Cinesphere, an example of a Triodetic dome

A Triodetic dome is a type of geodesic dome whose space frame is constructed using Triodetic connectors, invented in 1955 by the Canadian Arthur E. Fentiman.[1][2][3]

History

Bloedel Floral Conservatory, one of the earliest Triodetic domes

Triodetic connectors were invented in 1955 by the Canadian Arthur E. Fentiman (1918–93), and patented in 1958.[1][2] The system was developed further by A. E. Fentiman's brother, Harold Gordon ("Bud") Fentiman (1921–86) and was in commercial use by 1960.[2][4] Triodetic Structures Ltd was established in 1962 to market the system; the Fentiman family sold the company in 1977.[2]

Description

The connector consists of a hub, usually of aluminium, with up to twelve slots into which tubes (the axial members) can be inserted. The assemblage is stabilized by a central bolt with a washer (through the middle of the hub). It is generally used with aluminium tubes, but stainless steel was introduced in 1966.[1][2][3] The tubes do not require bolting or welding together,[2][5] and the frame can be put together by non-specialists using basic equipment.[2]

Various shapes in addition to domes are possible, including barrel vaults, pyramids and hyperbolic paraboloids.[2] Recent applications of the system have included as foundations for building, which can function on permafrost.[2][6]

Examples of Triodetic structures

Arts Centre Melbourne
Blue Mosque

Canada

United States

Elsewhere

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c G. S. Ramaswamy, Mick Eekhout, G. R. Suresh. Introduction to space frames. In: Analysis, Design and Construction of Steel Space Frames, pp. 11–13 (Thomas Telford; 2002) doi:10.1680/adacossf.30145.0001
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x Maria Cook (13 July 2003). The Buckminster Fuller of Kanata. The Ottawa Citizen, p. C3
  3. ^ a b M. Y. H. Bangash, T. Bangash. Tension Structures. In: Elements of Spatial Structures – Analysis and Design, pp. 389–484 (Thomas Telford Publishing; 2003) doi:10.1680/eoss.31494.0012
  4. ^ Z. S. Makowski (1993). Space structures – a review of the developments within the last decade. In: Space Structures 4: Proceedings of the Fourth International Conference on Space Structures, pp. 1–8 ( G. A. R. Parke, C. M. Howard, eds) ISBN 9780727749413 doi:10.1680/ss4v1.19683.0001
  5. ^ New Products at the Building Exhibition. The British Aluminium Company, Ltd. Official Architecture and Planning 26 (11): 1163 (1963) JSTOR 44150714
  6. ^ Charly Ligety (2021). A Fresh Look at Emergency and Rapid Shelter Solutions. Cityscape 23 (2): 459–72 JSTOR 27039974
  7. ^ John Mitchell (4 May 2002). Vancouver blooms; Tropicial [sic] plants and birds flourish at Bloedel Floral Conservatory. Toronto Star, p. K18
  8. ^ Glen Harrison (2015) [2013]. Rainbow Stage, The Canadian Encyclopedia
  9. ^ Ontario Place. The Canadian Architect 62 (5): 68 (2017)
  10. ^ G. Holdsworth (1979). Installation of a Dome Shelter on Mount Logan Yukon Territory. Arctic 32 (1): 33–41 JSTOR 40508940
  11. ^ Beth Kapusta, John McMinn (2001). Engineering Canadian Modernism. The Canadian Architect 46 (4): 10–13
  12. ^ Unique structure. Daily Commercial News and Construction Record 79 (140): 2 (2006)
  13. ^ Roman Catholic Church of St Joseph, National Heritage List for England, Historic England (accessed 26 November 2023)
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