Tensile Fabric Structures

1. TENSIONED TENSIONED
FABRIC FABRIC
STRUCTURESSTRUCTURES
THE COLUMBUS CENTER
Inner Harbor
Baltimore, Maryland
CLOSED TENSIONED FABRIC STRUCTURE

2. 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

3. PIER SIX PAVILION
Baltimore, Maryland
OPEN STRUCTURE

4. CHICAGO’S NAVY PIER

5. • 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 stabilityLoss of tension is dangerous for stability
• 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

6. TYPES OF FABRIC
STRUCTURES
 Saddle roof
 Mast supported
 Arch supported
 Point supported
 Combinations

7. SADDLE ROOF
Four or more point system when the
fabric is stretched between a set of
alternating high and low points

8. 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.

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

10. ALUMINUM FRAME SUPPORT

11. COMBINATIONS
Combination of several support types.

12. COMPONENTS

13. BASE PLATE
• Connection to concrete foundation pillar
• MAST SUPPORTED

14. 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.

15. MEMBRANE
Forms the enclosure of the structure. Connections can be glued
or heat welded.

16. MEMBRANES
PVC coated polyester (polyvinylchloride)
Silicon coated glass
Teflon coated glass P.T.F.E (polytetrafluroethylene)

17. 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

18. SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
Tensioner
Extruded section with
membrane plate and
centenary cables
Tripod head with
centenary cables
Centenary cables
at a side
connection
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE

19. SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
CABLE CLAMPS

20. WATER DRAINAGE VIA MEMBRANE PLATES
OPEN STRUCTURE

21. WATER DRAINAGE
CLOSED STRUCTURE

22. SOLAR BEHAVIOR

23. 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.

24. LINKS……………….
BIRDAIR, INC. -
www.birdair.com
SPRUNG INSTANT STRUCTURES LTD.
www.sprung.com
FABRIC ARCHITECTURE
www.fabricarchitecture.co.uk
FABRITEC STRUCTURES
www.shadeconcepts.com
end