How to get a membrane structure off the drawing board

This paper highlights the processes that are required to take a membrane structure from the design stage to final fabrication. Those processes involve determining the final geometry, developing an approved seam layout, undertaking material tests to determine stretch characteristics and issuing a final set of fabrication documents. The importance of each step is highlighted and the particular issues as they relate to membrane structures are presented. Particular note is made of the benefit that previous experience in this unique form of construction has in bringing a membrane structure to a successful completion. The paper concludes with a few examples of just what can be achieved when all the final stages of fabrication are carefully followed.