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Membrane Structure and Its Application
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1 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
By
Elisa Haryonugrohoi
ABSTRACT
Membrane structure, was developed in the mid-20th century. Currently, the application of
membrane structure in architecture is wider and more various in accordance with the
development of the architecture itself. Membrane structures are extremely economical to design
and manufacture, as long as it is covering a larger area. A smaller structure can prove to be less
cost effective. Due to the low weight of materials used in membrane structures, construction
costs and the time taken are kept low even when extensive areas need to be covered.
In Indonesia, the challenge of the use of membrane structure is slightly different than other
countries. Membrane structure is able to meet the requirement regarding to the local climate and
weather, but it still remains home work in term of planning and manufacturing. On the following
paper examines what Tian, Di, observed membrane material and membrane structure in
architecture. It gives an overview about the application of membrane structure with various types
of membrane structure, various types of membrane material, the technical demands which may
be vary by geography. Here taken Jakarta as a sampling of variant representing the membrane
structure which is most widely used among locations in Indonesia. This issue is addressed to
inspiring further study about material, membran engineering, structure planning, and
manufacturing of membran structure in Indonesia.
Key words:
Membrane structure, frame membrane structure, air-inflated membrane structure
INTRODUCTION
Soon or later, membrane structure will be applied in very wide range of construction in islands
country such as Indonesia, where shipment cost is critical. This paper describe literarture research
2 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
about types of membrane structure, types of membrane material, and architecture characteristic of
membrane structure. Based on this study, it explores the application of membrane structure for long
span roof and enclosed-building. It also examines the application of real construction cases which
was erected in some location in Indonesia. This paper will describe the advantages and
disadvantages of local resources in order to realizing a huge various challenge of membrane
structure.
1. VARIOUS MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
Membrane structure is a spatial structure made from tensioned membranes. They are made
from a process which uses materials such as PVC coated glass fabric, PVC coated polyester
fabric, PTFE membrane, ETFE membrane, and translucent polyethylene fabrics. They are
grouped under 3 major categories, which are tension/tensile membrane structure, frame
membrane structure, and air-inflated membrane structure or pneumatic structure. Membran
structure or tension roofs or canopies are those in which every part of the structure is loaded
only in tension, with no requirement to resist compression or bending forces.
1.1. TENSION AND SUSPENSION MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
The tension/suspension membrane structure represents the main stream of membrane
design and construction at this era. In this type of membrane structure, all membrane
surfaces will have a curve shape. There is no point of zero curvature so that the membrane
Fig 1. Olympia Stadium, Germany. 1972 Fig 2. Pampidou, Metz, France
3 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
surface represents more natural stream line and more smooth. Therefore this type of
membrane structure is usually most preferable by the designers because of its aesthetics.
The tension is induced in the membrane in addition to any self weight and live loads they
may carry, with the objective to ensure that the normally very flexible structural elements
remain stiff under all working loads.
Tension can be applied to the membrane by stretching from its edges or by pre- tensioning
cables which is supporting the membrane and hence changing its shape. In this case, the
level of pretension will determine the shape of membrane structure. (Fig. 1)
1.2. FRAME MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
This kind of membrane structure is composed by a self-stable frame structure covered with
membrane. The frame structure can be steel frame, steel space frame or space truss, then
working together to support all working loads. The design of this structural system is similar
than the usual frame structure. The only difference is that the membrane should be
calculated as a plane stress element so that the external loads are carried by tensile
stresses that are induced in the membrane surface only, called membrane stresses. (Fig. 2)
1.3. AIR-INFLATED MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
The air-supported or air-inflated membrane structure uses the air pressure that is blown
continuously inside the membrane structure to inflate the membrane until becoming stiff
to support its self weight and all other surface loads. Usually a pressure of approximately
Fig 3. Beijing Olympic Swimming Pool Fig 4. Tokyo Dome
4 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
3/1000 higher than the atmospheric pressure will be applied and should remain constant
during operation. To attain this condition, an automatic air pressure regulator should be
installed in order to ensure the maintenance of constant air pressure inside the membrane.
