Abstract: Large hollow curved beams and arches are inexpensively produced by curving individual shallow components, such as channels, that are then tiered to form a large laminated member. Smaller beams or arches can be made by tiering the components, curving them all at one time, then fastening them together. Individual layers of curved components are usually fastened together consecutively or in multiple laminations to construct a member with a much higher moment of inertia than the sum of the moments of inertia of the layers in a non-fastened state.

Abstract: A vaulted membrane structure that has a series of substantially curved vertical arches that can be arranged in a modular construction to support a flexible membrane that is attached to the arches and tensioned between them in a formed inward depression to minimize vibration and flutter and to increase its ability to withstand heavy live loads such as snow or pulsating loads created by high winds.This construction applies particularly to comparative small shelters where the membrane can slide in its fastener on the arch, or slide along the arch to stretch the membrane over the arches when it is fabricated in one piece or in multiple sections.The membrane is tensioned in several ways: by pulling the membrane towards the base or by pulling the arches apart by anchor lines and/or by end closures that are fastened to the base, or by adjustable purlins or jacks between arches to force them apart. A combination of two ways is also used.

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.

Abstract: A pre-stressed arch supported membrane structure, a method of assembly and erection and a means of tensioning a membrane of double curvature supported by and attached to upright arches.By moving the ends of flat resilent arch structural members closer together, pre-stressed arches are formed by "bowing."Assembly and erection consists of attaching flat arch member ends to base beams, one fixed and one movable; attaching membranes to these flat members when reclined on the ground, operatively attaching transverse or inclined arch members to their respective structural members; moving the non-fixed base beam towards the fixed base beam thus causing the arches to be formed as the structure rises to its erected position. Preliminary tensioning of the membrane can take place when the transverse or inclined arches are attached to the arch members in their reclined position.

Abstract: A tent-like structure, hereafter called a vaulted shelter, a series of curved arches and a panel of flexible membranous material attached to each pair of arches and tensioned in both directions with the panels concavely curved in the direction of the spacing of the arches as well as convexly curved in the other direction to minimize flutter and vibration and to enhance its load-carrying capacity. The panels are attached to the arches by inserting beads on their edges into tunnels in the arches so that the panels may slide lengthwise of the arches to tension them lengthwise. The arches are mounted on rails to wing from recumbent to upright positions and to slide toward each other, to facilitate assembly of attaching the panels to the arches, and away from each other, to tension the panels transversely. To move the arches apart and tension the panels transversely, extensible struts, such as toggles or jackscrews, are provided between the arches.

Abstract: A tent-like structure, hereafter called a pavilion with a series of curved arches and a panel of flexible membranous material attached to each pair of arches and tensioned in both directions with the panels concavely curved in the direction of the spacing of the arches as well as convexly curved in the other direction to minimize flutter and vibration and to enhance its load-carrying capacity. The panels are attached to the arches by inserting beads on their edges into tunnels in the arches so that the panels may slide lengthwise of the arches to tension them lengthwise. The arches are mounted on rails to swing from recumbent to upright positions and to slide toward each other, to to facilitate assembly of (attach) the panels to the arches, and away from each other, to tension the panels transversely. To move the arches apart and tension the panels transversely, extensible struts, such as toggles or jack-screws, are provided between (each pair of) the arches.

Abstract: A tent-like structure, hereinafter called a vaulted membrane structure that has a series of curved arches and a panel of flexible covering material attached to and tensioned between each pair of arches. In one embodiment, the arches on each side of an intermediate portion of the pavilion are mounted to swing in opposite directions between upright and recumbent positions. The arches, except the outermost, are mounted to swing on offsets which increase in length toward an intermediate portion of the pavilion to facilitate attaching of the covering material to the arches and to tension the covering material. The covering material between each pair of arches is depressed to minimize flutter and vibration and to enhance its load-carrying capacity and is attached to the arches by inserting beads on its edges into tunnels in or attached to the arches and held therein by a locking strip.