Membrane Roof for an Amphitheater in Brazil: Searching for the Optimal Design

Abstract

This paper addresses the investigation of the performance of a structural membrane roof project for an amphitheater in Ouro Preto, Brazil. It aims to improve the geometry of the roof structural system in order to withstand structural loads with minimal system mass. This investigation is based on nonlinear structural analysis. A set of design parameters was investigated leading to eight models with different geometry. The numerical analysis and comparison of the models showed that the optimal performance of these structures is a result of the refined adjustment of the spatial arrangement of the whole structure and the geometry of the membrane aiming for the form that reveals the best load path and improves the cooperative interaction among all components.