Seismic design of tensioned membrane structures

1. Principle of seismic design
Flexible energy dissipation mechanism
Material ductility: membrane materials (such as PTFE and ETFE) have high elastic modulus, and absorb energy through stretching deformation during earthquakes to avoid rigid damage.
Prestress adjustment: The pre-tension of the steel cable forms an "elastic reserve". During an earthquake, the membrane surface deforms to release the prestress, and then automatically recovers to reduce residual deformation.
Structural redundancy design
Multi-path force transmission: The membrane surface and the supporting structure (steel columns, trusses) form a composite system, and the load is dispersed through multiple paths during an earthquake to avoid stress concentration.
Redundant connection: Flexible connectors such as sliding bearings and dampers are used to allow the structure to displace and consume energy during an earthquake.
2. Key technical measures
Prestressed steel cable system
Dynamic regulation: Equipped with tension sensors to monitor the prestress of the steel cable in real time, automatically adjust the tension during an earthquake, and maintain the stability of the membrane surface.
Redundant design: The steel cable adopts a double-circuit arrangement. When a single steel cable breaks, the remaining steel cables can still maintain the integrity of the structure.
Support structure optimization
Combination of rigidity and flexibility: The support structure adopts a combination of steel columns and rubber bearings, which allows the structure to slide horizontally during an earthquake and consume earthquake energy.
Energy dissipation device: A damper is set at the support node to convert earthquake energy into heat energy and reduce structural response.
Membrane material selection and treatment
High-strength membrane material: PTFE-coated glass fiber with excellent tear resistance is selected to ensure that the membrane surface is not damaged during an earthquake.
Surface treatment: The membrane material is subjected to anti-slip treatment to prevent the membrane surface from sliding during an earthquake and causing structural instability.
III. Engineering practice case
A membrane structure building in Japan
Earthquake simulation experiment: Under the action of a 7-degree earthquake, the membrane structure disperses energy through a steel cable sliding mechanism, and the deformation of the membrane surface is controlled within 5%, and no structural damage occurs.
Self-reset ability: After an earthquake, the membrane surface automatically recovers through prestressing without manual intervention.
Shanghai 80,000-person Stadium
Wind and earthquake resistance synergy: The membrane surface and the steel truss form a composite system. Under the combined action of typhoons and earthquakes, the structure only deforms slightly, verifying the feasibility of the "flexible energy dissipation" theory.
IV. Future technology trends
Application of intelligent materials
Shape memory alloy: Embed shape memory alloy wire in the membrane material, automatically adjust the membrane surface shape during an earthquake, and reduce stress concentration.
Self-repairing membrane material: Develop membrane materials with self-repairing function, automatically repair small cracks after an earthquake, and extend the life of the structure.
AI-driven prestressing regulation
Real-time monitoring and adjustment: Combine sensors with machine learning algorithms to automatically adjust the prestress of steel cables during an earthquake and optimize the structural response.
Predictive maintenance: Predict the aging degree of membrane structure through data analysis, and carry out reinforcement and maintenance in advance.
V. Design challenges and countermeasures
Technical bottleneck
High cost of self-repairing materials: It is necessary to balance performance and economy and explore low-cost self-repairing technology.
Lack of specifications: Some regions lack unified standards for the seismic design of membrane structures, and it is necessary to strengthen the collaboration between industry, academia, research and application.
Public cognition
Avoid stereotypes: It is necessary to strengthen the popularization of the advantages of membrane structures, change the stereotype of "tent-style buildings", and emphasize their seismic performance and spatial aesthetics.

The essence of the seismic design of tensile membrane structures is the philosophy of "using softness to overcome hardness", which achieves the unity of lightness and stability through the coordination of flexible materials and rigid support systems. In the future, with the advancement of intelligent materials and algorithms, this design concept will be further upgraded, opening up a new path for building seismic design.