HISTORY • Cost-effective for large spans: Membrane

structures can cover wide areas with minimal

1. These early structures relied on natural
material, which makes them a cost-effective
materials like animal skins, stretched
solution for large spaces like stadiums and
over poles, and were lightweight and
pavilions.
portable.
• Sustainable and energy-efficient: Many
2. Shukhov's structure, built for an industrial
membrane materials are recyclable, and their
fair, covered an area of 27,000 square
translucency allows natural light to pass
meters using steel and fabric, showcasing
through, reducing the need for artificial
the potential of tensile architecture.
lighting and saving energy
3. Around this time, architects and
• Quick construction times: Prefabricated
engineers began experimenting more
membrane components are easy to transport
with tensile membranes in public and
and install, speeding up construction
cultural buildings.
compared to traditional building methods.
4. Otto’s work demonstrated how tensile
structures could be used for permanent, Challenges of Membrane Structures
large-scale architecture.
5. Architects like Nicholas Goldsmith, David • Susceptibility to weather conditions:
Geiger, and companies like Birdair, Inc. Membrane materials can be vulnerable to
have further developed membrane extreme weather, such as strong winds or
structures for stadiums, airports, and heavy snow, which can put stress on the
exhibition halls. structure.
• Limited lifespan of certain materials: Some
MEMBRANE STRUCTURE membrane materials, like PVC, may Types of
Membrane Structures
Membrane structures are thin-shelled structures
that achieve stability and strength through • Pneumatic Membrane: These structures are
tension. They are composed of flexible materials, held up by internal air pressure. A membrane
typically textiles or polymers, which can be shaped is inflated, creating stability through the
into various forms. pressure difference between the inside and
outside air. Pneumatic structures come in two
COMMON MISCONCEPTION types: air-supported, where the entire
structure is pressurized, and air-inflated,
• FABRIC STRUCTURES CANNOT TAKE HEAVY
where only specific elements are pressurized
WEATHER CONDITIONS IS AN INCORRECT
to provide support.
STATEMENT.
• Tensile Membrane: Stability is achieved
• FABRIC IS ELASTIC AND STRETCHES. Fabric has a through tension in the fabric, which is
strong tensile strength and will creep (stretch very stretched and anchored by cables, steel
slightly) only a few percent over 20 years of use. frames, or masts. This type is ideal for large,
open spaces like stadiums, exhibition halls,
ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES and outdoor canopies due to its flexibility,
Advantages of Membrane Structures lightness, and durability.
• environmental factors, requiring eventual
• Lightweight and requires less foundation: replacement.
Membrane structures are made from • Requires specialized maintenance:
lightweight materials, reducing the need for Membranes need regular inspection and care
heavy foundations and making them suitable to maintain tension and prevent wear, which
for various environments. can require specialized knowledge and tools.
• Flexible and adaptable to various forms: The • Structural complexity demands advanced
materials used in membranes are highly engineering: Designing membrane structures
flexible, allowing architects to create unique, requires careful tension calculations and
flowing shapes that traditional materials sometimes complex support systems, making
can't easily achieve. advanced engineering expertise essential.
TYPES OF ROOF - Cables and frames
- Flood barriers
• Saddle Roof: A four-point or multi-point - Membrane tents – air filled tubes
system where fabric is stretched between - Suits – medical workers
alternating high and low points, creating a
saddle shape. Often used in stage covers, with
visible A-frames and cables shaping the fabric.
• Mast Supported: Resembling a tent, this
structure features one or multiple peaks
supported by masts (either interior or
perimeter). The fabric connects to the mast
with a bale ring or cable loop.
• Arch Supported Roof: Uses curved arches as
main supports, with cross arches for stability.
High stress areas require precise design to
handle bending moments, keeping the shape
intact under pressure.

TYPES OF MEMBRANE STUCTURES

• Pneumatic Membrane: These structures are

held up by internal air pressure. A membrane
is inflated, creating stability through the
pressure difference between the inside and
outside air. Pneumatic structures come in two
types: air-supported, where the entire
structure is pressurized, and air-inflated,
where only specific elements are pressurized
to provide support.
• Tensile Membrane: Stability is achieved
through tension in the fabric, which is
stretched and anchored by cables, steel
frames, or masts. This type is ideal for large,
open spaces like stadiums, exhibition halls,
and outdoor canopies due to its flexibility,
lightness, and durability.

VIDEO

- Air supported roof

- Tokyo Dome
- O.8 mmm thick
- Interior air pressure without pillars or
suspension cables
- First used 1970 Osaka Expo for US Pavilion

Merits

- Sunlight in
- Light roof – earth quake resistant
- Unobstructed by pillars

- Large membrane panels – 30 years