| 摘要 |
A tent-like structure, hereinafter called a tensioned vaulted structure that has a series of arches and a panel of flexible covering material or membrane 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 and held therein by a locking strip. In another embodiment, the arches are movable toward and away from each other to attach the covering material to the arches and to tension the membrane. The invention also includes methods which facilitate constructing such a structure with the panels of covering material depressed and tensioned between the arches. The structure may be made of curvilinear, circular or ellipsoidal form as well as straight. |
