Abstract
A study of potential bifurcation modes of dome structures is performed based on a group theoretic method for predicting the bifurcation modes. Potential bifurcation modes of a series of polygonal-shaped truss domes were advanced by investigating the subgroups of dihedral groups. These modes were classified into seven general categories and several rules regarding the presence of the modes were drawn. In addition. hierarchal structures of bifurcation modes were investigated. The information regarding bifurcation modes obtained in this manner was used to trace bifurcation buckling behavior of an eight-gonal truss dome. While an initial imperfection technique was used for tracing bifurcation buckling behavior, the information was employed to determine the initial imperfection modes which can initiate the bifurcation behavior.
