Structural efficiency of deployable strut-tensioned membrane structures

Abstract

A novel system of deployable strut-tensioned membrane structures (DSTMS) has been proposed recently for the purpose of fast-track construction of large span enclosures. The objective of this paper is to determine the most optimum design parameters for the proposed DSTMS. Efficiency studies are carried out on 48m x 48m square grid of two DSTMS groups which are the Cone-shaped and the Umbrella DSTMS. Geometrical non-linear analysis is performed to evaluate the weight efficiency of different configurations of DSTMS. The minimum weight of the structures required to support predetermined load combinations is used as an optimization algorithm. DSTMS are proved to be capable of enclosing large span with weight efficiency as of double-layer space truss. The deployment efficiency of DSTMS is verified by building prototype models.