MEMBRANE

STRUCTURES
Submitted to submitted by
Ar. Vijaya Lakshmi Suresh –16C01C4005
Rama reddy –16C01C4017
Sadguna–16C01C4018
Aishwarya –16C01C4028
Pratima – 16C01C4035
 INTRODUCTION

• Membrane structure always referred as Tensioned Fabric

Structure (TFS)-an advanced roofing structure by using the
polymer textile to be a roofing material.
• This is a structure with thin, flexible surface (membrane) that
carries loads primarily through tensile stresses.
• Tensioned membrane material is considered to be the fifth
construction element after metal, stone, glass, and concrete.
• Tension roofs and facade are those in which every part of the
structural element is loaded in tensile force only, with no
requirement to resist compression or bending moment forces.
HISTORY
• Simple tensile structures were used as shelters or tent-like
structures for centuries, primarily by nomadic cultures,
Mongolians.
• The cover materials they were using was animal skins,
primitive woven mats, or an intertwined plant fibres.
• The idea behind developing of tensile structures were
American architect and system theorist Richard Buckminster
engineer......
CLASSIFICATION
• Based on the structures
o Tent structures
A tensile structure is a construction of
elements carrying only tension and no
compression or bending.

o Pneumatic structures
Membrane structure that is
stabilized by the pressure of
compressed air.
• Based on the surfaces
o Synclastic surfaces
Upward loads are resisted by a stress increase about both axes of the
fabric while downward loads are neutralized by internal pressure.
Inflatable fabric structures are simplistic forms.
o Anticlastic surface
Fibers with convex curvature.
One surface resists the upward load by increasing tension, while fiber
with concave surface increase their tension to resist downward loads.
BASIC FORMS
MOST COMMONLY OBSERVED SHAPES AND FORMS:

MAST SUPPORTED POINTED SUPPORTED

ARCHED SUPPORTED
FRAMED SUPPORTED

SIMPLE SADDLE SHAPED

DESIGN PROCESS

1.The first step in designing a fabric structure is to create a form with

sufficient Pre-stress or tension.
• Fabric structures must be clamped to a frame or be pre-stressed in order
to avoid “fluttering” like a flag or sail.

2.The second step is to Determine the boundaries of the tensioned fabric.

Boundaries include frames, walls, beams, columns and cables.
• The fabric is either continuously clamped to frames, walls or beams or
attached to columns with membrane plates with adjustable hardware.
• In most cases the fabric forms a curved edge or “Catenery” between
connection points requiring a cable, webbing belt or rope to carry loads
to the major structural points.
3.Once the primary points have been determined, the third step is
referred to as “FORM FINDING”.
• Form finding is the art of discovering the most efficient structure
which can be fabricated with as little waste as possible and can be
transported and installed with ease, installation and fabrication.

4.The last step in the design process is ANALYSING the structure’s

response to loads, including dead loads and live loads (snow, wind,
etc.).
 CONSTRUCTION DETAILS

BASE PLATE TO GET

CATERNARY CABLES FOR MAST CLEAT, CLIPS AND
ANCHORED BOLTS RIGHT
SIDE CONNECTION BALE RINGS

MEMBRANE PLATE LINK

EXTRUDED MEMBER TRIPOD HEAD WITH
AND CONNECTER
CATENERY CABLE
CONSTRUCTION DETAIL
Compression rings at the top of conical shaped
structures.
Entire structure is tensioned at the top by lifting the
ring

Catenary cables are used along the perimeter stretching

from mast to mast installed inside a pocket inside a
membrane

Provide link from embrace to structural masts

These plates are installed to accept membrane
cetenary cables and pin connections hardware.
EDGE ,CURVE CATERNARY CONNECTOR TO THE
CABLES GROUND-TIE DOWNS

EDGE DETAILS OF CATENARY CABLES ,COMPPRESSION MEMBERS

AND MASTS
 COVERINGS
1.0 Teflon coated 2.0 Ethylene
fiberglass (PTFE) tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE)
•1.Large scale permanent structures •High transparency (97%)
• Non Combustible •More than 25 year life span
• Life span of over 25 years. structures.
•Waterproof, resists UV Rays, chemically •Self cleaning
inert. •Single or multi-layers
• Colors now available membrane • 100% recyclable
bleaches to milky white •Can take 400 times of its own
weight.
3.0 Vinyl coated polyester 4.0 High density
(PVC/PVDF) polyethylene (HDPE)

• Most cost effective • Shading only(UV stable)

• Temporary and permanent 2 More • Variety of styles, colors & shade
than 25 year life span structures. factors
• Soft, pliable and easy to handle • High tensile strength
• Less expensive than PTFE and ETFE. • Fire and non fire resistant

• Variety of colors, weights, it’s own • Well suited for dry/hot climates
weight. topcoats and textures. • Protection from sun and hail

• Fire resistant

• life span of 20+ years

 COVERING MESH AND CANVAS

5.0 High Density 6.0 Stenotherm and GSA

Polyethylene (HDPE)
1 Shading only (UV stable)
Fabrics
1Lightweight,beautifullytransluscent.
2 Variety of styles, colors & shade
2.Impressive thermal and acoustic
factors
benefits.
3 High tensile strength
3.UV protection during the day and
4 Fire and non fire resistant Stunning appearance at night.
5 Well suited for dry/hot climates

6. Protection from sun and hail

ADVANTAGES
1.Natural Light
2.Reverse illumination at Night
3.Easy to handle, as light in weight
4.Unique shapes
5.Retraction, Dismantling & Re-
erection possible
6.Colors available
7.Graphic customization possible
8.Graphic projection possible
9.Suitable for a wide spectrum of size
& applications
10.Pre-engineered Modular structures
possible
11.Rapid on site installation
12.Large clear Spans possible
13.Resistance to corrosive
environments
14.Easy to adapt to existing structures
for renovation
15.Can be combined with different
materials
16.Can exist in all & extreme climatic
conditions
ADVANTAGES

1.Natural Light 4.Unique shapes

9.Suitable for a wide spectrum of 6.Colors available

size & applications
DISADVANTAGES

• Poor durability
• Poor thermal insulation
• Poor sound insulation
• Poor resistant to local load
• Non-renewable material
THANK YOU.................