1.

INTRODUCTION

The aesthetically appealing outlook of the fabric structure has caught my

eyes to wonder about the uniqueness and the design flexibility along with
many factors such as cost and wide range of uses. Since fabric is something,
we use in our day today life, this made my decision to pick this as my
dissertation topic.

1.1 WHAT IS FABRIC?

The fibre can be natural or artificial. The natural fibres have the considerable
advantage of a reduced environmental impact; however, their properties
cannot be significantly changed in order to meet particular requirements and
this reduces considerably their application. Whereas artificial fibres can be
obtained by using a wide range of bulk material and processes which satisfy
a wide range of requirements such as mechanical and chemical properties.
The fibres are expressly designed in order to satisfy specific requirements
due to their final application, and can be obtained as an improvement upon
existing commercial fibres, through particular processes and treatments, or
created for specific high demand industrial applications

1.2 OVERVIEW

The world of fabric encompasses wide applications and is used in various

different industries and fields. Increased functionality of fabrics has the
application of textile for different part in engineering roads, automobiles, and
even aircrafts. Another such operation of fabric is venturing out in the arena
of architecture. The demand for textiles in architectural construction is
growing day by day.

With the need for designs to be more flexible, pressure of reducing material
cost, and the requirement of aesthetically and eco-friendly materials have
made fabric an ideal option for construction. Fabrics made with aramid
carbon and glass fibres combined with the strength of composites give civil
engineers and architects a new range of material to work with and in contrast
to the less weight it bears in building a structure.

1
1.2.1 AIM

Document different and possible design forms capable by fabric. Learn the
application of design and its appropriate function to imply in my own design.

1.2.2 SCOPE

Lightweight structure as covering material.

Explore possible future and advancement.

Structure balance and material properties

1.2.3 LIMITATION

It is not always cost effective for very small constructions. Fabric structures
become more cost effective the bigger they are, and accordingly they offer
economies of scale to a much greater extent than other construction
materials.

Fabric structures are almost impervious to weathering and environmental

damage, although of course they are not immune to vandalism or having
heavy weights dropped on them.

1.2.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS:

 WHY FABRIC STRUCTURE?

 WHAT KIND OF SPACES THEY CAN BE USED?
 WHY IS IT A BETTER OPTION?
 ARE THEY SPECIFIED ONLY FOR SHADING PURPOSE?
 HOW ADAPTIVE ARE THEY TO DIFFERENT CLIMATIC
CONDITION?

2
2. LITERATURE OVERVIEW

2.1 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

1. When large areas on a building need to be covered with a waterproof
and translucent material, the lightest choice is a textile e.g. BURJ AL
ARAB

FIG 2.1 BURJ AL ARAB FAÇADE

2. Flexibility is the most particular quality determining the definition of

textile or membranes.E.g. ROTHENBAUN TENNIS COURT.

FIG 2.2 ROTHENBAUN TENNIS COURT

3. Most textile membranes used, are translucent, blocking most of the solar
radiation but still let some light through e.g. CASA DA MUSICA.

FIG 2.3 CASA DA MUSICA

3
 4. When a three-dimensional fabric is created it can absorb sounds, by
breaking the sound waves e.g. MERCEDES-BENZ MUSEUM

FIG 2.4 MERCENDES BENZ MUSEUM ACOUSTIC

5. Indore climate is maintained e.g. EDEN PROJECT.

FIG 2.5 EDEN PROJECT

2.2 FABRIC PROPERTIES

When discussing fabric properties for use on a structure, there are several
terms that are commonly used:

 Tensile strength is a basic indicator of relative strength. It is

fundamental for architectural fabrics that function primarily in tension.
 Tear Strength is important in that if a fabric ruptures in place, it
generally will do so by tearing. This can occur when a local stress
concentration or local damage results in the failure of one yarn, which
thereby increases the stress on remaining yarns.
 Adhesion strength is a measure of the strength of the bond between
the base material and coating or film laminate that protects it. It is

4
 useful for evaluating the strength of welded joints for connecting strips
of fabric into fabricated assembly.
 Flame retardancy does not have the same meaning as flameproofing.
Fabric that contains a flame-retardant coating can withstand even a
very hot point source. However, it can still burn if a large ignition
source is present.
 Free Form Tensile fabric allows one to use free form in building
construction as it is flexible material.

