Air‐Supported Structures 2026: The New DIN 4134 in the Mirror of Its Predecessor

Abstract

DIN 4134 for air‐supported structures was comprehensively revised in 2026 and split into a design part (DIN 4134‐1:2026‐03) and a conformity part (DIN 4134‐101:2026‐03). This paper compares the 2026 series with the predecessor DIN 4134:1983‐02 and highlights implications for structural design, fabrication and operation. Key changes are the shift of wind and snow actions and their combinations to the Eurocode framework (DIN EN 1991 / DIN EN 1990), the adoption of limitstate verifications with partial safety factors and explicit resistance‐side modification factors for membrane materials, and the introduction of performance classes TI–TV for coated fabrics and critical connections. Part 101 establishes a conformity assessment route for the envelope of air‐supported structures (including coated fabrics and critical envelope connections), enabling supply as construction products with declared characteristics and traceability, which in Germany can reduce project‐specific approval effort for membrane materials within the scope of DIN 4134. For readability, the contribution deliberately prioritises a practitioner‐oriented overview and a transparent comparison of the two standard generations rather than a fully rigorous reproduction of all detailed clauses. A mapping figure and a workflow figure support the transition.