Worlds Strongest Dome Tents: Tensegrity - Geodesic Tent Structures

Shelter Systems' structures are both tensegrity and geodesic. We call them Geotensic ™. They have a highest strength-to-weight ratio for a dome tent make of the same materials. Shelter Systems' domes for the materials used are the strongest in the world. We could use other materials to make our domes stronger but they would be more expensive, harder to put up and in most cases be much heavier.

We gain simplicity and strength by combining tensegrity and geodesic construction. Both Tensegrity and geodesics are confusing to build but by separating the tension and compression parts of the shelter. The continuous tension covering serves as a map for were the discontinuous poles go making for easy and quick assembly.

The materials we use to make are domes has been chosen for their strength, durability and affordability. The structural technology used from the fasteners to join the materials together to the structural interactions of the materials maximize the strength to weight to cost ratio.

Shelter Systems' structures are tensegrity structures because the poles are not attached to each other except by the tension of the covering (that is, the poles would not stand without the covering). They are geodesic structures because most of the poles and shape of the covering follow the shortest line on a sphere. Geotensic ^tm structures make possible the greatest strength to weight possible in a self supporting shelter.

A little history: Robert Gillis was studying tensegrity and geodesics while living in a large suspended tent at the University of Southern Illinois in the early 1970's. It became clear to him that there was a practical way to apply tensegrity to structure. The Geotensic ^tm tent structure above evolved from earlier tensegrity models like those below.

The cable tension network was removed from outside of the structure and transferred to an inside in the form tensile covering. Thus was born Geotensic ^tm tent structures.

This early Geotensic^tm structure was further simplified by bending the poles into an arch.

So how strong are Shelter Systems' domes and yurts?
They are very strong. They are drum tight and shed the wind well. However all structures can fail in extreme wind or snow and our domes are no exception. Shelter Systems' domes, yurts and relief tents have endured gusts in excess of 50 mph. You should not expect our domes to hold up constant or extream wind. In continuous strong wind the structures are in constant vibrations. This vibration will eventually wear out the domes components. Our strongest domes are our 18' and 30'. Shelter Systems domes are self guying and do not require additional external guy lines to handle most winds. (Most tents require guy lines to handle wind.) The covering we use in our domes is a high strength tensile material (does not stretch); this, when combined with the curved cross bracing web of poles produces a structure which behaves like a balloon under high pressure in the wind. The covering is drum tight and does not flap in the wind. Domse if damaged in extreme wind they usually only brake a few poles with no damage to the covering. Some spare poles are included with the dome and broken poles are easily repaired by inserting a branch into the broken section. Although Shelter Systems' domes will hold some snow you should not count on them. Falling snow can accumulate fast and can be very heavy. Be sure to knock snow off your dome or melt the snow off by heating the inside of your dome. You will not find a stronger self supporting dome tent made of like materials.

1 1/2-YEAR GUARANTEE. If for any reason you're not completely pleased with your purchase, return it in original, clean condition within 30 days of receipt for a full refund or exchange as you wish. All items in this catalog have a warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for 1 1/2 years. Should any product prove defective we will repair or replace it at no cost to you. Special Orders are not returnable. Read Snow and Wind Warnings.

Questions? Orders & Customer Service: Toll Free 866-777-1066 or 831-464-2002 eleanor@shelter-systems.com Technical: 650-323-6202 bob@shelter-systems.com. Copyright © Shelter Systems 1976 - 2008 All Rights Reserved