2.3 STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES

 When deciding on a fabric it is imperative to keep certain fabric

properties in mind. These include stress versus strain (unit load versus
unit elongation), expected service life, the mechanisms of joining the
material together (welding, gluing, etc.), and the fabric’s behaviour in
or around fire.
 Stress versus strain data should be obtained in both uniaxial and
biaxial forms. This information characterizes the fabric in terms of
stiffness, elasticity, and plasticity. This is essential information when
determining the material's response under load in a load carrying
application. Shear strength, shear strain, and Poisson's ratios, though
difficult to obtain, are fundamental when analysing a fabric as a
structural material

5
3. ARCHITECTURAL FABRIC AND FOILS

In membrane structure 3 main type of materials are generally used coated

fabric, open mesh fabric and foils.
Coated fabrics present a symmetrical structure of yarns arranged in two main
orthogonal directions: wrap and fill. The yarns consist of threads parallel or
twisted together and can be made of several materials. While the structural
function is mainly provided by the yarns, protection from chemical and
biological influences, fire retardant behaviour, weld ability, waterproof
qualities and UV ray resistance depend on the coating layer.

For applications which do not require weather tightness, the use of open
mesh fabrics is recently becoming quite popular. The weaving pattern can be
designed in order to achieve the required level of solar protection and the
design can take advantages of the reduced wind loads and of the substantial
absence of ponding and wrinkles due to permeable structure.

Architectural foils are widely used for pneumatic application thanks to their
level of tightness. However, the reduced mechanical properties limit their use
for large cushions and singe skin envelopes. In recent projects, this limit has
been partially addressed by adding reinforcing steel cables as a support in
case of heavy loads.

FIG 2.6 MANUFACTURING PROCES

6
3.1 FABRIC

The term ‘technical fabric’ is used to indicate the wide class of fabric in which
the technical aspects are more significant than the aesthetic ones. The
material of the fibers is one of the most important factors which contribute to
the final performance of the fabric, especially from the mechanical point of
view.

The fibre can be natural or artificial. The natural fibres have the considerable
advantage of a reduced environmental impact, however, their properties
cannot be significantly changed in order to meet particular requirements and
this reduces considerably their application. Whereas artificial fibres can be
obtained by using a wide range of bulk material and processes which satisfy
a wide range of requirements such as mechanical and chemical properties.
The fibers are expressly designed in order to satisfy specific requirements
due to their final application, and can be obtained as an improvement upon
existing commercial fibres, through particular processes and treatments, or
created for specific high demand industrial applications.

The most common synthetic fibres are acrylic, aramid (commercialized as

Twaron, Kevlar, Technora and Nomex), carbon (commercialized as Tenax),
derclon, microfiber, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, polyethylene
(commercialized as Dyneema and Spectra), spandex, vinalon and zylon. The
production of architectural fabrics is mostly focused on polyester (PES),
polyethylene (PE) and fiberglass. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),
— generally used in the coating layer, is now also available for yarns for
specific applications (lighting, sound absorption, easy recycling, etc.). Finally,
forindoor and temporary applications, other fibres like elastane and nylon are
used

3.1.1 POLYESTER

The most used fibre for architectural fabrics since the early 1960s due to the
reduced price, good mechanical performance and the expected lifespan. The
progressive degradation due to UV rays and the behavior in case of fire can
be easily improved with an adequate coating. The fibres are quite flexible and

7
are very common for temporary and seasonal structures. Thanks to new
technologies, coated fabrics, based on polyester fibres, are now recyclable.

3.1.2 POLYETHYLENE

Polyethylene fabrics are generally woven from high-density polyethylene slit

tape and coated on both sides. It is generally used for low-budget
applications despite the shorter life Span compared to polyester. Knitted
fabrics for shading applications are one of the recent and most promising
uses of high-density polyethylene in architecture.

The fire behaviour and the resistance to UV rays can be improved through
the use of specific additives.

3.1.3 FIBERGLASS

Glass fibres are generally used for permanent heavy-duty applications due to
the high modulus of elasticity and the tensile strength, and because of its
intrinsic high resistance to fire and UV degradation it does not require
additional additives. However, glass fibres are quite brittle and can crack
easily and for this reason the panels of fabric should be folded and handled
with care avoiding repeated flexing and low radius of curvature.

