Displacement
solutions
DISPLACEMENT SOLUTION
The displacements occurring to
roof panels in public buildings are classified into two major types: temperature deformation and
structural deformation.
Temperature
deformation
The displacement deformation resulting from temperature changes occurs relatively
commonly. The temperature changes refer to indoor and outdoor temperature differences in the service
stage. Such changes are significant especially when roof panels of wide-span roof are made of metal
materials with high linear expansion coefficient, such as aluminium, magnesium and manganese. In the
event of improper handling, the temperature deformation may lead to the malfunction of waterproof
joints and even potential hazards of structural safety such as wind uplift resistance of roof
panels.
Structural
deformation
Some special structural systems such as single-layer cable-net structures have obvious
features including significant horizontal deformation and vertical deformation. If flexible
materials such as films are used as roof materials, the water-tightness and safety of roof won’t be
damaged. However, if a metal envelope system is selected, measures for adaptation of envelope system
to major structural deformation must be carefully taken into account in the construction of roof for
reliable water-tightness and structural safety.
