STRUCTURAL MEMBRANES 2023

Medijana-Niš Archeological Site Protection Structure

  • Vučur, Aleksandar (ArTech inženjering d.o.o.)
  • Filz, Günther (Universität Innsbruck)

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The "Medijana" project (Fig. 1) was designed to protect one of the most important archaeological excavation sites from the ancient Roman period in Serbia [1], and presented a significant challenge due to its location as a candidate for UNESCO heritage protection [2]. In 2023, the project has finally been completed, with the third phase of construction for one of the largest membrane structures in this region of Europe. The site-specific limitations and conditions required careful planning and logistics. As such, this project serves as a unique case study that illustrates the interplay between design, limitations, and the need for innovative detailing and installation techniques. The project was designed, produced, and installed by ArTech Inženjering, Belgrade and Piramida SM, both from Serbia. The GLW construction was covered with type 3 PVC-PES membrane. Despite its relatively simple geometry and clean architecture, the project faced several challenges, including a total covered surface of 10,000 m2, a main clear span of 80m, a length of 130m, significant restrictions for the installation process, such as the need to protect and preserve existing mosaics and ruins during construction, and limitations on the use of heavy machinery. Through ongoing monitoring and observation over a period of 9 years, from 2014 to 2023, a wealth of information including wooden structure – membrane interaction, microclimatic conditions, and maintenance has been collected, which will be valuable for future developments in the portfolio of ArTech company, the field of membrane structures in cultural heritage applications and beyond.