3.1.4 EXPANDED PTFE

Architectural fabrics based on Expanded PTFE are relatively new and

commonly used for seasonal and deployable structures due to the high
translucency, strength, flexibility, long life-span, high chemical resistance.
and very good soiling behaviour. Due to the high costs this material is
generally used for specific projects which require, and highlight, its unique
luminosity.

3.1.5 NYLON

Nylon fibres are generally used for projects and products which require
lightweight and stretchable fabrics with relatively low mechanical properties.
Thus, they are commonly used for small temporary and deployable
Structures both for indoor and outdoor applications.

8
3.1.6 ARAMIDS

These fibres are very popular for nautical applications due to the extremely
high modulus of elasticity and breaking strength. They are non-combustible
but need to be protected against UV light. In architecture, due to the relative
high price, their use is generally related to special applications which require
their unique mechanical performance.

3.1.7 ACRYLIC

Acrylic fibres are synthetic fibres extensively used for furnishing fabrics. In
architecture, due to the reduced mechanical performance, they are used for
small deployable tents and umbrellas due to their flexibility and good
resistance to oils, chemicals, and to deterioration from sunlight exposure. In
addition, it can also be made to mimic other fibres such as cotton.

3.1.8 POLYURETHANE

Elastane, a polyurethane-polyurea copolymer, is exclusively used for indoor

applications which require exceptional elasticity. Highly appreciated for the
relatively low price and the reduced risk of wrinkles, this type of fabric is not
suitable for wind and snow loads.

3.1.9 COTTON

Pure cotton is characterized by a poor tensile strength, a relatively high

elasticity and a high vulnerability to microbial attack and the consequent
biological degradation.

For this reason, its use is mainly restricted to leisure tents, indoor
applications and projects which do not requires high and durable mechanical
performance.

3.2 COATING

The final properties of a coated fabric, with the only exception of the
mechanical performance, are mainly related to the materials used for the
coatings. They are usually placed on both sides of the fabric and can be
combined with several additives in order to achieve the requirements in terms

9
of weather and UV resistance, chemical and biological attacks, fire behaviour
and colour stability.

Therefore, the quality of the coating is fundamental for the service life of the
material. The doctor blade (PVC) and the dip coating (PTFE) are the most
common coating methods however, the coatings can be applied to the fabric
also by laminating, rolling or brushing on the basis of the chemical
compatibility with the fibres.

3.2.1 PVC
Polyvinylchloride (PVC) is generally used in combination with polyester
fabrics. Additional additives and top-coatings are generally used to improve
the fire behavior, the expected lifespan, the self-cleaning properties and the
— color stability. PVC is the most used coating for architectural fabrics due to
the reduced cost, the easy weld ability (high frequency, hot air) and the range
of colors available.

In addition, it can be easily painted or printed. In order to obtain a nonstick,

self-cleaning surface resistant to UV rays, PVC is generally combined with a
top-coating based on acryl, polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) or
polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). PVC coatings, combined with adequate
topcoats, have a life span of more than 20 years.

In order to reduce the high environmental impacts related to the use of pvc
new alternative coating are currently under development.

3.2.2 FLUOROPOLYMER COATING

Fluoropolymer Coatings Despite the higher price, fluoropolymer is the most
common material for coatings when there are requirements for particularly
high resistance to uv radiation and to chemical and biological corrosion. The
range of fluoropolymer coatings is quite wide and includes PVF, PVDF and
ETFE. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is the strongest bond in organic
chemistry and the most used fluoropolymer coatings (PVF and PVDF are
mainly used as top coatings for PVC. THV has been only recently used in
combination with polyester fabrics due to the extremely high resistance to

10
corrosion. Its colour is always off-white becoming almost white with UV
radiation.

3.2.3 SILICONE
Silicone is mainly used in combination with woven glass fabrics due to high
flexibility and light transmission. It is relatively cost effective and has excellent
characteristics of UV and flame resistance. It is considered most
environmentally sustainable coating with great potential for the future.

Its principal drawback is that it tends to pick up airborne particles and dirt. In
recent years, new formulations have been developed to address this issue.
The main technical limit is represented by the seaming process requires
PTFE threads or silicone adhesive tapes.