(Fig. 3 and fig. 4)
2. VARIOUS TYPE OF MEMBRANE MATERIALS1
2.1. PVC
Basically, the composition of the PVC membrane is a kind of high-strength fibers such as
polyamide, polyester or polyvinyl fabric as base material, then coated with Poly-vinyl-
chloride (PVC). For this type of membrane surface coating generally takes longer by using
poly-vinyl-di-fluoride (PVDF) or acrylic in order to improve its self- cleaning performance
and increase its durability. Mostly membrane structure in Indonesia, used PVDF membrane.
(Fig.5, fig.6)
2.2. PTFE
PTFE membrane is fiber glass base with a surface layer of poly-tetra-fluoro-ethylene, PTFE.
It is no need to give any treatment on this type because the PTFE surface layer itself has a
very stable chemical properties. In general, the PTFE has the strength, endurance, and the
ability to be self-cleaning. It is better than the type of PVC membrane (PVDF), but is more
expensive. PTFE coated high translucency fabric is a dynamic tensile material unmatched
1 Supartono, FX., Zhongli,Li., Xiujhiang, Wang. (2011). Membrane Structure: A Modern and Aesthetic Structural
System. Seminar dan Pameran HAKI 2011.
Fig 5. Tenggarong Stadium Fig 6. Pasar Kapitan, Palembang
5 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
for its aesthetics and durability making it ideal for large scale roof and tensile membrane
structures. PTFE coating is chemically inert and capable of withstanding a wide range of
temperatures in any climate. The low-surface adhesion properties of the material result in a
fabric membrane which is easily cleaned by rainwater and is immune to UV radiation.
2.3. ETFE
ETFE membrane composition types consist of a thin layer of ethylene-tetra-fluoro-ethylene.
Because fineness, ETFE membrane is much more transparent (transparency rate ≈ 90%)
than the two types of membranes that to some extent can replace glass as a transparent
roof. However, because there is no basis in the fabric structure this type of membrane, EFTE
have lower strength. Therefore, this membrane is usually not used for the tension
membrane structure but is more applicable in the frame membrane structure or air-
supported membrane structure.
2.4. ePTFE
ePTFE membrane is composed of PTFE as a base fabric and further reinforced with PTFE
coating so that it becomes pure PTFE-based material.
This type of membrane is more flexible and has better pliant than other membrane
materials and more transparent than regular PTFE membrane (transparency rate ≈ 40%). In
addition, the membrane material can be recycled so it can be considered as sustainable
Fig 7. Norway pavilion at Shanghai Expo 2010, using
ePTFE.
Fig 8. Millenium Dome, Greenwich, UK, using PTFE,
80,000 sqm, with 364m of diameter. 2011
6 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
materials. ePTFE membrane has been used in the Norway Pavilion at the Shanghai World
Expo 2010. (Fig. 7)
3. ARCHITECTURE CHARASTERISTIC OF MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
3.1. LARGER SPAN
In 1985 a tennis court with a height of 15m and 45.2m span was built in the International
Sports Expo in Japan. In the same year, The Calgary Stadium was built in Canada, which is
36.5m in height, 112m in span and 11,150 m² in covered area. In 1988, the Tokyo Dome was
built, which is 201m in span and 56.19m in height. The Georgia Stadium built in Atlanta, US
has a major axis of 235m, has a minor axis of 186m and is 79.24m in total height. Based on
pertinent data, it is speculated that the larger the span of a building, the better the
application of membrane structure will embody its economy. 2
3.2. UNIQUE
Membrane structures which break through the structural form of traditional building, is
easily manipulated into various types of shapes and is rich in color. Therefore they are easily
formed into night scenes with the coordination of light. This brings modern beauty to
people. What is more, in combination with technological progress, membrane structures
are known for use in hi-tech modern buildings; the buildings in 21st century.3
Membrane structures are used as artwork, monuments, interior elements, or ornaments
for color choice and flexibility as shown on figure 9.
2 Brown, G.Z. and Dekay, M. (2001). Sun, Wind and Light: Architectural Design Strategies. 2nd (ed.). New York:
John Wiley. 3 Tian, Di. (September 2011) Membrane Materials and Membrane Structures in Architecture. The University of
Sheffield, School of Architecture.
