The graduation thesis deals with air-supported membrane structures. A short historical overview is done and some modern examples are presented. The behavior of air-supported structures is explained, focusing on basic components of such structures, which are air under pressure, source of pressure and air-tight envelope. Materials and their manufacture, joints, typical details, pressure generating units, air locks and structural installation are described. Following this description, the design process is presented. Knowledge on form-finding and cutting patterns is important in this field of civil engineering, as well as loading conditions due to internal pressure, snow loads and wind loads; therefore all this is discussed on a conceptual level. More distinct view on this topic is given by presenting some standards that are regulating this field and applying concepts into practice. At the beginning of second part of the thesis, some computer programs are presented that can be used in the design process. This is followed by an example of design of an air-supported membrane structure over the football field. All important parts of such design are presented in detail, like conceptual design, form-finding process, identification of actions on structure, calculation of internal forces and deformations, dimensioning of membrane and joints and defining of cutting patterns.
展开▼
