Lightweight modular membrane structures for various applications

This paper presents the system of lightweight modular inflated membrane structures. This type of bending active structures is composed of relatively small, modular inflatable cushions combined with cables and cross-braces. The structure is self-erecting. Introduction of tension to the cable gives it shape and load carrying capacity. The initial experiments confirmed their technological feasibility. At the present stage the system has been developed as a proposal for various applications. Some technical details and initial computational model are considered.