Tensile membrane structure forces dependence on different parameters under point load action

Abstract

Point load actions may have a significant impact on deflections of tensile membrane structures. Research presented in this paper is aimed at exploring the effects of point load actions on membrane forces of tensile membrane structures. Therefore, three different parameters of the structure were varied, and the membrane forces resulting from point loads were monitored. Variable parameters are the height of the model, the intensity of prestressing forces, and the orientation of the membrane material. The research was done on models in specialized software. In order to evaluate the significance of point load effects, membrane forces were compared to those under snow load. The results of the research show the layout of membrane forces under point load and dependence of maximal membrane forces on the varied parameters. Specific sets of analyzed parameters lead to significant values of maximal membrane forces under point load action.