Form-finding And Load Analysis Of The Tensioned Membrane Structure Considering The Cutting Line

In recent years, the large span buildings are increasing with the economic developing. Because of the beautiful shape, the short construction period, light weight and etc., the membrane structure is widely used. Differently from the traditional structure, the “shape” and the “state” are the problems in the membrane design. The whole membrane design included form-finding analysis, loading analysis and cutting analysis. The cutting analysis is one of the key parts. Original analysis method has not considered the cutting line when form-finding and loading analysis. But in practice, the structure was firstly cut, then form-finding and loading. And the wrinkles or damage of the membrane often emerged around the cutting lines. So, the cutting line is an important factor. According to these reasons, the form-finding and the loading analysis will consider the cutting lines in this paper, and some conclusions are also obtained as follow.(1) Based on the nonlinear finite element theory, the form-finding analysis of a saddle-shaped membrane structure was received. According to the geodesic theory, the cutting lines of membrane were gotten.(2) According to the equivalent plate element method, the space cutting diaphragm was flattened to the planner membrane diaphragm. Controlling the node unbalanced stress and releasing the stress, the blanking figure was obtained.(3) Adopting the heat seal method, the cutting diaphragm was connected in a whole and form-finding again, then the membrane structure with cutting lines appeared. Through loading analysis, the carrying capacity of the membrane structure with cutting lines is reduced.These studies considered the impacts of the cutting lines and it’s valuable to the design of membrane structures.