Fig 9. Sail-Sculpter, Belgia
7 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
3.3. REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Membrane material is relatively good in transmission of light. It has a light transmittance of
approximately 7% to 20%, thus full use can be made of natural light. During the daytime,
without any artificial lighting provided, it can completely satisfy the needs of various
athletic contests. In addition, membrane material with a reflective index of light over 70%
can form a soft scattering of light in a room with sunlight in order to make people feel
comfortable and dreamlike.4
3.4. SPEED OF CONSTRUCTION
The tailoring of diaphragms, the manufacturing of steel cables, steel structures etc. are
finished in factories, and can be used in combination with lower reinforced concrete
structures or structural components. Only linkage, installment, positioning and stretch-
drawing of steel cables, steel structures and diaphragms are carried out on the construction
site, thus the installment of construction on site is relatively easy, quick and convenient.
3.5. SAFETY AND RELIABLE
Membrane structures are light-weight and its earthquake resistance is relatively good. Soft
membrane structures can tolerate of a huge amount of displacement and overall collapse
of building is uncommon. In addition, membrane material is generally a flame-retardant
material. The fire hazard is minimal.
3.6. EASILY BE MADE INTO REMOVABLE STRUCTURE, EASY TO TRANSPORT
Membrane structure is light and easy to install so, it is suitable to exhibition and stage-
performance. It takes only 6-8 hours to errecting about 200 sqm. (Fig 10, fig.11) The
erection period of long span structure may be reduced significantly by utilizing a proper
mobile crane.
4 Ibid 3
8 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
3.7. BROAD SCOPE OF APPLICATION
From the perspective of location, membrane structures are from Alaska to Saudi Arabia.
The scale of the structures range from small one-man tents and garden pieces to large
buildings that cover with thousands even hundreds of thousands squared meters of area.
Some have even imaged conceived a small city make of membrane structures. It was
utilized from ceiling application to facade, from garden-dressing to long span roof structure.
4. BASIC PROPERTY OF MEMBRANE MATERIAL
Membrane structures are extremely economical to design and manufacture, as long as it is
covering a larger area. A smaller structure can prove to be less cost effective. Due to the low
weight of materials used in membrane structures, construction costs and the time taken are
kept low even when extensive areas need to be covered. Membrane structures are extremely
eye catching and can often form the point of focus for a building. For the commercially minded
building owner, membrane structures are such that they can be imposed with advertising logos
or signage to promote a product, service or business. Membrane structures are also eco-
friendly, helping the business owner further their green credentials, membrane structures are
often used to build “sustainable” buildings as people forever look for more ways to improve and
protect the environment
4.1. COMPOSITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEMBRANE MATERIAL
Fig 10. TATA booth at IIMS 2013, Kemayoran, Jakarta. Fig 11. Tensile shade for wedding party
9 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
Fig 12. PVDF profile
The development of membrane structures is closely related to research on and the
application of membrane structure. From early examples such as PVC, PTFE to the later
ones such as ETFE membrane material, the development and application of each new type
of membrane material has sharply impacted upon the development of membran structures.
Contemporaneously, the application of construction membrane comprises two categories
of membrane; a coating fabric and a thermoplastic compound.
4.2. COATING FABRIC MEMBRANE
Coating fabric membrane material is a type of composite material and is generally
composed of a substrate, coating and
surface course. A substrate is weaved
through various textile fibers which
determine the properties and structural
mechanics of the membrane. Coating and
surface course can protect the substrate,
and are designed to be self-cleaning, protect against pollution, and durable. Examples of
Common coating fabric membrane materials include glass fiber membrane materials made
from Teflon coating (generally called PTFE membrane material) and glass fiber membrane
material made from PVC coating (generally called PVC membrane material). PVC membrane
material is cheap and is divided into several colors such as white, red, blue and green. It is
applied broadly. Soft membrane material with good tensilit is easy to make and to stretch,
thus it is easily adaptable to tailoring errors. However, its durability and self-cleaning
properties are poor. Its properties will change due to outward movement of the coating
mold-increasing agent and ultraviolet effects so that its surface gradually turns yellow and
sticky over time. Moreover, dust and dirt in air are attached to membrane surfaces and
stain the surface and thus reducing light transmittance. Thus, its service life is decreased. In
order to improve the durability and self-cleaning of this type of membrane material, a PVF
10 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
or PVDF surface course can be added to the surface of coating (Fig 12.). PTFE membrane
material has good durability and does not turn yellow or moldy in the atmospheric
environment. Additionally, rainwater will flow away after forming water drips on the
surface as it has good self-cleaning properties. (Fig. 13)
However, PTFE membrane material is more expensive and is stiffer. Thus, the folding
&rolling of material during transportation and construction can lower its strength, the
convenience of construction of the membrane material is poorer, and consequently refined
calculations are required during design and tailoring processes.
