PurposeThe present study is based on finding the structural response of a tensile membrane structure (TMS) through deformation. The intention of the present research is to develop a basic understanding of reliability analysis and deflection behavior of a pre-tensioned TMS. The mean value first-order second-moment method (MVFOSM) method is used here to evaluate stochastic moments of a performance function with random input variables. Results suggest the influence of modulus of elasticity, the thickness of the membrane, and edge span length are significant for reliability based TMS design.Design/methodology/approachA simple TMS is designed and simulated by applying external forces (along with prestress), as a manifestation of wind and snow load. A nonlinear analysis is executed to evaluate TMS deflection, followed by calculating the reliability index. Parametric study is done to consider the effect of membrane material, thickness and load location. First-order second moment (FOSM) is used to evaluative the reliability. A comparison of reliability index is done and deflection variations from μ − 3s to μ + 3s are accounted for in this approach.FindingsThe effectiveness of deflection is highlighted for the reliability assessment of TMS. Reliability and parametric study collectively examine the proposed geometry and material to facilitate infield design requirements. The estimated β value indicates that most suitable fabric material for a simple TMS should possess an elasticity modulus in the range of 1,000–1,500 MPa, the thickness may be considered to be around 1.00 mm, and additional adjustment of around 5–10 mm is suggested for edge length. The loading position in case of TMS structures can be a sensitive aspect where the rigidity of the surface is dependent on the pre-tensioning of the membrane.Research limitations/implicationsThe significance of the parametric study on material and loading for deflection of TMS is emphasized. Due to the lack of consolidated literature in the field combining reliability with deflection limits of a TMS, this work can be very useful for researchers.Practical implicationsThe present work outcome may facilitate practitioners in determining effective design methodology and material selection for TMS construction.Originality/valueThe significance of parametric study for serviceability criteria is emphasized. Parameters like pre-stress can be included in future parametric studies to witness in depth behavior of TMS. Due to lack of consolidated literature in the field combining reliability with deflection limits of a TMS, this work can be very useful for the researchers. The present work outcome may facilitate practitioners in determining effective design methodology and material selection for TMS construction.