Tensile Fabric Structures

TENSIONED TENSIONED FABRIC FABRIC

STRUCTURESSTRUCTURES

THE COLUMBUS CENTERInner HarborBaltimore, Maryland

CLOSED TENSIONED FABRIC STRUCTURE

Tensioned Fabric Structure: A structure where the exterior shell is a fabric material spread over a framework. The fabric is maintained in tension in all directions to provide stability.

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PIER SIX PAVILIONBaltimore, Maryland

OPEN STRUCTURE

CHICAGO’S NAVY PIER

• Unique designsUnique designs

• Lightweight and flexibleLightweight and flexible

• Environmentally sensitiveEnvironmentally sensitive

• High strength weight ratioHigh strength weight ratio

• Little to no rigidityLittle to no rigidity

• Loss of tension is dangerous for Loss of tension is dangerous for stabilitystability

• Thermal values limit useThermal values limit use

DISADVANTAGESDISADVANTAGESADVANTAGESADVANTAGES

• FABRIC STRUCTURES CANNOT TAKE HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS FABRIC STRUCTURES CANNOT TAKE HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS FALSEFALSE

• FABRIC IS ELASTIC AND STRETCHES Fabric has a strong tensile strength and FABRIC IS ELASTIC AND STRETCHES Fabric has a strong tensile strength and will creep (stretch very slightly) only a few percent over 20 years of use.will creep (stretch very slightly) only a few percent over 20 years of use.

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONSCOMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

TYPES OF FABRIC STRUCTURES

Saddle roof Mast supported Arch supported Point supported Combinations

SADDLE ROOF

Four or more point system when the fabric is stretched between a set of alternating high and low points

MAST SUPPORTED

Tent - like structures containing one or more peaks supported by poles (masts) or a compression ring that connects the fabric to the central support.

ARCH SUPPORTED

Curved compression members are used as the main supporting elements and cross arches are used for lateral stability.

ALUMINUM FRAME SUPPORT

COMBINATIONS

Combination of several support types.

COMPONENTS

BASE PLATE

• Connection to concrete foundation pillar

• MAST SUPPORTED

BALE RING / MEMBRANE PLATE Provide a link between the membrane and structural elements..

Bale rings are used at the top of conical shapes. Membrane plates accept centenary cables and pin connection

hardware.

MEMBRANEForms the enclosure of the structure. Connections can

be glued or heat welded.

MEMBRANES

PVC coated polyester (polyvinylchloride)

Silicon coated glass

Teflon coated glass P.T.F.E (polytetrafluroethylene)

PVC Less expensive 15 to 20 year life span Easy to erect

SILICON GLASS

Higher tensile strength Brittle, subject to damage from flexing 30+ year life span

TEFLON GLASS

Similar to silicon glass, less brittle.

TYPES OF FABRIC MEMBRANES

SPECIALIZED HARDWARE

Tensioner

Extruded section with membrane plate and centenary cables

Tripod head with centenary cables

Centenary cables at a side connection

SPECIALIZED HARDWARE

SPECIALIZED HARDWARE

CABLE CLAMPS

WATER DRAINAGE VIA MEMBRANE PLATESOPEN STRUCTURE

WATER DRAINAGECLOSED STRUCTURE

SOLAR BEHAVIOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Longer life cycles of materials.

Materials can be re-used in form.

Most materials are completely recyclable.

Less impact on site.

Less construction debris after demolition.

LINKS………………. BIRDAIR, INC. -

www.birdair.com SPRUNG INSTANT STRUCTURES LTD.

www.sprung.com FABRIC ARCHITECTURE

www.fabricarchitecture.co.uk FABRITEC STRUCTURES

www.shadeconcepts.com

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