Substrates of membrane material are weaved into using glass fiber or polyester fiber yarn.
Glass fiber has a certain flexible capacity and a higher elastic modulus and strength than
polyester fiber, however it gradually becomes smaller. Therefore it does not age well nor
does it have a long service life.
However, due to its brittleness, glass fiber should be processed precisely, treated properly
and carefully. It should be borne in mind that humid and hot environments an impact on its
mechanical property. Polyester fiber, on the other hand, has a longer life, deformation and
it is easy to install. However, long-term tension and ultraviolet light will gradually result in
ruffles on the membrane surface. Perception and light transmittance are both affected over
time.
4.3. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Fig 13. PTFE profile
11 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
As the structure of the system, the choice of the membrane should consider the overall
physical properties. In the design process, aspects of the physical properties of the building
includes several aspects such as weather resistance, optical property, acoustic property,
thermal property, and fireproof property, should be fully understood. Appropriate material
should be selected to obtain the value of architecture, economics, and the optimal
conditions.
4.4. WEATHER RESISTANCE
Membrane material, as the covering system of building, is often directly exposed to the
external atmospheric environment. Thus it is affected by natura phenomena such as
daylight, temperature variation, rain wash and dust erosion.
Thus, the appearance and color, brightness and strength of the material all gradually
deteriorate over time. The weather resistance of membrane material is a comprehensive
index that outlines its years of service, its aging resistance, self-cleaning ability and intensity
attenuation.
Coating materials such as PTFE and PVDF on the surface of membrane material stem this
process. Both are inert materials, thus their chemical properties relating ultraviolet
protection, aging resistance and corrosion resistance are better than those of PVC coatings.
In general, the service year of a PVC membrane material with coated PVDF surface course is
over 25 years while the service year of PVC membrane material with coated PVDF surface
course is 10 to 15 years. Therefore, membrane material can be broadly used in permanent
buildings.5
At present, weather aging experiments are often undertaken to evaluate the weather
resistance of a membrane material. Generally speaking, tests investigating the effect of
natural climate aging and of artificial weathering aging are conducted. Laboratory tests
often adopt artificially accelerated climate aging experiments, referred to as Xenon lamp
5 Kaltenbach, F. (2004). Translucent Materials: Glass, Plastics, Metals. Basle: Birkhäuser.
12 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
aging experiment. The light source of the xenon-arc lamp is adopted to continuously
illuminate the membrane while temperature, humidity, radiant energy, rainfall cycle and
time are controlled to imitate and strengthen principal environmental factors such as light,
heat, oxygen, moisture and rainfall. In natural climate conditions the speed of aging of a
sample and the differences of a sample’s tensile strength under radiant energy over the
course of time is regarded as an indicator of weather resistance.
4.5. OPTICAL PROPERTY
The optical properties of membrane material refer to of the effects of membrane material
on light of various different wave bands, including such properties as reflection,
transmission, absorption and scattering. Different membrane materials display large
differences in reflection, absorption and transmission of light in each wave band. In general,
membrane material has relatively good light transmission. Light transmittance of natural
light of fabric membrane material can reach 20%. However, in double-membrane buildings,
built in accordance with relatively high thermal heat-insulation properties, light
transmittance reaches 4% to 8%. However, the light transmittance of ETFE can reach 95%,
which exceeds that of clear glass.6
Inside membrane structure buildings transmission light produces uniformly diffused light.
