Analyzing progressive damage of the Millennium Dome’s tensile membrane under storm Eunice

Storm Eunice’s impact on northwestern and northern Central Europe highlights the significance of wind load on lightweight tensile membrane surface (TMS) constructions, such as the Millennium Dome. Designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership and Imagination, the Dome symbolizes the new millennium with canopy panels aligned to celestial lines. This research examines how adjacent structures affect wind pressure on the Dome’s surface, analyzing the tensile surface’s deterioration through four phases. It explores wind flow dynamics around the Dome, both isolated and within an urban environment, to understand the relationship between urban development and structural resilience under strong winds. Findings show that nearby buildings, such as the Aura Tower, can increase local wind speeds and suction from 45 to 55  m/s, causing structural damage. This study emphasizes the critical impact of wind pressure on TMS constructions, highlighting the need for considering environmental and urban factors in architectural and urban planning.