Abstract
Global stability and load carrying capacity of an innovative dome comprising of double layer space frame sections with curved flexural members was discussed. The non-linear FE program ABAQUS was used to study the global stability of the dome and to investigate its pre and post failure behavior. Failure modes such as overall torsional buckling, in-plane ring buckling and symmetrical and non-symmetrical verical snap in the dome responses were identified. It was observed that the presence of restraints placed between the flexural members could prevent the occurance of premature torsional and vertical snap through buckling in the dome.