This paper concerns studies on the shape formation of post-tensioned a
nd shaped steel domes. The post-tensioned and shaped steel domes, asse
mbled initially at ground level in an essentially flat condition, are
shaped to a curved space form and erected into the final position by m
eans of a posttensioning technique. Based on previous studies on this
shape formation principle, three post-tensioned and shaped steel domes
have been constructed. The results of the shape formation tests and f
inite element analyses are reported in this paper. It is found that th
e first two test domes did not furnish a part-spherical shape as predi
cted by finite element analyses, because the movements of some mechani
sms were not controlled sufficiently. With a revised post-tensioning m
ethod, the third dome obtained the theoretical prediction. The test re
sults of the three post-tensioned and shaped domes have shown that a n
ecessary condition to form a desired space shape from a planar layout
with low joint stiffnesses is that the movements of all the existing m
echanisms must be effectively controlled as indicated by the finite el
ement analysis. The extent of the maximum elastic deformation of a pos
ttensioned and shaped steel structure is determined by the strength of
the top chords and their joints. However, due to the semi-rigid chara
cteristic of the top chord joints, the finite element analyses cannot
give a close prediction for the maximum elastic deformations of the po
st-tensioned and shaped steel domes. The results of the current studie
s can be helpful for the design and construction of this type of struc
ture.