The bolt-ball joint system with actual bend-bearing capacity can be used in single-layer reticulated domes.Both experimental study and sophisticated finite element analysis were carried out to obtain the bending capacity of the joint which was described by bending-rotation curves.The finite element model of a single-layer reticulated dome with bolt-ball joints was established by ANSYS,in which spring elements were used to simulate bending stiffness of the joint obtained experimentally.The stability of single-layer domes was analyzed.Results indicate that the single-layer dome with bolt-ball joints is sensible to asymmetry load distribution and its buckling is process always accompanied with bending of the joint.The critical load of a single-reticulated dome with bolt-ball joints is 32% as that of much as the rigid dome at least,and the percentage will be over 98% at most.But for a single-layer cylindrical reticulated dome,the percentage is only 10% ,indicating that the bolt-ball joint system can be used in single-layer reticulated domes,but should not be used in a single-layer cylindrical reticulated dome.