Engineering Research Of Tensioned Membrane Structures

Tensioned membrane structure, as a current special structure, has been developed for more than sixty years since the 40's of the 20th century and being widely applied to large space structures such as stadiums, gymnasiums, etc. In this work, the theoretical and engineering studies of tensioned membrane structures are conducted .The main subjects are summarized as follows:In theoretical study:1.Force density method of form-finding analysis is improved through introducing T-elements. In this method, the element-joint topological matrix including T-element is established and the equilibrium equations of both T-element joint and standard joint are unified. The overall form-finding formulas of force-density method are then deduced. Using these formulas and their computer program, membrane structure with cables, cable boundaries or fixed boundaries can be analyzed.2.Formulations for static analysis of membrane structure under external loading are given. In these formulations a cable-net model similar to that of form-finding analysis of force density method is used to simulate the continuous membrane structure. The equilibrium equations of static analysis of tensioned membrane structure and the stiffness matrix for Newton Method are deduced on the basis of the cable-net model.3.The formula of calculating the shrink compensation of a membrane structure is proposed. To determine the compensation value is the major part of cutting analysis and is one of main problems in the research field of membrane structure. Firstly the formula of modifying coordinates of flattened clothes is deduced. With two-step method, the double-curved surface is flattened and the initial stress is released. Then, the influence factors such as prestress, nonlinear behavior of membrane materials and creep on compensation value are studied. And also the coupling of compensation value and interior force of the loaded membrane structure is analyzed. From the engineering perspective, the formula of compensation value is proposed and established.4.Static analysis for formed membrane structure under external loadings. The pre-stress value of formed membrane structure based on cutting pattern could be different from the pre-stress value designed by form-finding, because of the...