Geodesic domes are three-dimensional mesh lightweight structures used to cover large surfaces. They are increasingly used as coverings for sports stadiums, shopping centers, swimming pools and similar facilities where space is an important aspect, not limited by the need to design internal supports. Geodesic dome structures have therefore become a challenge for designers and architects looking for various construction solutions for lightweight coverings, adapted to the surrounding environment and the needs of society. They are the preferred and increasingly used type of large-span roofing.
The aim of the paper is to present a numerical analysis of geodesic domes formed on the basis of a regular octahedron. The analyzed domes are derived from two different methods of shaping the topology of their meshes. Thanks to this, the comparative analysis includes the influence of the method of connecting strut elements on the behavior of the entire structure. The analyzed structures are made of steel, which makes them lightweight structures with large spans. The presented static analysis includes vertical and horizontal displacements, tensile and compressive forces, as well as weight of generated structures. The frequent use of geodesic domes as a covering for public facilities often requires installing various types of devices or equipment that are an integral part of the entire structure. Therefore, the paper presents the suspension of additional mass in various locations of the analyzed domes. The location of the additional mass at the central, highest point of the domes was considered, as well as several cases involving asymmetric loads. Thanks to the many load variants used, as well as considering various mesh topologies of the analyzed geodesic domes, the paper presents a detailed assessment of the behavior of the structures of lightweight geodesic domes, pointing to the geometric invariance of the structures and low sensitivity to node jumps.