Aluminum Geodesic Dome Panel Attachment

[mufasa1]

Gentlemen,

API650 Appendix G - G.3.2 Aluminum Panels says as follows:
"Attachment fasteners shall not penetrate both the panel and the flange of the structural member."

Manufacturers are using either lapped joint or battened joint panel attachment system. At battened joint there is no penetration to the panel , where as on the lap joint there are many on the edges. On the other hand this changes the overall cost of the dome almost 30% (battened is the more expensive one)

Can we clearly say that lap joint panel attachment system does not conform with the code?

Regards,

 

[IFRs]

If the fastener penetrates both the skin and the flange of the beam, the design does not meet API 650. This was introduced in a deliberate attempt to disallow the lap design because the lap design is inferior. Yes it is cheaper but you get what you pay for. In this case you get a performance and maintenance nightmare.