A finite element model was established to investigate the stability and bearing capacity of the reticulated dome with steel plates during the construction period of concrete dome using ANSYS. The meshing density was evaluated with the energy error. The nonlinear load-deflection complete process analysis was carried out. Taking the buckling mode at the critical point as initial geometric imperfection form of the dome, the stressed-skin effect on the dome was investigated. The effect of the steel plate thickness, beam section size, rise to span ratio and initial geometric imperfections on the stability of the reticulated dome was discussed. Analysis results show the stressed-skin effect on the dome is significant. The ultimate bearing capacity of structure increases with span ratio in the range of 1／8～1／5, while the maximum increment percentage is 87.3％. The reticulated dome with steel plates is highly sensitive with initial geometric imperfection.