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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