Primary structures for building and construction

The discussion of primary structures is not the main topic of this chapter therefore only a short overview is provided. A roof system consists of the primary structure which has to carry all loads and must be stable in itself without depending upon the membrane. The primary structure forms the 

11 ETFE foil with printed-on pattern to reduce transparency and heat flux. 

Fibre-reinforced composite materials are relatively new and are of interest for primary constructions. These materials are lightweight and may easily be processed into complex forms. In specifically designed primary constructions, the natural forms of organic membranes may have a counterpart in bionic development such as the technical plant stem , which is formed on a model of giant reeds and horsetail (Milwich et al. 2006). 

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