A New Approach to Retractable Membrane Structures

Membrane is a very useful material and its flexibility is one of its remarkable features, which we do not see in other structural materials. This flexibility is exploited during the construction of membrane structures: the membrane is usually transported to the site folded or rolled and unfolded or unrolled there. Since it is flexible, it is easy to handle and put in position. However, once the construction of the structure is completed and the membrane is fixed in its designed position, its flexibility is rarely utilized again.