Membrane structures are one of the most attractive and most commonly used structural systems for covering of sport facilities. They have found best application on football stadiums due to the fact that they provide low thermal resistance as stadiums are usually open. They are also often used on other sport facilities that do not require thermal insulation. Transport facilities are usually not in need of thermal protection, but they do provide protection from wind, snow, rain and sunlight. Thus, membranes can often be seen on bus stops, transit centers, parking lots, airports… When covering transport facilities, membranes usually have smaller spans, although there are exceptions, like the Central train station in Dresden. If, however, thermal protection is needed, there are a few possibilities for providing it. The most successful solution is the use of double façade, with one or both facades made out of membranes.

The main reason for the attractiveness of membranes is their double curved form with negative Gaussian curvature, obtained through the formfinding process. This form is relatively unusual in architecture and thus attracts a lot of attention. This type of form is necessary for the membrane stability in the structural sense, and is dependant on supports, internal and external forces and the type of membrane material used. Two most common types are PVC and PTFE membranes, with various subtypes. The advantage of membrane material is that it serves as both support and cladding of the roof.

Excerpt from: masterbuilder

Vuk Milosevic, Nikola Cekic,
Miomir Vasov , Milos Dacic
Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Nis