Effects of point loads on membrane structures

Abstract

A research focusing on the effects of point load on membrane structures is presented in the paper. The research was conducted on a numerical model of a typical membrane structure. Different point loads were applied to the model, and several structural parameters were monitored so as to define membrane behaviour under point load. The results show that point loads influence membrane structures in a significantly different way compared to area loads. The main repercussions of point loads on the membrane structure are the change in geometry of the structure and the change of membrane forces.