The light has no shadow, no dazzle and no significant direction, thus it is gentle and
uniform. During daylight hours, it will satisfy the light requirements of various indoor
activities. Therefore, membrane structures are especially applied to buildings that demand
higher lighting specifications, such as sports facilities, exhibition halls and patios. In
addition, during the night, the surface of buildings with membrane structures can give off a
soft light, which can be advantageous in terms of adverting and in increasing the ease with
which buildings are identified.
6 Ibid 5
13 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
When interior lighting is used, lamps should be kept at a proper distance from membrane
surface to prevent the heat given off by lamps from searing the membrane surface.
4.6. ACOUSTIC PROPERTY
The acoustic properties of membrane material are similar to its optical properties and
include reflection (reverberation) and transmission loss properties for the various
frequencies of sound waves. Reverberation and sound absorption properties
comprehensively determine the quality of audio and the soundproof properties of buildings
with membrane structures. Single-layer membrane material has poor acoustic properties
and can result in strong echoes and weak sound absorption. In addition its soundproof
volume is also lower than that of a general palisade structure.
With respect to the vibration of sound waves, membrane material fabrics have very strong
reflectivity which increases the noise level inside buildings with membrane structures.
Buildings with inner concave, in particular, such as air supported membrane structures or
arch supported membrane structures, the ceiling can collect the reflection of sound waves
to further impact upon the indoor acoustic environment. However, this relatively poor
sound insulation capacity determines that membrane structures are not applied to building
facilities that demand high noise reduction.
In general, corresponding architectural measures need be taken to improve the acoustic
environment of buildings with membrane structure. For example, the addition of a light and
poly-porous bottom cloth to the membrane can effectively reduce reflection of sound wave
and increase attenuation of transmission of sound waves. Perhaps an acoustic screen which
is hung on the ceiling of membrane structure can increase the absorption of sound waves.
Changing the curved shape of ceiling so that direction of reflection is changed will also have
an impact. Furthermore, specialized sound-absorption membrane lining can apparently
lower reverberation to increase sound absorption. This has produced good results in the
Georgia Dome and New Denver National Airport where such lining has been applied.
14 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
However, when choosing these technical solutions, we must fully consider the impact of
these methods on the performance of the membrane structure in relation to lighting, and
fireproofing, for example.
4.7. THERMAL PROPERTY
The thermal insulation performance of buildings with membrane structures is poor, and at
present widely used membrane materials cannot limit the impact of internal environment
very well. The heat transfer coefficient of single-layer membrane material is large, and
refrigeration-consumption is also high.
Therefore, it is only applied to open buildings or in areas with warmer climate. When the
thermal insulation property of a building is required to be high, two-layer or multi-layer
membrane structure can be adopted. In general, there should be a 25-30cm air buffer
between two membranes.
Cold condensed dew inside the membrane surface is also a problem that needs to be
considered. When a membrane structure is applied to buildings with larger sources of
interior humidity such as swimming pool or a botanical garden for example, damp air easily
turns into dew on contact with the internal surface of membrane. Therefore, measures
such as indoor ventilation, installation of a cold condensed water drain or air circulation
system should be taken.
4.8. FIREPROOF PERFORMANCE
Membrane has a good fireproofing performance. The substrate of membrane material is
itself non-inflammable or flame retardant. Glass fiber is non-combustible material while
polyester fiber is non-flammable material.
When membrane material is applied in half-open buildings such as the grandstand tent of
stadium, the awning of public facilities and architectural art sketches and in temporary
structures, fireproofing safety need not be taken into consideration. However, when
membrane material is applied in a roof system of totally enclosed and permanent buildings,
15 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
as the fireproofing of a membrane material in terms of fire-proofing, smoke volume,
toxicity and structural collapse should be comprehensively considered in order to judge its
fire-proofing performance compared to traditional fire-resistant and fire-proofing methods.
In enclosed buildings, utilization of PVC membrane material simply cannot be denied.
