TENSILE ROOFING

What is Tensile ● Tensile structure is the term usually used to

refer to the construction of roofs using a
Roofing? membrane held in place on steel cables.
● Their main characteristics are the way in
which they work under stress tensile, their
ease of prefabrication, their ability to cover
large spans, and their malleability.
● This structural system calls for a small
amount of material thanks to the use of thin
canvases, which when stretched using
steel cables, create surfaces capable of
overcoming the forces imposed upon them.
Types of Tensile Roofing

❏ Saddle roof
❏ Mast supported
❏ Arch supported
❏ Combinations
Saddle Roof
(hyperbola)
Four or more point system when the
fabric is stretched between a set of
alternating high and low points
Mast supported
Roof (cone)
Tent-like in appearance, mast
supported structures typically have
one or sometimes several peaks that
are supported by either interior or
perimeter masts.
Arch supported
Roof ( Barrel )
Curved compression members are
used as the main supporting elements
and cross arches are used for lateral
stability.
Combinations

Combination of several support types.

Components of
tensile roof
BASE PLATE

Connection to concrete foundation

pillar

MEMBRANES

Forms the enclosure of the structure.

Connections can be glued or heat
welded Provide a link between the
membrane and structural elements.
Components of
tensile roof
BALE RINGS/ 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.
Components of
tensile roof
TYPES OF FABRIC MEMBRANE
PVC :
Less expensive 15 to 20 year lifespan
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.
SPECIALISED HARDWARES
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

• Little to no rigidity
Longer life cycles of materials.
Materials can be re-used in form. • Loss of tension is dangerous for
Most materials are completely stability
recyclable.
Less impact on site. •Thermal values limit use
Less construction debris after
demolition.
Unique designs
Lightweight and flexible
Environmentally sensitive
High strength weight ratio
DILLI HAAT, NEW DELHI. EXPRESS AVENUE, CHENNAI.