Foshan Century Lotus Sports Center: A Masterpiece of Membrane Roof Design

The Foshan Century Lotus Sports Center, located in Foshan New City, Guangdong Province, was built for the 12th Guangdong Provincial Games and has become a landmark of the city. The center, designed by the German firm GMP, covers 42 hectares and includes a stadium and a swimming and diving hall. The stadium, named "Century Lotus" for its lotus-shaped design, features a membrane roof that is both striking and functional.

The roof, which was completed in 2006, spans 310 meters in diameter and is made of PVDF membrane material. The structure includes a double-ring design: an inner tensile ring made of steel cables and an outer compression ring supported by concrete-filled steel pipes. The roof is designed to withstand the high humidity and tropical climate of Foshan, which is characterized by hot and damp conditions. The membrane's excellent durability and UV resistance are essential for enduring the region's challenging weather, with wind speeds reaching up to 28m/s.

The membrane structure not only provides superior environmental resistance but also adds to the aesthetic appeal of the stadium, making it a recognizable symbol in Foshan. The roof's unique design allows for easy maintenance while offering optimal protection from the elements, contributing to the stadium’s long-lasting functionality and iconic status.

Tensile Fabric Structure Installation: Considerations for Installing Tensile Membrane

Membrane structures, especially those made with PVDF membrane materials and tensile membranes, have become a popular choice in modern architecture due to their unique aesthetic appeal and outstanding performance. However, like any complex construction process, the installation of membrane structures requires careful attention to detail to avoid common mistakes that can affect their appearance and longevity. In this article, we will explore the key points to consider during membrane structure installation, highlight typical installation errors, and provide guidance on how to ensure a smooth and successful installation.

One of the most frequent issues encountered during membrane structure installation is membrane scratching. This typically occurs due to mishandling or improper use of tools. Scratches not only detract from the appearance of the membrane structure but can also reduce the durability of the material and potentially compromise its structural integrity. It's crucial that workers handle the material carefully and avoid contact with sharp objects or excessive force that could damage the surface.

A key feature of membrane structures is that the membrane must be tensioned correctly to maintain its shape and functionality. If the tension is too low, the membrane may become wrinkled or sag, which can negatively affect the aesthetic and stability of the entire structure. Proper membrane tensioning is vital to ensure the structure looks sleek and performs as intended.

The stability of the support frame is crucial for the overall integrity of the membrane structure. If the frame’s joints are loose or there are any signs of instability, the tension applied to the membrane may be uneven, resulting in deformities or, in severe cases, structural failure. Ensuring that the support frame is securely anchored and stable before beginning the installation process is essential.

Before starting the installation, thoroughly inspect both the membrane material and the support frame. Check the membrane for any scratches or damage, and ensure that the PVDF membrane is smooth and undamaged. It’s also important to verify that the support frame components are secure and all joints are properly connected.

Having the right tools is crucial for a successful installation. Make sure the tensioning equipment and other necessary tools are ready for use. The tensioning equipment should be capable of applying the correct force to achieve the desired level of membrane tension, ensuring that the material is taut and properly aligned.

The first step in the installation process is to gently unfold the membrane. This must be done carefully to avoid any rips or contamination. It's important to spread the membrane on a clean, flat surface to avoid dirt or debris from sticking to the material.

Once the membrane is unfolded, secure the edges using clamps or other fixing devices. This step ensures that the membrane remains in place without being overly stretched or too loose. The membrane should be slightly taut, but not yet fully tensioned.

he final step is to apply tension using the tensioning equipment. This must be done gradually to ensure that the membrane is evenly stretched across the frame. Take care to avoid over-tightening, especially in certain areas, as this can lead to wrinkles or sagging. Adjust the tension gradually, checking that the entire surface is uniformly taut.

Installing membrane structures successfully comes down to three key steps: "Inspect, Fix, Tension." Paying attention to detail in each of these stages is crucial to achieving a high-quality installation. Inspecting the materials for damage, ensuring the support frame is secure, and carefully tensioning the membrane are all fundamental to the long-term success of the project. With proper planning and attention to detail, you can ensure that your membrane structure is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and functional.

What is a Tensile Fabric Structure? Why Load Analysis is Essential

A tensile fabric structure is a lightweight architectural solution that relies on the balance of tension and compression. Unlike traditional buildings, it uses fabric materials like PVC, PTFE, and ETFE, supported by cables and steel frames, to create elegant, durable, and cost-effective shelters. These structures are widely used in stadiums, canopies, exhibition halls, and shade structures due to their unique aesthetic appeal and functional flexibility.

To ensure the stability and safety of these structures, load analysis is essential. This analysis evaluates the forces acting on the structure, such as wind load, snow load, live load, and temperature load, to prevent issues like sagging, tearing, or collapse.

Wind Load: Wind creates pressure that can push, pull, or lift the fabric. Proper design reduces wind resistance by shaping the fabric to deflect airflow. BDiR uses advanced software to simulate wind forces and ensure the stability of the structure.

Snow Load: In colder regions, snow accumulation can increase weight on the roof, leading to sagging or collapse. Proper slope design ensures snow slides off, while fabric tensioning increases load capacity.

Live Load: This refers to temporary loads like maintenance workers walking on the structure or hanging decorative items. Load capacity is built into the design to ensure the structure remains stable under such loads.

Temperature Load: Temperature changes cause fabric and metal components to expand or contract. BDiR selects materials with high thermal resistance and designs tension systems to adapt to these shifts, ensuring long-term stability.

Load Calculation: BDiR's engineers collect environmental data (wind speed, snow density, temperature) and apply load coefficients. Advanced software simulates forces, and adjustments are made to the fabric shape, pre-tension, and anchor points.

Custom Design: Each project is tailored to the site's unique climate conditions. BDiR’s designs feature optimal slope, fabric curvature, and reinforced anchor points to resist wind, snow, and live loads.

Material Selection: Using materials like PVDF and PTFE, BDiR ensures resistance to UV, weather, and thermal expansion.

Pre-Tensioning: The fabric is stretched to the correct tension before installation, preventing sagging and ensuring a taut, smooth surface that resists external forces.

BDiR offers custom design, load analysis, and premium materials to deliver durable and aesthetically appealing tensile fabric structures. Our team ensures that every project is tailored to local climate conditions, with a focus on wind load, snow load, and live load stability. With experience in stadiums, exhibition halls, and large public canopies, BDiR is your trusted partner for safe, durable, and elegant tensile structures.

If you're planning a tensile fabric structure project, contact BDiR for professional load analysis and custom design services.