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Are you designing a membrane? Contact us directly.
We will help you choose the appropriate shape and technical solution already in the study phase, or we can assess the finished design. We will create an accurate model of the membrane using the form-find method. Are you considering connecting the membrane to the object? We will advise you on preparing the anchor points and provide you with a static model as a basis for the statics engineer. We will prepare a membrane project with an accurate technical description for the project for selecting a contractor.
What to consider when designing a membrane structure?
The final appearance (and also the price!) of the membrane structure will be influenced by the very design of the shape of the fabric. The dynamics of the shape of the membrane fundamentally affects the structure. A shallow membrane must be stretched (more precisely pre-tensioned) many times more than a dynamically shaped membrane. Simply put - it resists external loads better due to its shape. This directly affects the demands on the supporting structure, on columns, and ropes.
Shallow membrane = massive columns and ropes vs. dynamic membrane = subtle columns and ropes.
There are situations that do not allow the use of anchor ropes. But it is necessary to consider that by removing such an important element from the structure, the demands will be transferred to the column, which is suddenly not only subjected to pressure, but also to bending. This has a fundamental impact on the statics of the structure and, in short, on the aesthetics. The structure suddenly loses its lightness and grace.
The column should be designed to lift the membrane to the required height and should only be stressed by buckling. It should be anchored to the structure via a pivot pin or joint. This solution eliminates the moment. The rope, on the other hand, transfers all tensile forces. The system of these two structural elements is ideal for membrane structures, almost characteristic. We recommend using this solution first.
It is completely natural for the fabric to bend (deform) into an arc when stretched at the edges. This is its characteristic feature. We use this property to our advantage. However, it is also a property that cannot be eliminated other than by attaching the entire edge to the structure using a strip.
We use perimeter ropes to fix the shape of the arch. It is not recommended to design the arch deflection too small. This will cause the ropes to shift and consequently the fabric. So the (more natural) the greater the arc deflection, the more “satisfied” the fabric is.
The entire structure is designed so that after the basic shaping, the membrane can be pre-tensioned. The technical solution must therefore allow the insertion of rectifying elements. The fabric is therefore first stretched and shaped. Once we are connected to the shape, we introduce the much-needed pre-tension into the structure using tensioning mechanisms. It is fixed in this shape.
The biggest problem with membranes is the formation of a “basin” of water or snow on the fabric. This can be caused by a poorly designed membrane shape – water stays in one place on the fabric and cannot drain away. The fabric is naturally flexible and allows for some degree of deformation, which can cause it to bend under the pressure of water or snow. A poorly designed shape can result in the fabric tearing or, in worse cases, the entire structure collapsing.
We carefully check the prevention of such situations in the design program. If we discover this risk, we reshape the fabric.
Even though our structures are made of fabric, they are not just a piece of fabric hanging down. Some may be surprised by how much force a membrane can generate just by pre-tensioning, let alone after being loaded with snow, etc. That is why we are happy to invite you to join us at the project preparation stage, so that we can properly prepare the construction and eliminate unpleasant surprises during implementation.
The design of membrane structures, including shaping, loading, prestressing and shearing, is carried out in a special program. This program shapes the deformation patterns under various loads from wind, snow or their combinations. The program precisely determines the forces generated by the membrane on the structure, which will be the perfect basis for your project and either yours or our statics.