Beyond Static Analysis: Investigation of Membrane Structure Performance Using Time Stepping, Transient and Progressive Analyses

Due to recent improvements in commercially available programming and modelling tools, the role of the tension structures engineer is increasingly being expanded beyond the traditional disciplines of form finding, static load analysis and creation of fabrication geometry. The engineer is now able to consider a variety of peripheral analytical considerations, including transient or time stepping studies. These developments may require the enhancement of in-house software tools or combining current software capabilities with third party tools. This concept is illustrated with reference to three examples applied to recent structures; the creation of a hydraulic flow tool allowing the assessment of water flow over a complex 3d surface, automated time stepping of existing static analysis tools to provide an assessment of structural response under a transient hydrostatic load and finally a batch processed sequence of static analyses to determine the risk and potential mechanisms for a progressive collapse.