Special structures: Past, present, and future

Special structures are landmarks and testimonials to the achievements of the structural engineering profession. They are true three-dimensional representations of our equilibrium equations and affirmations of our analytical techniques, design standards and construction practices. They include many types of structures, such as: space frames or grids; cable-and-strut and tensegrity; air-supported or air-inflated; self-erecting and deployable; cable net; tension membrane; lightweight geodesic domes; folded plates; and thin shells. This work celebrates the ASCE's sesquicentennial by providing a historical perspective on how special structures have evolved, their state-of-practice in the dawn of the 21st century, and a projection of their potential trends and evolution into the future.