Membrane structures are lightweight spatial structures made of tensioned membranes. The stiffness of the structure is obtained thanks to the curvature and prestress. Membrane structures are mostly structurally optimized and highly efficient, prefabricated and designed for a varying lifetime (temporary).

As we all become increasingly aware of the impact that we are having on our planet, climate, and environment, we rightly want to try to make a difference through the areas where we have an influence. For structural engineers that means designing structures that use less material. But for long span structures particularly tensile structures, the principle of creating more with less is already applied. While other building technologies engage in the ‘ecological’ aims, tensile surface structures do not yet quantify the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) problems and/or potential benefits. However, little research has been done on how to integrate the LCA into the design and analysis of tensile structures. Sustainability requirements, like reducing the use of non-renewable energy and material consumption and minimizing the total weight of the building are basic needs which must be considered from the design stage. Verifying the environmental impact of a project during the design, requires a specialized analysis.

The research will quantify, interpret, analyse, and compare the environmental performance of membrane structures. Built case-studies as well as designs will be evaluated, and the environmental impact will be calculated with tools like OneClickLCA, currently used in the building sector. Based on the results from the case-studies, the relevance and appropriateness of the design criteria and indicators will be verified. Specific properties (separate structural skin, primary structure, travelling structures…) will be analysed with respect to circularity in use, recyclability, end-of-life phase etc.