PANEL SYSTEMS


PRS
The flat bolted strut end is a design element incorporated 
in the PANEL RESTRAINING STRUT (PRS) system  
of geodesic dome construction, 
wherein panels are held in place using a 2 part strut 
similar to conventional metal window frames (See Plans).

PMT
A third method currently under development 
seeks a simple solution to dome enclosure 
by making the strut integral with the panel. 
This system is called Panel Modular Tensegrity (PMT) construction. 
In this system, flat sheets of material are cut. 
Edge flaps are folded toward the center of the dome 
forming the modular panel. 
The flaps of adjacent panels, when constructing the dome, 
butt-up to each other and are fastened together forming the strut 
( similar in shape to an I-Beam or "T"-Beam ). 
The Vertices of adjacent panels are then "laced" together 
providing Tensile-Integrity (Tensegrity) between the panels 
and throughout the dome. 
This is what makes a PMT dome work 
because every panel pulls away from its adjacent (neighboring) panels 
and must be tensily bound to each other.  
Shear elements may also need to be provided, for the dome to act as a unit.
The tensile elements alone may provide sufficient shear resistance
between adjacent panels, in some cases ( for instance if the panels are
wired together ).  Some tensile elements provide strength in only one
direction (as is the case with "Velcro" Tensile Elements ).
Additional Shear Elements must then be provided in the shear plane
between the adjacent PMT Panels.
Success in maintaining Tensile Integrity over an extended time period 
is one of the keys to PMT construction  along with  effectively sealing
between panels .
PMT Example and Plans


HPT

Another system of panular dome construction is called "HINGED PANEL
TENSEGRITY. This method uses solid panels connected by hinges. 
(To be elaborated upon....)

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