Some of the coated fabrics are:

PVC COATED POLYESTER FABRIC

THV COATED POLYESTER FABRIC

PTFE COATED GLASS FIBRE FABRIC

SILICONE COATED GLASS FIBRE FABRIC

COATED AND UNCOATED OTFE FABRIC

PU COATED NYLON FABRIC

OPEN MESH FABRICS

11
4. FABRIC AND ARCHITECTURE IN INDIA

FIG 4.1 KHAS MAHAL, RED FORT, DELHI AS SEEN TODAY

FIG 4.2 KHAS MAHAL, RED FORT, DELHI, 1817, WITH TEXTILE ADDITIONS

When we visit historic buildings in India today, they are usually empty shells
which give no idea of how they could function as liveable spaces. The
missing element is textiles, whether in the form of lavish furnishings and
patterned clothing, or basic practical additions like awnings on the building’s
exterior. Textiles can transform not just the appearance of a building but also
its function. The awning added to the front of the building in the Red Fort in
Delhi (shown above) provides shade for the building itself and the public
space in front of it, and the cloth screens on either side both limit public
access to these royal pavilions and also join them together into a usable suite
of buildings – unlike the isolated monuments they appear as today.

12
 FIG 4.3 AWNINGS

The attachment of awnings (shamiana) to buildings was essential in India’s

climate and the integral rings built into the walls of palaces, like these in
Bundi (above), show that they were incorporated into the buildings at the time
of their construction. The rings are visible in the photograph above the lower
eave.

Permanent Roofing applications: Fabrics with a high concentration PVDF

coating, are widely used for roofing applications, like atriums, terrace
coverings, entrance roofs, cafeterias, stadia roofs, etc.

Stretched Ceilings & Partitions: Fabrics are ideally suited for false ceilings,
acoustic wall coverings etc. and can cover large stretches of area with only
peripheral support systems, and are especially recommended for auditoriums
and areas where sound absorption is necessary.

Solar Protection: Fabrics are used for reducing heat and glare coming into
the premises. They are used mainly for internal/external roller blinds,
skylights,shade-sails,etc.

Lightweight structures like Tents, Awnings & Canopies: We have a

range of fabrics for lightweight structures like awnings, canopies & tents.

13
5. FABRIC ARCHITECTURE AND CLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF INDIA?

Fabrics are made to suit all kind of climatic conditions, and are used in the
coldest areas of Russia and North Europe to the hottest desert areas of the
Middle East. Tropical countries like Singapore, Malaysia etc. are also widely
using these fabrics.

Lot of cities in India have really high temperatures in summer reaching upto
45 degree Celsius and above. In such conditions glass or polycarbonate
transmit tremendous amount of heat and affect the Air conditioning
performance adversely, contributing to extremely high energy bills. With solar
protection fabrics we can substantially reduce the heat transmission levels
which would result in a better environment and reduced energy consumption.

High SPM levels in Indian cities result in a lot of dust settling on any surface,
be it glass, polycarbonate or fabric. Thus, maintenance is required for all
surfaces, if you want to keep them good looking and clean. However, roofing
fabrics with high concentration PVDF topcoat, which makes the surface non-
stick, and thus making them easily cleanable without much effort, as the dust
can be just washed off with a spray of water. In a worst-case scenario if no
maintenance is done, at least during the monsoons the dust will be washed
off naturally due to heavy rains, as the dust would not adhere to the fabric
because of the non-stick surface.

There are a wide range of coated fabrics for architectural applications, their
use is generally related to their behavior in terms of mechanical strength, flex
cracking resistance, protection against the effects of weather, fire protection,
light transmittance and price.

14
6. LITERATURE STUDY

6.1 BURJ AL ARAB

LOCATION: Dubai

FIG 6.1 LOCATION OF BURJ AL ARAB

CHIEF ARCHITECT: Tom Wright of Atkins.

CONSTRUCTION: 1993 – 1999
FLOORS: 60, height 321 m
FLOOR AREA: 111,500 m2 (1,200,000 sq. ft)
FUNCTION: star hotel
MATERIAL: Double-layered glass fabric coated with PTFE and
Fluor thermoplastic
(7500 SQM) and precast concrete
STRUCTURE: Total 250, 1.5M diameter columns that go 45 meters
under the sea
ORIENTATION: The south elevation has the most exposed surface
area.As a result, it has the maximum capacity for heat
absorption.

