The main characteristics of architectural membrane structure

The characteristics of membrane structure as a building system mainly depend on its unique form and the performance of the membrane material itself. Precisely because of this, membrane structure can create design solutions that cannot be achieved by traditional building systems.
Lightweight
The reason why the tension structure has a small self-weight is that it relies on prestressed form rather than materials to maintain the stability of the structure. As a result, its self-weight is much smaller than that of traditional building structures, but it has good stability. Architects can use its lightweight and large span characteristics to design and organize structural details, and organically unify its light and stable structural characteristics.
Light transmittance
Light transmittance is one of the characteristics of modern membrane structures. The light transmittance of membrane materials can provide the required illumination for buildings, which is very important for building energy conservation. This is especially important for some commercial buildings that require more light and high brightness. Through the comprehensive use of natural lighting and artificial lighting, the light transmittance of membrane materials can provide a larger aesthetic creation space for architectural design. At night, light transmittance turns the membrane structure into a light sculpture.
The light transmittance of membrane materials is determined by its base fiber, coating and its color. The spectral transmittance of standard membrane materials is between 10% and 20%, some membrane materials can reach 40%, and some membrane materials are opaque. The transmittance of membrane materials and the choice of light color can be adjusted by the color of the coating or the color of the surface layer.
Through the appropriate combination of membrane materials and translucent thermal insulation materials, the multilayer membrane containing the thermal insulation layer can be made translucent. Even if the spectral transmittance is only a few percentage points, the membrane roof is still shiny and translucent to the human eye, with the appearance of a light roof.
Flexibility
Tensile membrane structures are not rigid and will deform under the action of wind loads or snow loads. The membrane structure adapts to the external load by deformation. In this process, the radius of curvature of the membrane surface in the direction of the load will decrease until it can more effectively resist the load.
The flexibility of the tensile structure allows it to produce large displacements without permanent deformation. The elastic properties and prestress level of the membrane material determine the deformation and response of the membrane structure. The flexible characteristics of adapting to nature can inspire people's architectural design inspiration.
Different membrane materials have different flexibility. Some membrane materials are extremely flexible and will not crack or break due to folding. Such materials are the basis and prerequisite for effectively realizing movable and deployable structures.
Sculptural Sense
The unique curved surface of the tensile membrane structure gives it a strong sculptural sense. The membrane surface achieves self-balance through tension. The sense of balance of the ups and downs of the negative Gaussian membrane surface makes the larger structure look like it is floating lightly between heaven and earth as if it has escaped the constraints of gravity. This sculptural texture is exciting both indoors and outdoors.
Tensile membrane structures allow architects to design a variety of tension-self-balanced, complex and vivid spatial forms. As the light changes throughout the day, the sculptural membrane structure presents different forms through light and shadow. At sunrise and sunset, light with low incident angles will highlight the curvature and relief effect of the roof. When the sun is at apogee, the streamlined boundary of the membrane structure casts a curved shadow on the ground. Using the light transmittance and reflectivity of the membrane material, designed artificial lighting can also make the membrane structure a light sculpture.
Safety
The light tensile membrane structure designed in accordance with the existing national standards and guidelines has sufficient safety. Lightweight structures can maintain good stability under horizontal loads such as earthquakes.
Because the light weight of the light structure is light, even if an accidental collapse occurs, its danger is less than that of traditional building structures. When the membrane structure is torn, if the structural layout can ensure that the rigid supporting members such as masts and beams do not collapse, the danger will be even smaller.
The flexibility of the membrane structure enables it to bear the load in the most favorable form under any load. Of course, the layout and shape of the structure should be designed and adjusted according to the load conditions. The design should ensure that the membrane surface and its auxiliary structure work in coordination to avoid the concentration of force on the membrane surface or auxiliary structure to reach the critical value of structural damage.
Function
Due to the characteristics of the tensile membrane structure, it can meet many different architectural functional requirements, from simple shading structures to large buildings with complex functions, and for some functional requirements, it is the only one that is most suitable.
Expressive architectural form
Buildings with specific functions can be expressed through intentions, and the unique appearance of the tensile membrane structure reflects the natural beauty of the building itself.
These architectural forms themselves and the traditional buildings that coordinate with them constitute interesting landmark buildings on the ground. Excellent membrane structure design is an organic fusion of structure and appearance, which makes it stand out and organically integrates with the natural environment, history and modern urban landscape.
Lightweight structures can be seen as large sculptures that can add vitality to the surrounding space and become a complement and focus of the surrounding environment.
Resist the influence of weather
An important function of membrane roofs is to resist the influence of various weather changes (such as sun, rain, wind and snow, etc.) on its internal space and maintain the comfort inside the building. When choosing the form and material of the membrane surface, all possible weather conditions should be taken into account, and passive methods such as the building itself should be used as much as possible to reduce energy consumption.
Porous membrane materials can be used as a shielding structure. It can control the transmission and reflection of light, so that the room has scattered light, and promote natural ventilation, so that the roof temperature is the same as the temperature of the surrounding environment, and avoid downward heat radiation.
In order to resist wind and snow, the shape of the membrane surface should make drainage smooth and convenient, and avoid the formation of water pockets or snow accumulation on it. During the installation and shaping phase before prestressing, the tensile membrane structure is very sensitive to these loads. In order to drain rainwater, the membrane and joints must be sealed and waterproof, and the membrane edges must also be specially detailed to prevent rainwater from entering the room.
Mobility and temporary nature
Another outstanding advantage compared to other structures is that the lightweight structure has an adjustable impact on the environment. It also has two important characteristics, namely mobility and flexibility.
The structure can be repeatedly dismantled and rebuilt in different locations, which is the mobility of the tensile membrane structure. It combines nomadic and settled architecture. The softness of the membrane makes it easy to transport and easy to quickly build, and it takes up very little space when idle. This characteristic makes the membrane structure very suitable for temporary movable buildings, especially when sudden disasters or emergencies occur and shelter is needed for a large number of people in a short period of time.
On the other hand, in addition to the comfort comparable to permanent buildings, movable membrane structures also introduce a new concept in the construction industry, that is, the separation of the ownership of houses from the ownership of land. Buildings are no longer immovable, but movable. This mobility and reusability are of great significance in accelerating the development of modern cities and the transformation of architectural functions in certain special areas.
Expandability and adaptability
Expandable structures can be seen as a man-made adaptive system that, like many natural organisms, can change its form according to needs. Their spatial arrangement and response to weather changes are flexible and adaptive. Active energy saving can be achieved by controlling natural light and internal temperature. Expandable structures can be open or closed, and their flexibility allows them to change the properties of space. The elegant sliding of the carefully designed expandable roof embodies the harmony between man and nature. It is called a creation, and the full combination of lightness and expandability forms the concept of "construction-free house", which can be realized at any time or place.