Episode 103 — Space Frames, Cable Nets, and ETFE Systems
From The Structural Engineering Podcast by Zach and Max
January 7, 2026 · 1h 5m · Season 7
About this episode
This episode explores space frames, cable nets, and ETFE systems, highlighting their efficiency and design considerations in modern architecture.
In Episode 103, we dive into space frames, cable nets, and ETFE membrane systems — the lightweight structural forms that make some of today’s most iconic buildings possible. From the geometry that drives space frame efficiency to the tension‑based behavior of cable nets and the surprising performance of ETFE, we break down how these systems work, where they shine, and what engineers need to consider when designing them.Tune in to hear how these structures balance form, efficiency, and constructability — and why “lightweight” doesn’t mean simple. Structural Trivia:Sign up for our structural trivia! A quick email mid-week will keep you sharp (FYI-Survey Monkey is often re-directed to the spam folder). Reach out to us:TheEngineeringPodcast.comInstagramLinkedin Sponsor:This episode is sponsored by NEXT Insurance; affordable, engineer-friendly liability coverage starting at just $29/month, designed to give structural engineers the protection they need with zero hassle. Go to NextInsurance.com/sepodcast and get a free quote today!
People in this episode
Hosts: Zach, Max
Topics covered
- space frames
- cable nets
- ETFE systems
- structural engineering
- design considerations
- lightweight structures
Keywords
- space frames
- cable nets
- ETFE
- structural forms
- engineering design
- lightweight structures
- constructability
Sponsors
NEXT Insurance
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Episode 103
Places: TheEngineeringPodcast.com
More episodes of The Structural Engineering Podcast
- Episode 114 - Yielding for a Better Brace · May 27, 2026 · 1h 0m
- Episode 113 - How Software Leaders See the Future of Structural Engineering · May 27, 2026 · 28 min
- Episode 112 – Good Connections Make Great Structures · May 17, 2026 · 53 min
- Episode 111 - Can Glass Really Be Structural? · May 17, 2026 · 1h 13m
- Episode 110 - Venues Aren’t “Just Code”: Vibration, Rigging & Mall Reuse · May 17, 2026 · 1h 8m
- Episode 109 – How Coastal Structures Hold Back the Ocean · May 17, 2026 · 1h 1m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Structural Engineering Podcast podcast page.