After a fire is lit, PVC membrane material is burned through in the third minute and twelfth
second to form an open hole corresponding to the size of contact surface of flame. Thanks
to this hole, heat, smog and gas can be automatically excluded. This open hole remains
until the fire is extinguished. Early occurrence of the hole results in the emission of heat &
smoke from the building and postpones the collapse of the steel structure, which is
beneficial for staff in public places as more time is given to evacuate. In comparison, PTFE
membrane material only crazes at the joint of membrane surface in the third minute and
35th second after fire is lit, and finally comes off in chunks along the joint. It is found from
test analysis of interior membrane buildings that the volume of CO and CO2 from PTFE
membrane material is at least over double that of PVC membrane material. PTFE
membrane material also produces the toxic gas HF at a level that exceeds critical
concentration while PVC membrane material when burned through does not show
evidence of HF. Therefore, it is concluded that the fire-proofing performance of PTFE
judged by membrane material in accordance with certain standards does not conform to
the practical reaction of membrane structure under fire hazard; therefore PVC membrane
material is better.7
Maintaining the stability of the framework of membrane structure in the case of damage of
membrane surface is one another noticeable issue connected to the fireproofing of
membrane structure. In a membrane structure the membrane material is force-carrying
material. Therefore, regardless of whether the membrane material is burnt through or
7 Ibid 5
16 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
comes off, it is always the first part to be damaged. When the membrane material loses
tension because it is damaged, the framework of membrane structure should not collapse.
5. STUDY OF TENSION MEMBRANE APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
5.1. DEFORMATION AND GEOLOGY JAKARTA
When wrinkle of the membrane surface to be a problem on the stability and performance of
membrane structure that surpassing the threshold deformation due to decreasing the
foundation, then this issue becomes important. Jakarta area, where currently many
applications of membrane structure, is taken as case study about deformation.
Physiographic region extending from Serang Jakarta to Cirebon, an alluvial sediments
transported by the rivers that empty into the Java Sea as Tarum Ci, Ci Manuk, Asem Ci, and
Ci Punagara. In addition, sediment of lava from Mount Gede, Mount Pangranggo, and Mount
Tangkuban Prahu cover this zone in the form of volcanic alluvial fan (alluvial fan sediments)
in particular bordering Bandung zone. Thus, the Jakarta area is geographically located at 5 ⁰
19'12 "-6 ⁰ 23'54" south latitude and 106 ⁰ 22'42 "-106 ⁰ 58'48" have the geological
conditions are divided into 5 categories8 as follows:
5.1.1. The organic clays; marsh sediments with a thickness of 2-26m, 1-5 conical pressure
Kg/cm²
5.1.2. The silty sand; sediment embankment beach 2-10m thick, conical pressure of 10-20
Kg/cm².
5.1.3. The silty clay and clay silt; stream and beach sediment 40-250m thick.
5.1.4. Clay sand and sandy clay; elderly river sendiment and with 3-18 thick of plains overflow
of flood, on the top of sandy clay.
5.1.5. Sandy clay and sandy silt falls; was weathering of volcanic Alluvian fan 4-30m
The whole plains region of Jakarta consists of Alluvial sediments at the time Pleistocent 50 m
thick. Southern part consists of the alluvial layer that extends from East to West in the
8 Dinas Pertambangan DKI Jakarta. (1998)
17 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
distance 10 km Southern coast. Underneath are layers of older sediments. Strength of the
soil in the Jakarta area followed a similar pattern to the achievement of a hard layer in the
northern part of the region at a depth of 10 m - 25 m. Getting to the hard surface of the
shallow Southern is between 8 m - 15 m. Should be a concern that the West Jakarta soil
surface decreased by 5-15mm per year. So, to determine the type of foundation of large-
scale application of membrane structures required testing CPT (cone penetration test) /
sondir, or drilling soil samples by following the procedures of ASTM D 1587-83 "Standard
Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Soils".
Some structures were erected on the top of roof at urban area. In this case, the load should
be taken into account to the roof structure as case on Fresco Dining project (Fig. 14).
5.2. SURFACE RESISTANCE AGAINST AIR POLLUTION
Until now, there has been no in-depth study of the impact of membrane surface abrasion
due to the air pollution. In Indonesia, undiscovered cases of eroded material damage
caused by air pollution membranes. This is because the average age of the membrane
Fig 14. ‘Fresco Dining’ by Agung Sedayu, public facility along the beach,
Jakarta
Fig 15. The CEO, functioned as top-roof
restaurant. Jl. TB Simatupang Jakarta
Fig 16. D’Cost Restaurant, Semarang
18 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
Fig 18. Air pollution damages the marble
surface
Fig 17. Acid rain erodes stone.
construction is still under 10 years old. However, considering structure of the membrane in
urban applications with a high air pollution, the membrane material is indicated damage
occured in the long term. As is known, the life time of the membrane was set 30 years.
