Title: The Structural Membrane

Author(s): Kolbjorn Saether

Publication: Journal Proceedings

Volume: 57

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 827-850

Keywords: none

DOI: 10.14359/8049

Date: 1/1/1961

Abstract:
Even though ideal from a structural point of view, elastic membranes have been almost excluded from the structural field due to the complexity of mathematical work involved. Structural membranes, however, which are close to identical in appearance and structural behavior, permit the use of only elementary mathematics for defining the shape and analyzing the stresses within its surface. The basic theory of funicular shapes and the transformation of these into structural membranes is shown. Savings on materials typical for all thin shell structures, together with ease of design and construction, are some of the advantages promised by structural membranes.