Various things have their own unique properties, here we talk about the characteristics of membrane structure. The characteristics of membrane structure as a building system mainly depend on its unique shape and the performance of the membrane itself. Precisely because of this, the use of membrane structure can create design schemes that cannot be achieved by traditional building systems.
1. Lightweight: The reason for the low weight of the tension structure is that it relies on the prestressed form rather than the material to maintain the stability of the structure. As a result, its own weight is much smaller than that of traditional building structures, but it has good stability. Architects can use the characteristics of its light weight and large span to design and organize detailed structural components, and organically unify its light and stable structural characteristics.
2. Light transmittance: Light transmittance is one of the most widely recognized characteristics of modern membrane structures. The light transmittance of pvc transparent film can provide the required illuminance for the building, which is very important for building energy saving. It is especially important for commercial buildings that require a lot of light and high brightness. Through the comprehensive utilization of natural lighting and artificial lighting, the light transmittance of the membrane material can provide a larger space for aesthetic creation for architectural design. At night, the light transmittance turns the membrane structure into a sculpture of light.
The light transmittance of the membrane material 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% spectral transmittance, and some membrane materials are opaque. The light transmittance of the film and the choice of light color can be adjusted by the color of the coating or the color of the surface layer.
Through the proper combination of the film material and the light-transmitting insulation material, the multi-layer film containing the insulation layer can be made light-transmitting. Even if the spectral transmission is only a few percent, the membrane roof is still bright and transparent to the human eye, with the look and feel of a light roof.
3. Flexibility: The tensile membrane structure is not rigid, and it will deform under the action of wind load or snow load. The membrane structure adapts to the external load through deformation. During this process, the radius of curvature of the membrane surface in the direction of the load will decrease until it can resist the load more effectively.
The flexibility of the tension structure allows it to produce a large displacement without permanent deformation. The elastic properties and prestress level of pvc film materials determine the deformation and response of the membrane structure. The flexibility to adapt to nature can inspire people's architectural design inspiration.
Different membrane materials have different flexibility procedures. Some membrane materials are extremely flexible and will not be brittle or damaged due to folding. Such materials are the basis and prerequisite for effective realization of movable and expandable structures.
4. Sculptural sense: The unique curved shape of the tensioned membrane structure gives it a strong sense of sculpture. The membrane surface achieves self-balance through tension. The balance of the ups and downs of the negative Gaussian membrane makes the larger structure seem to float lightly between the sky and the earth as if it is free from the constraints of gravity. This sculptural texture is exciting both indoors and outdoors.
The lights at night give the membrane structure a strong sense of sculpture
The tensioned membrane structure allows architects to design various self-balanced, complex and vivid spatial forms. As the light changes throughout the day, the sculptural membrane structure takes on different forms through light and shadow. At sunrise and sunset, the low incident angle of light 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. Taking advantage of the light transmittance and reflectivity of the membrane material, the designed artificial light can also make the membrane structure a light sculpture.
5. Safety: The lightweight tensile membrane structure designed in accordance with the existing national regulations and guidelines has sufficient safety. The light structure can maintain good stability under horizontal loads such as earthquakes.
Because of the light weight of the lightweight structure, even if it collapses accidentally, its risk is less than that of traditional building structures. When the membrane structure is torn, if the structural arrangement can ensure that rigid supporting members such as masts and beams do not collapse, the risk will be smaller.
The flexibility of membrane structure makes it bear 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. The design must 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 and reaching the critical value of structural damage.