TENSIONED FABRIC STRUCTURESTHE COLUMBUS CENTER Inner HarborBaltimore, MarylandCLOSED 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 PAVILION Baltimore, MarylandOPEN STRUCTURE

CHICAGOS NAVY PIER

Unique designs

Lightweight and flexible

Environmentally sensitive

High strength weight ratio Little to no rigidity

Loss of tension is dangerous for stability

Thermal values limit useDISADVANTAGESADVANTAGES FABRIC STRUCTURES CANNOT TAKE HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS FALSE

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.COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

TYPES OF FABRIC STRUCTURES Saddle roof Mast supported Arch supported Point supported Combinations

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

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

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

ALUMINUM FRAME SUPPORT

COMBINATIONSCombination of several support types.

COMPONENTS

BASE PLATE Connection to concrete foundation pillar MAST SUPPORTED

BALE RING / MEMBRANE PLATEProvide 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 expensive15 to 20 year life spanEasy to erect

SILICON GLASS

Higher tensile strengthBrittle, subject to damage from flexing30+ year life spanTEFLON GLASS

Similar to silicon glass, less brittle.

TYPES OF FABRIC MEMBRANES

SPECIALIZED HARDWARETensionerExtruded section with membrane plate and centenary cablesTripod head with centenary cablesCentenary cables at a side connectionSPECIALIZED HARDWARE

SPECIALIZED HARDWARECABLE CLAMPS

WATER DRAINAGE VIA MEMBRANE PLATESOPEN STRUCTURE

WATER DRAINAGECLOSED STRUCTURE

SOLAR BEHAVIOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTLonger 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.comSPRUNG INSTANT STRUCTURES LTD.www.sprung.comFABRIC ARCHITECTUREwww.fabricarchitecture.co.ukFABRITEC STRUCTURESwww.shadeconcepts.com

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