15
 FIG 6.2 SITE PLAN,FLOOR PLAN AND SECTION

TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

FIG 6.3 PLAN

16
 FIG 6.4 SECTION AND ELEVATION

FIG 6.5 INTERIOR OF BURJ AL ARAB

17
 FIG 6.6 EXTERIOR OF BURJ AL ARAB

The brief of the design was to create an icon for Dubai, such as the Eiffel
tower for Paris and the Opera House for Sydney. This “seven stars” hotel is
built on its own artificial island, 280 metre out of the coast. The design is
inspired by the sail of a dhow, a type of Arab vessel. The open V shaped plan
gives space to a very large atrium. The double white PTFE coated glass fibre
fabric covers the 180 metres tall atrium. 7,500 m2 membranes was required
for this façade. From the outside the atrium looks closed but on the inside the
translucent façade gives a light sense. The PTFE membranes are UV-
resistant, non-combustible and self-cleaning every time it rains.

In a place like Dubai, where incident solar energy can heat the place up to 50
degree Celsius the 18 storied atrium between the V-shaped floor plan did
pose 2 major challenges to the engineers;

18
1. Using a glass façade could make the building a 321m high oven and they
had to find a way to keep the incident heat from the sun to a minimum.
2. Using a conventional brick wall would make the atrium one big dark cave.
The engineers had to find a way to rightly illuminate the structure.
The solution lied in making the world’s largest cloth wall which could give the
insiders protection from the scorching desert sun while providing sufficient
illumination inside the atrium.

Using a Membranous material to replace the glass infill was the simplest
solution they could have as they wouldn’t have to spend a penny more
on Façade Detailing or designing

How did the engineers keep the incident heat to a minimum inside the atrium without
compromising on luminance?

1. The 18 storied atrium is enclosed by 12 individually tensioned two-layer

membrane panels form the north facing façade. These membranous
materials made out of PTFE glass fibres allows less than 10% of the light to
pass through them maintaining an optimum temperature inside the atrium
and providing sufficient illuminance.
2. The double-layered membrane allows white light to pass through but
avoids overheating the interior, using the method of cooling by direct loss.
The heat energy that passes the first cloth is removed by a flow of air
between the two, minimizing the energy gain for such guidance. Then the
central hall is cooled by evaporation of water from the pits, dropping the
feeling of enclosure.
3. In the evening the translucent PTFE glass fibre facade becomes a gigantic
projection screen creating a visual spectacle both outside and in the interior
space.
4. The end result of this innovative engineering and architecture was the
iconic sail-shaped silhouette of Burj Al Arab, the beacon of modern Dubai

19
6.2 CENTRE POMPIDOU METZ

LOCATION: Metz, France

FIG 6.7 CENTRE POMPIDOU LOCATION

CHIEF ARCHITECT: Shigeru ban, Jean de Gastines

CONSTRUCTION: 2006 – 2010
FLOORS: 4 floors, height77 m
FLOOR AREA: 10,700 m2 (114,770 sq. ft)
FUNCTION: modern contemporary art museum
MATERIAL: PTFE-coated fiberglass with (8020 m2, Taiyo,
Europa) 650 tons of roof timber
STRUCTURE: roof structure is composed of 16 km of glued
laminated Timber.
TiO2 Coating .Every single beam was cnc
Machined to unique proportion.

20
 FIG 6.8 CONCEPT

1. Forum

2. Bookshop

3. Ticketing and cloakroom

4. Grande nef

5. Hexagonal tower

6. Coffee

7. Studio (196 seat)

8. Restaurant

9. Auditorium (144 seats)

10. Gallery 1

11. Gallery 2

12. Gallery 3
FIG 6.9 ISOMETRIC VIEW OF THE STRUCTURE

21
 FIG 6.10 PLAN

The membrane is ½ millimetre thick. Its light transmission is 15 percent and

gives a very nice light quality in the spaces below.

