ABSTRACT
Frequently the form finding process will use the death loads as decisive action because for only one load case a moment free form can be determined. For stadium roofs light weight constructions, that are tensioned between a cantilevering steel compression ring, are commonly build around the globe, mostly for social events like sport games and concerts. They allow having no columns in the viewing area and also spanning the whole arena. With the additional use of membranes as the roof shell, the inside of the building will get naturally lighted. The process also allows having only supports at the low points and a cantilever arises. These types of roofs will be compared with two exemplary canopies in Germany. Both authors are involved in the verification of the objects (Customer Centre in the Autostadt Wolfsburg CC, Schierke Arena -SA in the Harz Mountains) mentioned below.
