THE HAJ TERMINAL, JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

The most outstanding application of cable-reinforced fabric structures suspended from overhead cables is the Hah Terminal at the Abdul Aziz International Airport at Jeddah, which was built to accommodate the unusually high traffic during the Haj Pilgrimage. The terminal covers 105 acres, has a covered area of 500 000 m2 and can accommodate 50 000 pilgrims. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merril, the terminal comprises 210 tent-shaped roofs, each 45m by 45m in plan, formed from suspended, cable-reinforced, Tefloncoated, fiberglass fabric. The modules, which are catenoids on square ground plans, reflect the vernacular tent architectural traditional. The translucent, heat-insulating fabric lets in diffused light and provides a comfortable ambience in the desert. However, Teflon-coated fiberglass fabric is expensive, and PVCcoated polyester, which is self-extinguishing, meets all the code requirements and is often preferred as a cheaper alternative. Cable-reinforced fabric structures similar to those used to roof the Haj Terminal involve non-developable surfaces that pose several complex problems. These related to the development of fabric cutting patterns and sealing of the seams.