Geodesic Quonset: Inexpensive, Easy DIY Shelter
Geodesic Quonset
Many folks are familiar with the concept of a Geodesic Dome, and the great advantages of strength and minimal materials,
Geodesic Dome
but most have not heard of a Geodesic Quonset, that also brings along many of the same advantages. It’s great for connecting domes, standalone as an emergency shelter, garage, or greenhouse. We built one recently, with a length of 60′, a width of 15′, and a pre-sidewall height of 7.5′. Less than 100 man hours to build, and a materials cost of less than $500 (plastic sheathing) , it’s extremely strong and functional. We built this structure using new 1″x6″ green lumber (1″x4″ was originally specified), but since all the pieces are less than 4′ in length, waste/scrap or recycled lumber would be ideal. All the pieces were screwed together using a power screwdriver and 3″ wood screws, 5 to a connection.
February 19th, 2005 @ 2:21 pm
It would seem that you could accomplish the same thing by
making a bunch of gable roof trusses and then securing them.
then using wire bracing to achieve some sort of triangleation.
February 19th, 2005 @ 11:34 pm
Your method defeats the purpose and strenght of the geodesic form. It would require much greater wood dimensions for the same strength. Download the free technical notes at http://www.chalknslate.org/products.htm for more info.