Advantages and Disadvantages of Membrane Structure

Membrane structure buildings use high-strength film materials, strengthening members (steel frame, column or cable), generate a certain internal prestress, form a certain space shape as a covering structure, and can withstand a certain external load.

This is a perfect combination of architecture and structure of a structural system. Through the supporting system, the membrane can bear the tension and form a stable surface with a certain stiffness. The equilibrium state of the force is directly reflected in the shape of the structure.

Main advantages of membrane structure:

1. The membrane material has good mechanical properties.

The thickness of the film is small, the general thickness is 0.5~0.8mm, the weight is light, the self-weight is about 0.02~0.15kN/m2, the tensile strength is high, up to 1400N/m2. Membrane structure is convenient to manufacture, fast construction speed and low cost. Factory production and industrial production, the construction period can be shortened by 1/2 to 1/4, and the cost can be reduced by 15 to 20%. Transparent self-cleaning, reduce energy consumption, reduce maintenance costs. Light transmittance 4%~16%.

2. Wide range of use, removable, easy to transport. Suitable for a wide area, disassembly and installation time is short.

3. Membrane structure building appearance elegant, open space smart, light structure flame retardant, durable self-cleaning, fast installation, energy saving, moderate cost and easy maintenance. Because the use of membrane modeling is very flexible, especially the large span of the building, especially can highlight the designer's creativity and design requirements.

The main disadvantages of membrane structure:

1. Generally, the film material with low performance has poor durability. In recent years, due to the emergence and application of high strength, fire prevention, light transmission, good durability and stable performance of the membrane material, the design life of the membrane structure can reach more than 20 years.

2. The tension of the membrane structure is continuous, and local damage will cause the collapse of the entire membrane structure

3. Film insulation, sound insulation effect is poor.