TENSIONED

FABRIC
STRUCTURES

THE COLUMBUS CENTER

Inner Harbor
Baltimore, 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 PAVILION
Baltimore, Maryland

OPEN STRUCTURE
CHICAGO’S NAVY PIER
 COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS

• 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.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Unique designs • Little to no rigidity

• Lightweight and flexible • Loss of tension is dangerous for stability

• Environmentally sensitive • Thermal values limit use

• High strength weight ratio

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.
MEMBRANE
Forms 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)

TYPES OF FABRIC MEMBRANES

 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.
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE

Centenary cables
at a side
connection

Tripod head with

centenary cables

Extruded section with

membrane plate and
centenary cables

Tensioner
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE

CABLE CLAMPS
WATER DRAINAGE VIA MEMBRANE PLATES
OPEN STRUCTURE
WATER DRAINAGE
CLOSED 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

end