The object of this study is to investigate the stability of the Church of the Nazarene Varax dome under various load distributions. A model of the dome constructed using I-DEAS is presented and results of linear and nonlinear analyses are discussed. A comparison between the critical load obtained using nonlinear analysis and combined linear and nonlinear analysis is made. The model is modified to include flexible joints and bracing to model the decking. The effect of these modifications on the critical load is discussed. / Master of Science