Membrane stiffened structures are new, hybrid lightweight structures in which the membrane is used only as a load-bearing element. In contrast to structural diaphragm design, the diaphragm is used flat and not double-curved. Together with other linear load-bearing elements, this results in hybrid load-bearing structures of high efficiency.
Membrane-stiffened load-bearing structures are characterized by a minimum number of nodal points and a low design weight. They are particularly suitable for mobile and convertible structures, since the membrane, as a flexurally flexible structural element, can be easily modified by folding, shirring or rolling to form a transportable volume with small dimensions. The principle of membrane stiffening can be applied to arched structures, columns or flexural beams.