Mechanical Performance Model for Roofing Membranes

Abstract

The mechanical performance of built‐up roofing membranes, fully bonded to an underlying deck or substrate was modeled. Both linear and nonlinear stress‐strain behaviors were considered in the model development. The model is compared to previously developed models. It was found that the equality of the complementary strain energy of the fabric or felt layer with the strain energy of the bonding adhesive or bitumen layer governs both the conditions under which membrane integrity is lost and the mode of failure. Failure can occur either by membrane splitting or adhesive disbonding. The testing criteria developed are applied to a sample case.