Compared to 2010 data, in 2011 air quality of Jakarta jumped dramatically. From the graph,
it can be 30-40 per cent, it means that air pollution increased dramatically. Even though the
declining trend in 2001-2010. Particles like dust that 70% of motor vehicle, then 90% of the
hydro-carbon vehicles, but if the majority of sulfur dioxide industry. Increased air pollution is
triggered by an increase in the number of motor vehicles.9
Hence, triggers membrane damage that can potentially lower the service, should be
concerned by the membrane industry.
Acid rain that damage buildings has been recorded at many cases as shown on figure 17 and
18. But so far, there has been no scientific report of damage on PVC caused by acid rain. Acid
rain forms when nitrogen and sulfur oxides in air dissolve in rain. This forms nitric and
sulfuric acids. Both are strong acids. Acid rain with a pH as low as 4.0 is now common in
many areas. Acid fog may be even more acidic than acid rain. Fog with a pH as low as 1.7 has
been recorded. That’s the same pH as toilet bowl cleaner. Acid rain dissolves limestone and
marble. This can damage buildings, monuments, and statues.10
5.3. AVAILABILITY OF STAINLESS STEEL CABLE
9http://www.voaindonesia.com/content/tingkat-pencemaran-udara-di-jakarta-meningkat/1418769.html
10 https://sites.google.com/site/earthscienceinmaine/effects-of-air-pollution
19 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
Membrane structures built close to coast need to use steel construction with special
treatment. In addition to the painting process according to ISO Standard 03-2408-1991-F on
Procedures for Metal Painting, in certain cases need to apply the method of 'sandblasting'
SA 2.5. Galvanized cable is the answer to degradation of cable performance due to
oxidation. However, stainless steel cable is not yet available in the local market. Therefore,
cable immersion into the zincromat paint considered necessary to prevent oxidation.
5.4. TOWARDS LONG SPAN MEMBRANE STRUCTURE
Membrane structures manufacturers in Indonesia, generally born of the steel construction
industry. On the other hand, the structure and architectural consultants that implement the
membrane structure can still be counted on the fingers. While many wide span building
construction built using conventional construction made; concrete and steel. Tendon cables
to withstand large tensile load is already available in the market, however, the availability
of the connection plate and ending membranes for wide scale project and long span
structure, needs multidicipline plan. In terms of planning, Indonesian Load Regulation does
not explain the wind load that must be taken into account against the membrane structure.
However, IBC Building Code sets minimum wind load is 90 MPH for the calculation of the
membrane structure. In the future, there needs to be cooperation between steel industries
and experts of membrane structure to realize structures such as shown on figure 19 and
figure 20.
Fig 19. Modeling membrane structure Fig 20. Detail of top roof at Millenium Dome
20 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
5.5. AS A ROOF FOR ENCLOSED / WALLED-BUILDING
Application membrane structure for enclosed-building has not been available in Indonesia.
However, it is big challenge and huge opportunity as well. Considering the advantages such
as weather resistance, optical properties, fireproof, and the price is rational, then it is worth
considering as a membrane structure for roofing enclosed-buildings. The use of membrane
structure can save energy consumption for lighting. In architecture perspective, diffused
light resulting interior lighting produces an exciting effect. The transparency and the ability
to shape light within a structure is acknowledged as one of the advantages of certain
membrane materials. As such the architects using membrane structures are often thinking
about how they can design and shape the light. Glass incorporated into the membrane
structure is able to partially control heat and light within the interior of the building.
As its deficiencies in terms of strength and fireproofing qualities render the use of film
problematic, as a building material it has significant potential. Currently, highly transparent
membrane materials have been developed and a sufficient level of performance is achieved
it greatly change the fate of membrane-structure buildings. However, several significant
questions have been identified that remain unanswered. For example, when transparent
membrane materials are used to construct closed spaces what kind of heat load is
produced? What mechanical systems or construction methods need to be created in order
to efficiently address this heat load? What is the appropriate response to heat radiation in
more open spaces? Nonetheless, the development of transparent roof membranes remains
appealing because they afford great flexibility insofar as that they can be easily manipulated
to fit curved spaces.
