Steel Structures with Prestressed Linear and Membrane Elements

Paper summarizes findings concerning implementation of non-metallic membranes into steel structures and related results of practical experiences with measurement of internal forces in linear prestressed elements including methods of their activation. Primarily, it deals with the correct design of non-metallic membranes integrated into steel structural system, possibilities of global analyses employing common engineering software, methods of internal forces determination and introduction of prestressing to the structure during its activation and under operation. In the part concerning measurements of internal forces in prestressed elements, the strain gauge measurement, frequency measurement and measurements using instrumentation for cable and rod elements are described in details.