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This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  Tom Soehngen, M.E., A.M.ASCE

Course Length: 1 Hour

Purpose and Background

ASCE 55 Standard Tensile Membrane Structures was revised and updated in 2016. It covers specific details for design consideration of tensile membrane structures. Examples of membrane covered structures are frame supported, air supported, cable supported structures wherein the structure shape is determined by tension in the membrane and geometry of the support structure. This standard does not apply to air-inflated structures such as air-beam structures or inflatables. Additionally, the Standard for Air Supported Structures, ASCE 17, was discontinued and incorporated into this standard. This webinar provides an overview of air supported structures.

Primary Discussion Topics

• Chapter by chapter overview of the standard
• Specific changes from the previous version of the ASCE 55 standard
• Specific overview of air supported structures
• Snow load design updates air supported structures incorporated in ASCE 7
• Analysis, design, and performance of tensile membrane structures

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Recognize common membrane structure types and the design approach for the membrane used in each
• Describe membrane testing requirements and connection details
• Discuss design requirements including structural loads and load combination as applied to membrane structures
• Determine building classifications and area limitations used in the design of membrane structures
• Specify safety design considerations for air supported structures

Webinar Benefits

• Discuss design approaches for frame supported and air supported membrane structures
• Navigate building codes with specific special consideration for membrane structures
• Learn about the specific testing requirements for membrane materials and connections
• Identify air supported structures

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

• Structural engineers
• Building officials
• Plan reviewers

Webinar Outline

• Introduction to the ASCE 55 standard
• Chapter by chapter review
• General including definitions
• Membrane materials
• Connections
• Design
• Fabrication and erection
• Air supported structures
• Area limitations
• Determining modulus of elasticity
• Changes from previous standard 17 on air supported structures including snow load design

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]