Membrane structures

Membrane structures are composed of thin, fabric-like materials. Due to their low self-weight, they are suitable for spanning large areas. They are used, e.g., as space-dividing, thermally insulating external wall or roof elements.

Regulatory framework

DIBt grants national technical approvals (abZ) for the products used in membrane structures. European Technical Assessments (ETAs) can also be issued for these products.

There are no conclusive technical rules for the design and execution of membrane structures. DIBt grants general construction technique permits (aBG) for these applications. National technical approvals and general construction technique permits are usually granted together in a single decision ('combined decision').

Please also note the relevant provisions of the federal states following MVV TB, A 1.2.2 to A 1.2.9.

National procedure

To prepare an abZ/aBG for your construction product, we need an application from you. We recommend that you contact us prior to doing so. Feel free to send us your enquiry informally via email to dibt(at)dibt(.)de or to the competent technical contact listed in the top right.

For a first assessment, please send us the following information:

  • Description of the construction product and its intended field of use
    • e.g. material, configuration, number of sizes, variants, dimensions
    • e.g. use in walls, ceilings, interior construction, building services
  • Description of the construction technique and its field of application
    • e.g. design of walls, ceilings, elements, etc., and interaction of components
    • e.g. application in foundation engineering, reinforced concrete construction, building insulation; as load-bearing or non-load-bearing component; under static and quasi-static loading; fire exposure; other environmental exposures
  • Information regarding impact on regulatory concerns
    • in particular structural integrity, fire protection, health and environment protection, sound insulation as well as thermal performance
  • Explanation of need for an abZ/aBG
  • Contact details
    • preferably email address and/or telephone number, as well as name, organisation/company, and postal address

We will then contact you to clarify the next steps.

If you already hold a DIBt approval and/or construction technique permit and wish to apply for an amendment, supplement, or renewal, please use the form provided below.

European Technical Assessment (ETA)

To start the ETA procedure, please submit the form below. We will then check if the prerequisites for issuing an ETA are met, i.e., in particular, if the product is not fully covered by an existing harmonised standard. If the prerequisites are met, we will check whether a European Assessment Document (EAD) covering the requested assessment scope already exists or still needs to be developed. If an EAD needs to be developed or amended, a complete technical file needs to be established before the procedure can begin.

Z
new decision
E
supplement
Ä
amendment
V
renewal
G
valid until
Subject concerned Applicant Decision no. Validity
from / to
Hülle für Tragluftbauten aus PVC-beschichtetem Polyestergewebe Struckmeyer Traglufthallen GmbH & Co. KG Am Hainebuch 17 32457 Porta Westfalica Z-10.5-35 Z: 18.12.2024
G: 18.12.2026