Patent ID: 7726078
Filing Date: 2010-06-01
Classification: E04B

Abstract:
1. An arch supported tensioned membrane roof structure, comprising a polygonal arch support, a doubly curved, flexible membrane cover, suspended from the arch by means of a ridge cable attached to said membrane cover substantially in the full length of the arch, and said cover being also anchored down along the cover's perimeter, a single, continuous suspension cable, extended underneath the arch, the suspension cable's ends being secured by adjustable means to the arch's end supports, the suspension cable being taken alternately through upper pulleys secured to the break points of the polygonal arch support, and through lower pulley secured to the ridge cable of the membrane cover, the suspension cable and the pulleys together forming a continuous suspension means of multiple block-and-tackle units, which suspension means convert the membrane's randomly distributed snow and wind loads into identical, concentrated arch loads, the polygonal supporting arch having its centerline designed to coincide with the resultant pressure line of its concentrated, identical loads, which are transferred from the membrane cover to the arch by the said suspension means, therefore such loads do not cause bending moments in the supporting arches.