Abstract: A vaulted membrane shelter comprising a multiplicity of vertical arches with curved bights, spaced apart, mounted on a base forming a frame that supports a flexible highly tensioned roof membrane operatively attached to the arches and curved concavely inward between them sufficiently to enhance its live roof load carrying capacity, to oppose arch deflection thereby increasing stability and to form a roof of double curvature to prevent membrane vibration and flutter. The membrane being tensioned longitudinally by arch separation movement which, in turn, tensions it transversely by slightly decreasing its inward curvature. Sufficient inward membrane curvature controls arch deflection within the elastic limits of membrane, similar to the way bicycle wheel spokes control deflection of the rim.

Abstract: A highly tensioned membrane structure supported by vertical curved arches that are semi-rigid or flexible in that they may sway in high winds. The tensioned membrane has sufficient inward curvature between arches to oppose arch deflection which greatly reduces the arch cross-section required. Such flexible arches require special erection procedures such as raising the arches by "bunching" or "ganging" them together or the use of an auxilary erection arch to prevent arch deformation during erection, especially when heavy membranes are attached to the arches. All of the arches are raised at once or in groups that support a section of the structure. The sections are then attached to each other along with end closures, if any.