The membrane structure of toll stations is a spatial tension structure formed by combining high-strength flexible film materials with support systems (such as steel frames and steel cables), and is widely used in the canopies of expressway toll stations. Its core advantages lie in lightweight, free shape and functional integration. The following is a detailed introduction to the membrane structure of toll stations.

　　The design principles of membrane structures at toll stations mainly follow structural mechanics, materials science and architectural aesthetics. In the principles of structural mechanics, by taking advantage of the flexibility and tensile properties of membrane materials, and through the rational arrangement of steel cables and pillars, the load is evenly distributed throughout the entire structural system, enabling the membrane structure to withstand significant external forces, such as wind and snow loads. In the principles of materials science, based on the usage environment and functional requirements of toll stations, appropriate membrane materials should be selected to ensure they have good physical properties and chemical stability, and can resist the erosion of various natural factors. From the principles of architectural aesthetics, the design is carried out based on aspects such as architectural form and color matching to make the membrane structure canopy in harmony with the overall style of the toll station and the surrounding environment, thereby enhancing the architectural quality and artistic value of the toll station.

　　In the selection of membrane materials for toll station membrane structures, there are mainly three types of materials available for selection: PTFE membrane material, ETFE membrane material, and PVC/PVDF membrane material. Membrane materials each have their own characteristics. Among them, PTFE membrane material is a composite material formed by coating PTFE(polytetrafluoroethylene) resin on a base fabric woven from extremely fine glass fibers. It has excellent flexibility and will not crack or break due to folding, with a service life of more than 25 years. The lightweight feature of ETFE membrane material can reduce the structural burden of toll stations, lower the requirements for the foundation and the difficulty of construction, and at the same time be beneficial to seismic performance. Its light transmittance can be controlled between 43% and 95% according to the position and surface printing conditions, and it has good weather resistance, chemical corrosion resistance and self-cleaning properties. PVC/PVDF membrane materials have high strength, good durability, are fire-resistant and difficult to burn, and also possess certain self-cleaning properties and UV resistance. Their service life is generally around 15 to 20 years.

　　The technical characteristics of membrane structures at toll stations are mainly reflected in structural performance and functional design. It demonstrates excellent weather resistance, self-cleaning and energy-saving features, as well as light weight and high strength in structural performance. The membrane material is light in weight (usually 1/10 of traditional building materials), and forms a stable curved surface through prestressed tensioning, capable of withstanding strong wind loads ‌. Its surface coating has UV resistance and corrosion resistance. Application cases in high-altitude areas such as Xizang have verified its stability under extreme climates ‌. The surface of PVDF or PTFE membrane materials is smooth and can be kept clean by being washed by rain. Light transmittance of 10%-20% reduces lighting energy consumption, and heat insulation lowers air conditioning load ‌. In terms of functional design, it has advantages such as rapid construction, waterproof integration, and intelligent compatibility. Its unit membrane blocks are prefabricated in the factory, and the on-site assembly efficiency is high (for example, the Baoquan toll station in Xinxiang, Henan Province adopts modular installation)‌. The "unit membrane block + sealed joint device" technology developed by China Construction Eighth Engineering Division can achieve underground continuous wall water blocking by embedding an impermeable layer and can be moved to the waterproofing of the toll station foundation ‌. The Guangzhou airport expressway toll station integrates membrane structures with ETC equipment and digital twin systems to support intelligent renovations such as islandless lanes ‌.

　　The membrane structure of toll stations features an elegant and unique appearance, a light and stable structure, superior material performance, good light transmission and heat insulation, as well as convenient and rapid construction. Membrane structures have broken the traditional linear architectural style pattern. With their elegant curved surface shapes and the simple and brisk combination of rigidity and flexibility as well as strength and beauty, they offer a refreshing experience and provide architects with a broad space for imagination and creation. They can blend perfectly with the surrounding buildings and environment. Membrane structures are lightweight, weighing only about 1 kilogram per square meter, which can effectively reduce the load on the foundation. Meanwhile, tension is introduced into the membrane material through steel cables and pillars to form a stable form. This flexible structure can withstand large displacements, is not prone to overall collapse, and has good seismic performance. Commonly used membrane materials such as PTFE and ETFE feature high strength, good durability, fire resistance, self-cleaning property, and are not affected by ultraviolet rays. Their service life can reach 15 to 30 years. Membrane structure ceilings have a certain degree of light transmittance, which can fully utilize natural light for illumination, reduce the energy consumption of artificial lighting, and lower operating costs. Meanwhile, it has a high reflectivity for thermal energy and absorbs less heat, which can create a comfortable passage environment for toll stations. The cutting of diaphragms, the fabrication of steel cables and steel structures, etc. are completed in the factory. At the construction site, only the connection, installation, positioning and tensioning of steel cables, steel structures and diaphragms are required, which can be carried out simultaneously with the lower reinforced concrete structure to avoid construction crossover and greatly shorten the construction period.

　　Membrane structures for toll stations are currently widely used in society. A typical application case of it in innovative design is the Wudong Toll Station in Wuhan. Its feature is the adoption of a double-layer structure of "single-layer grid shell +ETFE air pillow". At night, the light reflection presents the image of the optoelectronic industry, and the membrane top area exceeds 2,000 square meters. There is also the Minhang S32 Puxing Highway Toll Station, where the membrane structure roof and the newly built ramps were put into use simultaneously, enhancing the efficiency of the external road network of Pujiang Town. It is compatible with the 7-lane intelligent toll collection system ‌. When choosing the membrane structure for the toll station, regional adaptation plans also need to be considered, such as ‌ in high-cold regions. For the Xizang project, thickened PTFE membrane (thickness ≥0.8mm) was selected. Enhance frost heave resistance and wind pressure resistance ‌. In the coastal area, ‌ guangmo construction uses anti-corrosion steel cables and neoprene rubber seals in the south China project to cope with the high humidity and salt spray environment ‌.