Tensile structures as the most advanced lightweight structures

Abstract

Tensile structures are currently the most advanced lightweight structures. Apart from their very small self-weight, they are also characterized by a double curved form with a negative Gaussian curvature. In addition, this is one of the most recent structural systems to be designed and because of that a lot of research work is still being done on its improvement. This paper will give a brief overview of the development of tensile structures. Their most modern sub-type, membrane structures, was analyzed in more detail. The characteristics of this system, its loading and the structural material it is made of were also studied. Special attention is paid to the form of this structural system. In the end an overview of the most significant objects constructed using the tensile structure system is offered, including the Olympic stadium in Munich as an example of cable net subsystem, and the roof of the central court in Wimbledon and the stadium in Durban as representatives of the membrane subsystem. In addition to the significant advantages of this system, the drawbacks are also highlighted.

Keywords

• tensile structures
• membranes
• double curved form
• prestressed structures
• lightweight structures