oq-gem

Glossary for gem taxonomy

Authors: Luke Allen, Andrew Charleson, Svetlana Brzev, and Charles Scawthorn

This online Glossary explains around 400 terms contained in the GEM Building Taxonomy v 2.0 and nearly 700 images.

The terms have been listed in alphabetical and numerical order. Text description of each term is accompanied by illustrations (photos and/or drawings) where possible.

We welcome contributions in the form of photographs or images, illustrating glossary terms. If you have any questions you can also contact us at buildingtaxonomy@globalquakemodel.org


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Inflatable or tensile membrane roof [RFA1]

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Category: terms
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An inflatable roof uses fabric chambers pressurised with air to form a self-supporting structure.

A tensile membrane roof is made of stretched fabric, usually stretched in two directions to form a tensioned surface. Examples of tension membranes include polyester coated with PVC and glass fibre coated with Teflon.

RFA1_Canada_Brzev_1

BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada has a tensile membrane roof; the roof is covered by a semi-transparent plastic material (ETFE) (S. Brzev)

RFA1_Canada_Brzev_2

Canada Place in Vancouver, Canada, a tent-like structure that resembles a sailing ship, has a tensile membrane roof (S. Brzev)