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Instructions on How to Build a Dome

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2v Dome calculation tool

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Radius

https://geo-dome.co.uk/2v_tool.asp

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Strut 'A' length : 4.92

Strut 'B' length : 5.56

Diameter : 18.00

  • Decide on a purpose and scale for the dome. (e.g. create the dome as a tent for kids, a planter, a bin etc or just a mini structure)
  • Once you have decided on the radius for the dome, you can then use the calculator tool to determine the side/strut lengths for the triangles.

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How to use the calculator tool: Put in the desired radius for the dome. (Tip: put the number without the unit e.g ‘10’ not ‘10 cm’) You will get the lengths of ‘side A’ and ‘side B’ for your triangles (which will be listed as Strut ‘A’ and Strut ‘B’).

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To create a small dome of radius 9 cm, you will need:

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  • 30 Isosceles triangles (AAB) with 2 side lengths (A) 5 cm, and base is (B) 6 cm. You can construct these triangles by drawing an arc (5 cm) using a compass.
  • 10 Equilateral triangles (BBB) with side lengths (B) 6 cm. These triangles will have three congruent angles measuring 60° each.

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For the Isosceles triangles, measure a base of 6 cm. Measure 2 equal sides of 5 cm each using a compass. You will need 30 of these triangles.

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Similarly, construct Equilateral triangles measuring 6 cm on each side and angles of 60°. You will need 10 of these triangles.

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Draw 1 cm flaps on each side of the triangle. Cut out the triangles with the flaps and fold the flaps.

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Join two Isosceles triangles (AAB) together making sure the ‘A’ sides of both triangles are together. Label the two sides that are the same length ‘A’ and the third side ‘B’.

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Keep joining 5 triangles until you have a pentagon. Remember that the ‘A sides’ should be joined together.

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You will end up with 6 of these Pentagons.

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Attach two pentagons together by using 2 equilateral triangles between them as shown in the image. The equilateral triangles are the darker triangles in the picture. Keep adding the next pentagon until you have 5 pentagons in a row.

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You will start to see your rounded ‘dome’ shape. Five pentagons make up the dome walls and the last pentagon makes up the top (roof) of the dome.

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You can use a staple, glue gun or MakeDo screws to join the flaps together.