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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

A national technical approval (abZ) and/or oder general construction technique permit (aBG) is granted upon application (see Model Building Code (MBO), Sections 16a(2) and18(2) and (4)). This also applies to amendments and supplements to, or renewals of existing approvals and/or construction technique permits.

No formal requirements apply. The following information is needed: name and address of the applicant, description of the product and/or construction technique and its field of use or application, type of decision required (new decision, amendment or supplement to, or renewal of, an existing decision).

Please feel free to use the template 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.