General Geodesic FAQs

Can my kids use the dome as a jungle gym type climber?
The 1/2" PVC is not strong enough for climbing. The megahubs are strong enough, but for insurance and liability purposes, we aren’t going to advertise ...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 4:55 PM
Wouldn't it be smarter to start building my dome at the top and work down?
There’s a certain logic to this, but if you’re building a dome of 8’ radius or greater, you’re going to get to a point where you have to lift up the base to...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 4:56 PM
How does PVC stand up in frigid temps? Does it Crack easily?
The research I’ve seen suggests the optimum temperature range of PVC pipe is 0 degrees F to 140F. Above 140 F, you start to see deformation based on softeni...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 4:56 PM
Will your 4 way and 5 way hubs work for building a 1v dome?
By the straight math, the angles don’t work. However, depending on the size of the 1V dome you’re building, you might get away with it because of the inhere...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 4:57 PM
How is it the mega hubs fit both 1” and 1 ½” pvc?
The 1 ½” goes around the hub like a sleeve, and the 1” goes inside the hub arm. They’re dual purpose.  The hubs are designed for Schedule 40 specifications.
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 4:57 PM
What are the finished sizes of your domes?
The domes are scalable. We have some standard sizes listed with every configuration, but within reason, you can make the domes any diameter you want. The he...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 4:58 PM
What kind of bolt head are on the stainless bolts?
We use pan head bolts, because they’re tapered and they fit right into the molded holes in the hubs.
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 5:00 PM
Are the connectors made at the correct angles to make the domes round?
The mathematical angles actually vary according to the frequency and according to whether it is a 4, 5, or 6-star hub.  The tops of the hubs are flat, but ...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 5:01 PM
Can Mega Dome hubs be used with 1 inch EMT conduit?
The hubs were designed to be used with Schedule 40 PVC pipe, but we know that lots of people have used different materials for struts.  The important consid...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 5:02 PM
Can the domes be covered with more permanent materials? i.e. glass, Plexiglas, wood, or a combination.
For the Mega Domes, we are aware of many people using poly-carbonate panels, screwed right into the struts and/or hubs.  Glass would be a little tricky, unl...
Tue, 12 Jan, 2021 at 5:02 PM