai Nasi Kandar Istimewa ( For the blog editing )
Construction Hours: 16 hours ++
Cost Of Construction : Around Rm 25.00
Number Of Foreign Worker : 0
Local Worker : 1 ( myself)
Handing Over Date: 4 August 2010
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