Cable-membrane structure - a flexible pioneer in architectural modeling
2025-06-10
Rising Steel Structure System composition and force principle It consists of high-strength steel cables (φ12-φ100), tensioned membrane materials (PTFE membrane/ETFE membrane) and supporting structures (masts/ring beams), and forms a hyperbolic stable shape through pre-tension. The membrane material is only 0.5-1.5mm thick and weighs less than 1kg/㎡, but the tensile strength can reach 50-150MPa, and it can achieve an unsupported span of more than 200 meters with the cable net.
Innovative application areas
Landscape architecture: stadium canopies (such as the sunshade of the Shanghai 80,000-person stadium), commercial plaza skylights
Ecological architecture: Botanical garden greenhouse (Eden Project, UK), using the high light transmittance of ETFE membrane (95%) to achieve natural lighting
Temporary buildings: large exhibition halls (World Expo National Pavilion), removable and reusable (membrane life 15-30 years)
Core considerations for selection
Membrane material selection: PTFE membrane (self-cleaning, strong weather resistance) is suitable for permanent buildings, PE membrane (cost-effective) is suitable for temporary facilities
Load conditions: The membrane surface stress under extreme weather conditions needs to be verified (1.2kPa wind pressure is required in typhoon areas, and 1.0kPa snow load is required in snowy areas)
Form-finding design: Determine the membrane surface curvature through 3D modeling to ensure that the drainage slope is ≥5% to avoid water accumulation and form "water bags"