FIG 6.11 NIGHT VIEW OF CENTRE POMPIDOU

22
 FIG 6.12 MORNING VIEW OF CENTRE POMPIDOU

FIG 6.13 EXTERIOR VIEW OF CENTRE POMPIDOU

The roof is the major achievement of the building: a 90 m (300 ft) wide
hexagon echoing the building's floor map. With a surface area of
8,000 m2 (86,000 sq. ft), the roof structure is composed of sixteen kilometres
of glued laminated timber, that intersect to form hexagonal wooden units
resembling the cane-work pattern of a Chinese hat. The roof's geometry is
irregular, featuring curves and counter-curves over the entire building, and in
particular the three exhibition galleries. Imitating this kind of hat and its
protective fabric, the entire wooden structure is covered with a white
fibreglass membrane and a coating of Teflon, which has the distinction of

23
being self-cleaning, protecting from direct sunlight, while providing a
transparent view at night.

6.3 MATERIALS USED

6.3.1 FIBERGLASS

• Glass fibres are generally used for permanent heavy-duty

applications.
• Intrinsic high resistance to fire and UV degradation it does not require
additional additives.
• brittle and can crack easily and for this reason the panels of fabric
should be folded and handled with care avoiding repeated flexing and
low radius of curvature.

6.3.2 EXPANDED PTFE

• seasonal and deployable structures due to the high translucency,

strength, flexibility, long life-span, high chemical resistance.
• Due to the high costs this material is generally used for specific
projects which require, and highlight, its unique luminosity.

6.3.3 ADVANTAGES

 A PTFE-coated will be resistant to corrosion, due to PTFE’s ability to

repel water and oil
 Friction and wear can also be factors with bearings, and a PTFE coat
can give the same benefits as with coating, with the additional
advantage that the coating will also be heat-resistant.
 Cleaning of equipment can also be reduced in some cases as a PTFE
coat is non-wetting, facilitating self-cleaning of parts.
 Uv protection
 Fire resistance

24
6.3.4 DISADVANTAGES

 Price – it is not a low-cost polymer

 Production sizes – it is not easy to mass produce
 It cannot be cemented
 It is unweldable
 It cannot withstand extremely high temperatures and melts at 326
Celsius

6.4 ROTHENBAUN TENNIS COURT

MATERIAL: PVC-coated Polyester (3,000 m2, Koch Hightex)

FIG 6.14 INTERIOR VIEW OF ROTHENBAUN TENNIS COURT

FIG 6.15 EXTERIOR VIEW OF ROTHENBAUN TENNIS COURT

This tennis stadium consists of a retractable roof, where play can continue
regardless of weather conditions. The free-span structure is a typical ring-
stadium type, with fixed, radially cable support. The 63m-diameter inner roof

25
is asymmetrical to avoid casting shadows over the court. The fixed outer roof
is made from the same material as the retractable roof, translucent white,
self-cleaning PVC-coated polyester membrane. In retractable state the inner
roof is covered protecting the folded fabric from rotting and tearing. Sensors
automatically control the movements of the inner roof. The unfolding of the
roof takes place with maximum speed because the fabric needs continually
tension.

6.5 LABORATORIUM M&G RICERCHE

MATERIAL: PVC-COATED POLYESTER FABRIC

FIG 6.16 MODEL OF LABORATORIUM M&G RICERCHE

FIG 6.17 SECTION OF LABORATORIUM M&G RICERCHE

This fabric structures are suitable for the function because of natural light and
the big span gives lots of flexibility to the ground floor. The program of this
research centre can be divided in two parts; a technical area with pilot plans
for the development of production and processing methods, and a chemical-

26
physical area with labs for synthesis and analysis of chemical products. The
program asked for a minimal high of 15 meter and a controlled environment.
The design team find the fabric structure suitable because of its flexibility and
natural daylight. For functional and safety reasons the large air volume under
the membrane roof must be airtight. The tensile structure is in this case
supported by six triangulated arches. Transparent PVC-coated polyester
fabric covers the arches. The roof is made of translucent PVC-coated
polyesterfabric.

FIG 6.18 EXOSKELETON

6.19 PLAN
6.6 MATERIALS USED

6.6.1 POLYESTER

• most used fibre for architectural fabrics.

• Reduced price, good mechanical performance and the expected
lifespan.

27
 • Flexible and are very common for temporary and seasonal structures.

