Abstract: By an example of analyse and design of one single layer cylindrical lattice shell with low rise-span ratio,mechanical characteristic of the shell was analyzed;the effect of support stiffness on the shell was discussed;the method of structure of shell joint and design of shell were introduced;especially the global stability was studied.It was concluded that single layer cylindrical lattice shell with low rise-span ratio was sensitive to stiffness of support and initial geometrical imperfections;and if plastic is considered,the critical load of the shell will be reduced greatly by contrast with elastic critical load;stiffness of support has different effect on the shell in different load cases.