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Last update: July 31st 2008
Preliminary details available for 2008 Seminar Program (PDF) Membership Information (Joining, Contacts, Categories) Members Profiles (Member profiles and links updated July 2008) LSAA Members please ensure we have your email address
The Australian Steel Institute has awarded Tensys Engineers a High Commendation in the 2008 Vic & Tas Structural Engineering Steel Design Awards for the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds Grand Pavilion. The Indian National Group of IABSE awarded the 2007 ING-IABSE Medal to Peter Lim, Vice President of LSAA, for his paper entitled "International Membrane Structures - Design and Application" published in "The Bridge and Structural Engineer" Vol. 37 No. 1 March-April 2007 issue. 
This paper was also a keynote address by Mr Lim at the ING-IABSE Annual Day held on 21st April 2007 at India Habitat Centre, Delhi, India. This award was presented during the Inauguration of the Seminar "Long Span Bridge and Roof Structures" on 4th January 2008 at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi, India.
Peter Lim also presented a paper entitled "Stretching the Boundaries of Film and Fabric" at the Long Span Bridge and Roof Structures seminar.
September 13 2006 Dr Kourosh Kayvani, the President of LSAA, received an award in Budapest from the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering. Dr Kayvani received the award in recognition of his leading role in the design of many long span, often cable-supported structures in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the United Kingdom. The IABSE Executive Committee selected Dr Kayvani from nominations from the 48 national groups worldwide.
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The Lightweight Structures Association is an autonomous, inter-disciplinary group of interested parties involved in the field of lightweight structures with the basic aim of promoting the proper application of lightweight structures, their design, fabrication, construction and materials, and the development of these and other aspects particular to lightweight structures. Typical lightweight structures include cable-, membrane-, shell-, and folded structures as well as space grids, braced vaults and domes, arched-, stayed-and trussed systems. Membrane materials are commonly PVC-coated polyester fabrics as well as PTFE coated glass. Lightweight structures are widely employed in architecture, engineering and building construction and find application in long span roofs for stadiums and exhibition structres; covered shopping malls; entrance structures; signature structures and sculptures as well as shade and environmental protection canopies. 
While it is difficult to assign a single all-encompassing definition, the following decription should suffice: "A lightweight structure can be termed as such, when, regardless of the type of material employed, the shape of the structure is determined through an optimisation process to efficiently carry the loads from a critical loading case." Normally the selfweight of the structure is a small portion of the applied load or generated forces. Lightweight structures often utilise lightweight and high-strength materials as well as advanced technologies for their design and construction. For many forms, the surface is prestressed and this results in doubly curved shapes requiring specialized cutting patterns and care during erection. They are recognised for their aesthetic appearance and their innovative character.
The objectives of the Association are:
The event will be held in conjunction with the Structural Engineering Branch of the Institution of Engineers. Coordinated presentations will enable structural engineers and others to obtain an overall introduction to the materials, supporting structures, the design process as well as the fabrication and construction of tensioned fabric structures.
Tentative timetable:
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