 6.6.2 PVC

 Combination with polyester fabrics.

 Reduced cost, the easy weld ability (high frequency, hot air) and the
range of colors available.
 Easily painted or printed.
 For nonstick, self-cleaning surface resistant to UV rays, PVC is
generally combined with a top-coating based on acryl, polyurethane
(PU), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF).
 PVC coatings - life span of more than 20 years.

6.6.3 ADVANTAGES
 individual shape and colour
 low material costs
 short planning, manufacturing and assembly time
 support-free roofing for large areas
 temporary and portable constructions possible
 savings on lighting
 long lifespan
 excellent heat protection – high reflectivity
 excellent resistance to earthquakes

 6.6.4 DISADVANTAGES

 Polyvinyl Chloride has very poor heat stability. For this reason,
additives which stabilize the material at higher temperatures are
typically added to the material during production.
 Polyvinyl Chloride emits toxic fumes when melted and/or subject to a
fire.
 moisture absorption of polyester is very low

28
7.COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

CLIMAT MATERIA LIF USES

E L E

uv radiation,
BURJ AL ARAB Hot PTFE 25 – 30 Fire resistance
dessert coated years Sandstorms
climate glass Fibre
fabric

PTFE
ROTHENBAUN moderate coated fibre 25 – 30 retractable roof
TENNIS COURT glass with years
TiO2

pvc 15 - 30 Flexibility
LABORATORIUM mild coated years Daylight
M& RICERCHE climate polyester

self cleaning
CENTRE POMPIDOU temperate pvc coated 15 -30
climate polyester years Direct sunlight
Protection

TABLE 7.1 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

8. ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FABRIC STRUCTURE

29
 FIG 8.1 THE HEAT TRANSFER MODEL OF FABRIC MEMBRANES

FIG 8.2 STRATIFICATION OF AIR IN TENSILE MEMBRANE ENCLOSURES

 One of the greatest benefits of fabric structures is that they are

translucent. The woven base cloth combined with the appropriate
coating allows a light transmission value of around 10%. This provides
a very comfortable level of illumination compared to the full brightness
of outside.

30
 Glass and polycarbonate are also translucent, but the light levels
under the canopy are going to remain quite similar to those outside, so
on very bright days, these materials offer little respite.

 The other factor that clearly puts fabric ahead of other materials is its
clear span capabilities. Whereas all other possible roofing materials
require rigid intermediate support, fabric can span from one boundary
right across to the opposite side in one unbroken sweep. The
advantages of this are that there are no awkward or difficult sealing
details that need to be addressed.

 Since the fabric has this amazing tensile capacity, the effect is to
reduce the supporting framework to a minimum number of
components, all working efficiently as a whole system. This in turn
leads to a much more lightweight structure than other types of
construction. A downside of this is that large foundations are often
required in order to prevent the wind lifting the canopy and taking it
away. However, in terms of cost, foundations are a lot easier and
cheaper to prepare than visible, above ground constructions that are
exposed to weather and damage.

 A tensile canopy is a great solution for an entrance canopy. It acts

both as a shelter for those leaving and entering the building and
makes the entrance area clearly visible from a distance.

 The 3d nature of most canopy structures is quite unique as a building

form, so it quickly forms a visual focus of attention. If you use a more
traditional structure, such as a tiled roof, or a flat glass or
polycarbonate canopy, these are unlikely to stand out so clearly. In all
potential canopy locations, you have to take into account the type of
structure you wish to use. If you are connecting to a building, you need
to know that there is adequate supporting structure to accommodate
the expected loadings.

 If there is no suitable structure within the existing building, it would be

difficult to make any meaningful connections to that building for a

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 tensile canopy, but sufficient anchorage might be achieved for a rigid
type of construction. That said, it is nearly always possible to design
the canopy in such a way that it imposes identical loads onto a
building as a rigid canopy structure would, but in these cases, the cost
of the additional engineering, steel fabrication and installation
difficulties is likely to make it an uneconomical solution.

 Another situation where a tensile canopy may not offer the best
solution in terms of cost is where the fabric structure, although
bespoke, is very small. It would still require that all connections are
engineered and checked, it would still require for patterning to be
carried out, the steel fabricator would still need to fabricate awkward
angles and special corner plates, so the overall cost per square metre
could be much higher than if a fixed structure was used instead.
Essentially, fabric structures offer great economies of scale – small
structures can cost three or four times more per square metre than
larger structures. While this is true to a degree with all construction
types, we believe the effect is much more extreme with tensile
structures.

