Specific Aspects of Tensile Structures

Abstract

The aim of this paper is an introduction to a very specific area of civil engineering, which is known as tensile structures (structures acting only in tension). These structures are associated with unique aspects of their design. As a result of practically zero bending stiffness, it is not possible to separate the shape and the static analysis of these structures. Shape generation is the aim of the process well known as form-finding. As a consequence of these and many other facts, it is necessary in this case to use a special way of design process, which abounds in many differences in comparison with usual design process.

Membrane Structures - Aspects of Form-Finding Process

“…8c. The specific values of tensile and external forces are not decisive, but their relationship is fundamental [7].…”