Arch suspension
Arch suspension involves suspending the roof beneath
an arch.
One advantage of doing this (as opposed to using the arch as
part of the roof) is that the cables can distribute the
stabilising effect of the arch over a wider area of the
roof.
Another advantage is that the strength of an arch depends
upon how curved it is - an external arch will often tend to
have a smaller radius of curvature than one following the
surface of the dome would have - and will thus be
stronger.
The disadvantages are much the same as for using an arch:
the arch components are in compression; if the arch is to be
very long without buckling, then it needs to become thick,
heavy and expensive.
The pattern avoids the extended footprint required by
suspension and cable-stayed designs. It is however, heavier
and more expensive than them.
Arch suspension is fairly commonly used in bridges. Only a
few arch suspension domes exist.
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Athens Olympic Velodrome
[1]
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Köln Arena
Cologne Arena, Arena Mantelbebauung
[1]
[2]
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New Wembley Stadium
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Athens Olympic Stadium
[1]
[2]
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