Furthermore, unlike glass for example, they required minimal secondary members.
However, the future development of transparent membrane materials depends upon the
resolution of the issues outlined above.
21 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
Active and passive control against temperature and lighting can be obtained by engineering
actions. However, for overall comfortable needs integrated planning.
Enclosed-building that directly utilizes the elements of membrane materials is known as a
‘membrane-structure building’. Either a cable frame or a skeleton frame can form the
structure that sustains the membrane. It is possible for a structure on a small scale to
consist of the membrane itself as the structural material. However, such a process is not
possible on a larger scale structure because the membrane is not strong enough. If used on
a large scale construction it is essential for the membrane to be strengthened somehow or
used in conjunction with a frame.11 An architect, who is used to working on traditional
structures, may find it helpful to use a skeleton-frame membrane structure when
constructing a membrane structure. This is because the membrane is able to be extended
over steel, wood or even a reinforced concrete frame in order to shape the space.12
6. CONCLUSION
Each structure has diffrent challange depends on the location. Application of membrane structure
can be optimum as far as steel and aloy industry, tension membrane manufacture, and engineer
equip and facilitate the design implementation. Local building norms should be set or adopted from
other well-established norms where needed. Membrane structure can be the answer to
construction which requires light-weight and easy to ship to any island through out Indonesia.
Regarding to safety, it is important to consider using membrane frame structure with horizontal
parameter rather than tension membrane structure since the soil is in-stabil such as many parts of
Indonesia. Although, various geology structures will directly influence the sub-structure design and
remains suitable to preference type of membrane structure.
It is theorized that the use of membranes as structures were used over 30,000 years ago for the
tents used by Nomadic tribes. Since these times, the technology involved with membrane structures
11
Smith, P.F. (2001). Architecture in a Climate of Change – a Guide to Sustainable Design. London: Architectural Press. 12
Herzog, T. (1996). Solar Energy in Architecture. Munich: Prestel.
22 MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ITS APPLICATION IN INDONESIA
has been ever increasing. These days, membrane structures are now as safe and durable as
traditional buildings. This is due in part to the materials that form them. Synthetic fibers and glass
fibers are now utilized and coating materials have enabled the structures to contain both water and
fire resistant qualities. Advancements have been made and there are many advantages to using
membrane structures including their qualities of transparency, low weight and their ability to be
applied to frames for large scale spaces. For instance, it is now possible to cover a large space that
would not be possible with traditional techniques with just one sheet of membrane material.
However, it must be recognized that membrane materials are not simply suited for all projects. If
just one thin sheet is used then it will be difficult to adequately protect it from tearing as well as
being difficult to provide insulation for heat and sound.
Application of membrane structure for long span structure and enclosed-building may involve
experts in civil work, building physics, and workmanship which have been avaliable in Indonesia.
References: 1. Wikipedia, Tension. 2. Wikipedia, Curvature 3. Tian, Di. (September 2011) Membrane Materials and Membrane Structures in Architecture.
The University of Sheffield, School of Architecture. 4. Supartono, FX., Zhongli,Li., Xiujhiang, Wang. (2011). Membrane Structure: A Modern and
Aesthetic Structural System. Seminar dan Pameran HAKI 2011. 5. Smith, P.F. (2001). Architecture in a Climate of Change – a Guide to Sustainable Design.
London: Architectural Press. 6. Kaltenbach, F. (2004). Translucent Materials: Glass, Plastics, Metals. Basle: Birkhäuser. 7. Herzog, T. (1996). Solar Energy in Architecture. Munich: Prestel. 8. Dinas Pertambangan DKI Jakarta. (1998) 9. Brown, G.Z. and Dekay, M. (2001). Sun, Wind and Light: Architectural Design Strategies. 2nd
(ed.). New York: John Wiley. 10. Askwith, Andrew. (2010). Notes On Tensile Structure Design.
i Architect, alumni of Department of Architecture, Petra Christian University, live in Jakarta. A membrane structure manufacture. elisaharyonugroho@yahoo.com
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