 Fabric structures, if properly engineered and installed are virtually

immune to damage and weathering. Providing that they are not likely
to be susceptible to acts of vandalism or accidental damage from
passing vehicles or falling objects, they provide a reassuringly simple
and durable solution.

 It’s also reassuring for the client that for all the bespoke structures we
install, we supply full calculations to justify every component of the
system, which means we’re not relying on a generic specification to
cover all eventualities.

 An often-overlooked advantage of fabric structures is that all of the

manufacturing takes place off site, in specialist membrane fabrication
units and steel workshops. When the membrane, the steelwork,
cables and all other associated parts are complete and taken to site,

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 the actual site work can be completed very swiftly and with little
disruption to other trades or the public.

 There can’t be any other ways to cover a large piece of land as quickly
as with a tensile structure. All other construction methods involve a lot
more costly work on site, and often cause considerable disruption. If
you think about it, with a fabric structure, it’s quite normal that the area
to be covered is only “out of bounds” for a short while just prior to
lifting the fabric and the bulk of the installation work will take place at
the perimeter, out of most people’s way. Compare this with a rigid
structure that needs the construction work to be carried out exactly
where you don’t want people working and obstructing the route.

 All roofing materials will of course collect dirt and debris on the
surface, whether glass, polycarbonate, fabric or an opaque material.
With glass or polycarbonate, the dirt can be clearly seen, however the
light diffusing properties of the fabric mean that the surface dirt is not
easily identified. It’s quite surprising how good a membrane can look
from below, and then when you actually look at the top surface you
find there’s quite a buildup of dirt.

 Coated fabrics have very good UV absorbing and reflection properties.

That means it offers safe shade to all users, whilst providing very
comfortable light levels.

 The unique properties of light reflectance and transmission also offer

exciting possibilities for lighting after dark. Directing lights under the
canopy to reflect off the underside is a great way to use uplighters, but
more even lighting can be achieved under the fabric by shining lights
down on the fabric from above.

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8.1 SUSTAINABILITY

As far as sustainability goes, Ferrari jointly with Solway has developed a

technology, which is a closed loop recycling technology. It does not release
any effluent during the process of recycling. Effluents discharged during
recycling are harmful to the environment and closed loop technology ensures
that the discarded membrane get converted back into PVC and polyester,
without discharge of any harmful effluents. Already a commercial scale plant
is operational in Italy, and FERRARI is the only company today which
undertakes to accept the membrane back for disposal at no cost to the
customer at the end of its lifecycle, ensuring these fabrics do not end up in
landfills. With this technology PVC coated fabrics which once upon a time
were looked at as environmentaly unfriendly, have now become acceptable
as environmentally friendly. Normally such roofs have a life span of 20 to 25
years.

9. MATERIALS AND THEIR SUITABLE CLIMATE

MATERIALS CLIMATE PROPERTIES

FIBERGLASS HOT AND COLD non-conductive

structurally stable
chemically inert
last longer

POLYETHYLENE COLD Low cost polymer

Higher tensile strength

PTFE EXTREME HOT non-stick

good electrical properties

TABLE 9.1 MATERIALS AND THEIR SUITABLE CLIMATE

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 10. CONCLUSION
Structures ranging from small canopies of about 100 sq. mts. to large
shopping mall roofs of up to 10000 sq. mtrs are being executed successfully
in India.

Factors that make Fabric structures Green and environmentally friendly are:

1. Completely recyclable with a closed loop process.

2. Light Efficient & heat efficient making the space covered less energy
demanding.
3. Reduces steel consumption on the structure due to lightweight in
nature.
4. Construction & Deconstruction is fast and consuming lower resources

Looking at all the advantages in terms of aesthetics, energy efficiency,

recyclability, etc., I am sure fabric architecture has a great future in India, as
it has in the rest of the world.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY
https://www.architonic.com/en/story/susanne-fritz-the-very-fabric-of-
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https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects/materials/fabric?page=3

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Research_Report_VH_G.pdf

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