Abstract: In this paper, an experimental study of an air inflated membrane was carried out based on the China National Stadium (the Bird’s Nest). After the 2008 Olympic Games, it was apparent that the future use of the Bird’s Nest would be enhanced if rainfall could be prevented from entering the stadium. The installation of an air inflated membrane across the opening of the steel structure was proposed as a solution to this problem. To verify the scheme, a theoretical analysis and experimental study of an air inflated membrane was carried out. Experimental and computational models were developed, form-finding was carried out using both experimental and theoretical methods, and the results from the two approaches, including the deflection of the air inflated membrane and deformation of the support structure, were analyzed and compared. The force-transfer path and deformation of the air inflated membrane under loads was studied. Conclusions and suggestions are presented.

Key words: China National Stadium, Air inflated membrane, Form-finding

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