Triodetic dome
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A Triodetic dome is a type of geodesic dome whose space frame is constructed using Triodetic connectors, invented in 1955 by Canadian architect Arthur E. Fentiman.[1][2][3]
Triodetic connectors were invented in 1955 by Canadian architect Arthur E. Fentiman (1918–1993), and patented in 1958.[1][2] The system was developed further by A. E. Fentiman's brother, Harold Gordon ("Bud") Fentiman (1921–1986) 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
Canada
- Netherlands pavilion at Expo 67, Montreal, designed by Walter Eykelenboom (1967)[2]
- Bloedel Floral Conservatory, Vancouver, British Columbia (1968)[2][7]
- Rainbow Stage, Winnipeg, Manitoba (1970)[8]
- Cinesphere, Toronto, Ontario (1971)[2][9]
- Research hut on Mount Logan, Yukon (1977)[10]
- Metro Toronto Zoo pavilions (1972)[2][11]
- Niagara Falls Marineland (1974)[2]
- Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology greenhouse, Drumheller, Alberta (1985)[2]
- Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, London, Ontario (2000)[2]
United States
- Pavilion of John Fitzgerald Kennedy Library, Boston, designed by I. M. Pei (1979)[2]
- Turtle Dome (Strongheart Recreation Center), Grand Traverse, Michigan (c. 2001)[2]
- Liberace Museum extension, Las Vegas (2002)[2]
- The Strong National Museum of Play extension, Rochester, New York (2006)[12]
Elsewhere
- Roman Catholic Church of St Joseph, Wool, Dorset, England (1969–71)[13]
- Royal Botanic Garden plant house, Sydney, Australia (1974)[2]
- Arts Centre Melbourne spire, designed by Roy Grounds (1980)[2]
- Blue Mosque, Shah Alam, Malaysia (1988)[2]
- Airport terminal, Havana, Cuba (1995)[2]
- Canadian embassy, Cairo (2002)[2]
