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<h1><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif" color="#135cae"><u><strong>Fundamentals</strong></u></font> </h1><p><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"> A geodesic dome is an almost spherical structure based on a network of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strut">struts</a> arranged on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_circle">great circles </a><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic">(geodesics</a>) lying approximately on the surface of a sphere. The geodesics intersect to form triangular elements that have local triangular rigidity and yet also distribute the stress across the entire structure. It is the only man-made structure that gets proportionally stronger as it increases in size. When completed to form a full sphere, it is known as a geodesic sphere. Of all known structures made from linear elements, a geodesic dome has the highest ratio of enclosed volume to weight. Geodesic domes are far stronger as complete units than the individual struts would suggest. It is common for a new dome to reach a "critical mass" during construction, shift slightly, and lift any attached scaffolding from the ground.</font> </p>