Membrane structures: application experience and development prospects

Abstract

Introduction. At present, studying an increase in the applicability of steel structures in all segments of the construction industry, particularly in residential construction, is relevant. Membrane systems are high-tech and economical structures. The behavior of large-span membrane structures is studied in great detail in practice. However, membranes, combined with medium and small spans, remain understudied.
 
 Materials and methods. Findings of basic theoretical, experimental and numerical studies of membrane systems, used in structural analysis and design, are provided. An advanced membrane slab design, designated for metal-framed multistory residential buildings, is described. Its flat support contour is rectangular in plan; it has a membrane and a monolithic concrete slab over it.
 
 Results. Lira-SAPR software package was used to conduct numerical studies of the membrane slab. The studies took account of its structural, geometrical and physical nonlinearity, and the results were compared with an experimental study. The distribution of forces in its support contour is typical for rectangular membrane structures with positive curvature shells.
 
 Conclusions. Numerical analysis of a full-scale structure and a tested model having a monolithic reinforced concrete slab on the membrane proved the long-term benefits of this structure. The results of numerical analysis demonstrate the qualitative convergence with the experimental data. The variable thickness of the slab resting on the membrane, collaboration of the slab, the membrane and the support contour, the physical nonlinearity of the system elements and, above all, the reinforced concrete slab must be taken into account to reduce the qualitative discrepancy between numerical and experimental results.