Application cases of Tensioned membrane structures in transportation facilities

Application Cases of Tensioned Membrane Structures in Transportation Facilities

Tensioned membrane structures are widely employed in transportation facilities such as highway toll stations, gas stations, airports, platforms, and EV charging station canopies. Below are specific examples:

1. Highway Toll Stations

• Ludishan Toll Station
  Features a fully-tensioned cable-membrane structural system with no central columns. The lightweight yet dynamic design showcases a concave curved shell layout (max span: 88.1m). Four spindle-shaped masts stand at both sides (mast height: 31m; canopy height: 13.0m).

• Chenzhou Tensioned Membrane Toll Stations
  Multiple projects including entrance/exit canopies at Chenzhou Interchange, South Chenzhou Toll Station, and North Chenzhou Interchange. These utilize imported or domestic high-quality membrane materials, primarily adopting frame-supported tensioned membrane structures.

2. Gas Stations

• Xinyang Membrane Gas Station (Henan Province)
  Covers 2,000m² with functional zones: fuel area (double-curved paraboloid roof), rest area (flat-plane design with terraces), and commercial zone (open layout).

• Sinopec Zhengzhou No.27 Tensioned Membrane Gas Station
  Notable for its distinctive architectural form that attracts drivers.

3. Airports
Tensioned membrane structures are used for airport terminals and boarding bridges, providing weather protection while enhancing aesthetic appeal. Examples include canopy designs for passenger shelters and iconic roof structures.

4. Platforms

• Beijing Subway Changping Line: Xierqi Station
  A semi-underground elevated station with a four-column, three-span frame structure. PTFE membrane enclosures create a striking column-free interior space. Its origami-inspired design combines visual simplicity with rhythmic elegance. Translucent PTFE membranes allow ample natural light during daytime and emit interior lighting at night.

• Shanghai Longyang Road Metro Station
  Features 112 segmented canopy panels (32 transparent + 80 opaque membranes) using PTFE (opaque) and ETFE (transparent) materials. Resembling the Expo Axis "Sun Valley," the structure evokes imagery of white "clouds" or "giant wings," making it Shanghai's largest membrane station.

5. EV Charging Station Canopies
With the rise of new energy vehicles, tensioned membrane canopies are increasingly adopted for charging stations. These provide weather protection while aligning with eco-friendly concepts through their lightweight and aesthetically pleasing designs.